Tidiane Boye, UNIDO representative for Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, participated in a recent discussion at Université Felix Houphouet-Boigny. The discussion focused on lagging SDG progress in Africa and the need for collaboration between government, private sector, academia, and the research community.
UNIDO seeks to share expertise and best practices to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and SDG implementation. Boye emphasized UNIDO’s commitment to supporting all stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire to achieve the SDGs.
UNIDO promotes CSR practices alongside economic viability for businesses. The organization encourages voluntary adoption of good practices, including exploring circular economy models. UNIDO acknowledges the need for country-specific SDG strategies.
A mid-term review of the 2030 Agenda highlights lagging SDG progress globally, especially in Africa. Financing and good governance are cited as key obstacles. Boye identifies priority areas for accelerated action: food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, employment, social protection, climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. UNIDO calls for facilitating the development of market-ready project pipelines involving both public and private sectors.
UNIDO offers key strategies to support businesses, particularly SMEs, in achieving sustainable development. These strategies focus on stimulating innovation, local development, technical skills, and technological integration (Industry 4.0). Four pillars of UNIDO’s support include: Business Modernisation and Innovation Programme (PMIE), local content development, strengthening technical skills, and digital transition.
By working together and embracing innovation, UNIDO aims to empower Côte d’Ivoire’s stakeholders to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
AP/fss/abj/APA