BUSINESSES are well-positioned to offer innovative solutions to key sustainable development challenges, particularly in meeting the infrastructure and connectivity needs of rural and urban communities concluded the annual Asia-Pacific Business Forum (APBF) in Port Moresby.
Organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap), the Papua New Guinea government and the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (PNGIPA), with the support of the Business Council of PNG, the forum showcased bold, innovative and sustainable business solutions in sectors such as infrastructure, green financing, financial inclusion, climate and disaster resilience, as well as trade and investment.
The two-day APBF focused on the theme of “Global Goals, Local Opportunities”.
Senior policymakers, business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs discussed the roles and responsibilities of businesses to work with the public sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support the development of non-urban Pacific communities.
“Connectivity is relevant in the Pacific context, where the challenges associated with geographic isolation and remoteness have hindered trade and investment among Pacific island countries and with major international markets,” United Nations under-secretary-general and executive secretary of Escap Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said.
“Enhancing connectivity in this sub-region demands increased investments in transport networks and ICT infrastructure.”
