Second Global Business Summit on BRI Infrastructure Launches SDG Initiatives

Over 300 senior leaders and representatives from international organizations, global enterprises, civil society, and academia convened in Singapore for the Second Global Business Summit on BRI Infrastructure to Accelerate the SDGs. The summit, which aimed to harness business for sustainable development, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to launch a series of innovative partnerships and joint actions.

At the summit, participants adopted a declaration setting out key business priorities for sustainable infrastructure, responsible artificial intelligence, just energy transition, global supply chains resilience, sustainable finance, women and youth empowerment in the digital era, and international cooperation in traditional medicine. These priorities were designed to unlock opportunities for infrastructure cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Several expert groups were launched to address specific areas, including sustainable energy and sustainable digital infrastructure. These groups will develop practical guidance, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions that can be applied across industries and regions. The summit also unveiled 12 SDG-driven outcomes, covering green mining, electricity carbon-footprint standards, biodiversity conservation, ocean protection, sustainable transport, women's microenterprise growth, and inclusive global development.

Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, highlighted the importance of resilient infrastructure in long-term sustainable development. She noted, "The initiatives launched today, from new expert groups on sustainable energy and digital infrastructure to new guidance on biodiversity, green minerals, and responsible AI, demonstrate that meaningful progress depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and value chains."

Mr. Selwin Hart, UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition, emphasized the role of the BRI in connecting China's clean energy capabilities with global development opportunities. He stated, "Through the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese businesses and financial institutions can help link China's clean energy capabilities with the enormous growth opportunities across the developing world. The next chapter of the energy transition must show what cooperation at scale can achieve."

2026 marks the start of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. Mr. Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, underscored the importance of safety in large infrastructure projects. He commented, "The Belt and Road Initiative is one of the world's largest infrastructure and connectivity efforts. Its scale must be matched by an equally strong commitment to safety."

Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, concluded the summit by emphasizing the need for cooperation between governments, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector. He noted, "No single country can tackle today's complex connectivity challenges in isolation. The Belt and Road Initiative stands as a prime example of cross-border connectivity in action."

The summit also highlighted the contributions of China, Singapore, and the ASEAN region to regional stability and global progress towards the SDGs. Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Mr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in China, and Mr. Nikolas Myint, UN Resident Coordinator in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, all underscored the importance of fostering cross-border collaboration.

The summit's outcomes and initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the BRI's contribution to sustainable development, fostering global cooperation and addressing critical environmental and social challenges.