URGENT UPDATE: The UN Global Compact Private Sector Forum (PSF) has just convened over 50 global CEOs and government leaders in New York to tackle the urgent need for private investment in sustainable development goals (SDGs). The forum, held on September 23, 2025, is a critical call to action as the UN marks its 80th anniversary.
With a combined market capitalization exceeding $2 trillion, the participants aim to bridge a staggering $4 trillion annual financing gap hindering global progress on the 2030 Agenda. UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the event, warning that current momentum is faltering and demanding immediate action to redirect capital to priority areas.
“We have more than enough capital globally to fund a just transition… but we need greater political will,” Guterres declared, highlighting that maintaining the status quo could incur costs five times higher than necessary climate investments. The forum aims to outline a roadmap for sustainable finance, focusing on six critical areas: food systems, energy, digital access, education, jobs, and climate & biodiversity.
The discussion emphasized the need for bold investments in digital infrastructure and energy access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Participants believe these investments can unlock significant productivity and growth. The forum aims to create a robust framework to ensure that private capital flows efficiently into these essential sectors.
Continuing the current trajectory not only jeopardizes future growth but also leads to approximately $500 billion in annual damages from climate impacts. In contrast, sustainable initiatives could generate nearly 400 million jobs and create opportunities valued at $10 trillion by 2030.
The PSF’s outcomes included a statement from leading business organizations such as the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, reaffirming their commitment to an inclusive multilateral system. They welcomed the UN’s Pact for the Future, which aims to deepen private-sector collaboration.
As the forum progresses, leaders are tasked with addressing three pressing questions: how to unlock capital efficiently, catalyze infrastructure investments in key regions, and enhance the credibility of business efforts in advancing digitalization and job creation.
The urgency of the forum cannot be overstated. With more than $200 trillion in private assets available globally, the challenge lies in creating the right policies and partnerships to mobilize this capital swiftly into impactful projects.
Next steps emerging from the discussions include advancing the Sustainable Finance Roadmap, developing standardized investment-ready pipelines, and engaging regulatory bodies to facilitate the influx of institutional capital. These initiatives are pivotal as the UN prepares for upcoming milestones, including COP30 and the World Social Summit.
This critical meeting not only marks a significant moment in the UN’s history but also represents a rallying call for immediate action among business and government leaders to secure a sustainable future for all.
