The United Nations (UN) General Assembly is the main policy-making organ of the organization, comprising all 193 Member States. The 77th session of the general debate, starting on September 20th, provides a unique forum for multilateral discussions and an opportunity for world leaders to consider how we can collectively tackle the shared challenges of our time. This year's theme is “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.”
To ensure the Connecting Business initiative’s partners and Member Networks are fully informed on key private sector events surrounding the General Assembly, we curated a list of events that focus on disaster risk management and the role of the private sector in humanitarian assistance, climate action and development.
Check out the full high-level meeting schedule and social media toolkits from different UN agencies on the #UNGA 77 Trello Board.
Key private sector events:
18 – 19 September | Agenda to follow | The Global Africa Business Initiative: Unstoppable Africa
The Global Africa Business Initiative event has been organized to highlight industry-specific opportunities and growth trajectories on the African continent. Key speakers include António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, the Presidents of the Republic of Rwanda and Togo, along with other high-level public and private sector executives. Location: Cipriani 42nd Street, New York, NY. Register here.
19 September | 2:00 – 7:30 p.m. ET | UN Private Sector Forum 2022
The annual UN Private Sector Forum brings together global leaders to address major international issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and human rights. “Co-hosted with the UN Secretary-General and organized by the UN Global Compact, the event will provide a unique opportunity for Chief Executives, Heads of State and Government as well as UN leaders to engage in a multi-stakeholder, intergenerational dialogue to align on an urgent and collective course of action in tackling the developing crises around the world.” Location: Javits Center, New York, NY. Register here.
19 – 20 September | All day | Clinton Global Initiative September 2022 Meeting
The Clinton Global Initiative meeting will bring together established and emerging global leaders to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The Initiative works with partners to “develop Commitments to Action — new, specific, and measurable actions in climate resilience, health equity, and inclusive economic recovery and growth.” The meetings are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on both days. Registration and location information to follow.
19 – 21 September | All day | 2022 Concordia Annual Summit
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day, the Summit convenes executives, politicians, non-profit leaders, and entrepreneurs to incentivize collaboration and explore tangible solutions to local and global challenges for a more equitable, sustainable future. There is a Wednesday Only Pass for $250 and a General Access Pass for $600. Location: Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York, NY. Register here.
19 – 21 September | All day | Business Fights Poverty Global Goals Summit
The three-day virtual Summit begins each day at 9:00 a.m. and includes interactive sessions that bring together voices and insights from across the globe, from business, NGOs, academia, and government. The Summit will share the latest thinking on the role of business in driving equity, building resilience, and fighting poverty. There is a Three-day Online Event Access ticket for £397. Location: Virtual. Register here.
19 – 21 September | 12:00 p.m. ET | Uniting Business LIVE
The three-day virtual event aims to connect Chief Executives, Heads of State and Government, corporate sustainability experts and business leaders, plus heads of UN agencies and civil society organizations to take stock of the state of the world, address gaps in progress, drive business ambition on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlight cooperative and actionable solutions. Register here.
21 – 22 September | Half-day | Business Call to Action Annual Forum
The Business Call to Action's two-day Annual Forum will take place virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. under the theme: "The Power of Collaboration: Unlocking the Potential of Innovative Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development at the Country-level." The event will focus on how multi-stakeholder partnerships and inclusive and sustainable procurement can be further utilised in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Register here.
Other private sector events:
19 – 23 September |Agenda to follow | World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Meetings
“The Sustainable Development Impact Meetings bring together communities of purpose that integrate business leaders, policy-makers, international and civil society organizations, innovators and entrepreneurs.” The meetings are used to make tangible progress on the Sustainable Developments Goals and incentivize progression on other key milestones, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) and the Forum's Annual Meeting in January 2023. Participation is by invitation only from the respective Forum communities.
21 September | 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. ET | Global HeForShe Summit
The in-person Summit will serve as a progress reporting platform to inspire male leaders of countries, companies, and communities to take concrete action for gender equality. Invitees include H.E. Prime Minister Kishida of Japan as well as the global CEOs of PwC, Vodafone, HSBC, and McKinsey amongst others. Location: Guastavino's (409 East 59th St, New York, NY, 10022). Invitation only.
If you know of a relevant event that we’ve overlooked, email us at connectingbusiness@un.org!