Domestic and international private business and finance are major drivers of economic growth and job creation. Yet, despite increased emphasis on innovative financing instruments and the adoption of sustainable finance and business legislation, private investment has yet to reach its full promise in financing sustainable development. Unlocking greater private investment requires stronger enabling environments, targeted policy and regulatory reforms at both national and global levels, and enhanced risk-sharing instruments to incentivize investments that prioritize sustainable development impact.

This session will explore the key barriers to private investment in sustainable development and the policies, partnerships, and financial instruments needed to unlock greater capital flows.

Framing questions:

• What key policy frameworks are needed at the national and global levels to attract and scale up private investment in sustainable development?
• What steps need to be taken to make blended finance more effective in attracting private capital that maximizes sustainable development impact?
• What actions or incentives can countries take to align investment with the SDGs, accelerate sustainable development investment strategies and deploy innovative financing instruments to mobilize resources for the SDGs?

International trade remains an engine for development, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Digital technologies are creating new trading opportunities for countries with the infrastructure and capabilities to harness them. At the same time, tariffs and trade restrictions are on the rise and multilateral negotiations are stalling. Many developing countries with limited productive capacities and trade infrastructure continue to face difficulties in integrating into value chains. To fully realize the benefits of trade and technology, coordinated national and international efforts are essential to bridge digital divides and promote financial inclusion and financial health.

This session will explore how trade and technology can be better harnessed together to drive inclusive and sustainable development amid emerging challenges and opportunities.

Framing questions:

• How can international trade policies and multilateral cooperation be reinvigorated to ensure that trade remains an engine of sustainable development?
• How can global and national efforts mitigate the risks associated with rising trade restrictions and technological fragmentation?
• What role should multilateral institutions play in ensuring that trade and technology policies work together to drive inclusive growth?

Investment in data pays off, with an estimated average return of $32 for every $1 invested in strengthening data systems in developing countries. Countries have made significant strides in improving their national statistical systems and political momentum is growing for measuring and monitoring progress in sustainable development using metrics that go beyond GDP. However, investment remains insufficient, resulting in gaps in the availability and use of high quality and disaggregated data and statistics. Major gaps and a lack of progress are notable in key priority areas such as gender, climate change and governance.

This session will explore what is needed to enhance disaggregated data, accessibility and innovative data sources to inform evidence-based decision making for sustainable development.

Framing questions:

• What approaches can accelerate progress in priority areas where sustainable development data gaps remain significant, such as gender, climate change, and governance?
• What are the most effective strategies for integrating non-traditional data sources, citizen-generated data and remote sensing, into national statistical systems?
• What governance frameworks are needed to ensure data quality, transparency, and ethical use?