Declaration adopted at the High-Level Conference on the Role of Private Sector in Sustainable Development in Nepal

We, the representatives of the business sector in Nepal, building on the discussions held during the High-Level Conference on the Role of Private Sector in Sustainable Development in Nepal held on 21 November 2017:

 

Supporting the commitment of Nepal to the Agenda 2030 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by all Member states of the United Nations on September 25, 2015 as an ambitious yet achievable framework to create a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all,

 

Recognizing the commitments made by Nepal to various international Treaties and Conventions it has signed and ratified, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

 

Understanding that the achievement of sustainable development and the SDGs will require stronger inclusive economic growth and the creation of decent employment for the economy of Nepal,

                                 

Acknowledging the leading role of the business sector in creating jobs and economic activity that translates into sustained growth as well as working conditions that align with Nepal's obligations

 

Highlighting the importance of innovation, of responsible and sustainable business practices, and of establishing a culture of integrity in the economy to foster sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs,

 

Calling on the government to create a conducive investment environment and to improve the ease of doing business, to invest in infrastructure to foster economic development, and to include business sector representatives in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes that affect them, including through public-private partnerships,

 

Inviting development partners to increase their resources to support inclusive private sector development in Nepal and ensure development effectiveness by working collaboratively and in an aligned and coordinated manner,

 

Urge all stakeholders to come together and join forces to implement Agenda 2030 as a plan of action for people, the planet, and prosperity and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Nepal by 2030. [Source: UNDP Nepal] 

 

 

Specifically, we:

i.               encourage private sector entities to adopt the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals as part of their business plans;

 

ii.              collaborate to undertake joint initiatives to foster the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals;

 

iii.            mobilize other relevant stakeholders and advocate for their contribution to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals; and

 

iv.            jointly work on policy reforms to improve Nepal's business environment.

 

 

To Support this ambitious agenda and the implementation of this Declaration, we form the Nepal Business Coalition for the SDGs and invite all businesses to join our efforts for a more resilient economy and the achievement of sustainable development in Nepal