Jakarta: The ‘Inaugural Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment for Better Business Better World and Sustainable Development Goals’ (the Summit) officially commenced on May 25 in Jakarta. The event was co-hosted by multiple organizations, including the Government of Indonesia, the United Nations Global Compact ‘Sustainable Infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative to Accelerate the SDGs’ Action Platform, and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua delivered a keynote address emphasizing the necessity for ‘low-carbon, resilient, and universally accessible infrastructure’. Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Global Compact, outlined four strategic priorities for businesses: adopting science-based decarbonization targets, prioritizing circular economy principles, engaging local communities, and leveraging blended finance. Zhao Dong, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, highlighted aviation connectivity’s vital role in advancing the ‘Air Silk Road’.
The summit led to significant outcomes, such as the launch of the report “Transition Finance for Sustainable Development of Traditional Industries” and nine cross-sector initiatives covering green energy transition, SME empowerment, and global health cooperation. A landmark Joint Statement from the UNGC BRI for SDG Action Platform High-Level Steering Committee reaffirmed BRI’s role as a global public good for infrastructure investments, committing to sustainable development through responsible business and multi-stakeholder partnerships across diverse sectors.
Four expert roundtables focused on critical themes: sustainable supply chains in green minerals, healthcare innovation, ESG compliance, and green industrial park development. Marking the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties, the UN resident coordinator’s office in Indonesia and China collaborated with UN Global Compact company participants to launch the Sino-Indonesia Corporate Communities Action Network for sustainable development.
Business leaders endorsed establishing an annual business summit to ensure BRI projects align with SDGs and promote international standards and private sector best practices. The summit concluded with a call to action, emphasizing shared responsibility in building an inclusive, climate-resilient future through strengthened BRI collaboration. This inaugural event has set a new benchmark for public-private partnerships in sustainable infrastructure development, paving the way for long-term, principled cooperation.