By Joke Kujenya
ASSISTANT Secretary-General Mohamed Malick Fall, leading the United Nations (UN) in Nigeria, has unveiled plans to harness private sector resources for enhanced partnerships and impactful investments to fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This initiative forms a key aspect of the collaboration between the UN and Sterling One Foundation, aimed at fostering more robust multi-sectoral partnerships focused on impact investments in critical sectors through the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS).
Having co-convened the Summit last year with broad stakeholder support, the UN Country Team (UNCT) has concentrated efforts on leveraging the platform to underscore the pivotal role of partnerships in advancing the SDGs towards the 2030 agenda.
Mr. Mohamed Fall emphasized the significance of such partnerships in mobilizing coordinated social impact initiatives by the private sector, essential for advancing the SDGs in Nigeria.
He stated, “What the UN System offers to such partnerships is coordinated and complimentary efforts to assist the most vulnerable households and ensure no one is left behind.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, outlined the objectives for the second year of co-convening with the UN. She highlighted the immense potential for expanding participation across sectors and engaging a broader spectrum of investors in this year’s summit.
“Our goal for this year is to build upon the momentum gained over the past two years by involving decision-makers from the private sector and other key stakeholders to transition from commitments to tangible actions, as reflected in the design of this year’s edition,” she remarked.
In addition to panel discussions on critical issues, ASIS 2024 will introduce more sector-specific workshops focusing on SDG progress and strategies for acceleration. The upcoming edition is scheduled to take place from July 25 – 26, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, welcoming leaders from both public and private sectors.
Further information regarding registration and other aspects of the Summit can be accessed at www.theimpactsummit.org.
