Fiji is lagging behind in two key Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) commitments, said UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagner.
Speaking at the TOPEX 2023 convention that officially opened yesterday in Nadi, Mr Wagner said Fiji is regressing in: “SDGs 8 — which aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; and 9 — which encompasses three important aspects of sustainable development infrastructure and innovation.”
He said Fiji would need around $US400 million ($F896m) a year to achieve infrastructure related SDGs and climate change mitigation alone and this was where the private sector could play an important role.
“While governments have a critical role to play in their policy settings and budgetary decisions, they cannot face these challenges alone,” Mr Wagner said.
“To succeed, we need the whole-of-society approach. And this is where your significant role as the private sector comes in.”
He urged the private sector to align business practices and financial investments with SDGs in order to accelerate Fiji’s achievements of these commitments.
TOPEX is an annual pinnacle event for the private sector organised by the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation (FCEF).
