The Ministry of Business Development in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce, United Nations Development Programme and Business for Peace Foundation have launched the “For Better Business Together” programme (4BBT) to inspire business worthy behavior.
The goal is also to discuss and critically analyse specific local issues to serve as a convergence point where the youth with innovative ideas can connect with solution-driven entrepreneurs and investors with SDGs perspectives.
Held under the theme: Post COVID-19 – Rebuilding Global Businesses Together, the 4BBT programme also seeks to address some of the local sustainability challenges and mobilize local entrepreneurs and businesses to find solutions.
The launch was held to advance the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen businesses in the world following the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
In his keynote address, President Akufo-Addo noted that a major outcome of the 4BBT programme is expected to be the facilitation of the SDG aligned investments with potential local startups and scale up as well as establish businesses to address relevant development challenges.
He noted that both the Norwegian and Ghanaian government have lent support to the programme, with endorsement from SDG Advocate Co-Chair, Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
President Akufo-Addo also expressed his excitement over the coincidence of the launch with the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Compact, an initiative driven by former U.N. Secretary General and Ghanaian diplomat, Kofi Annan.
He said a global effort is the surest way to revive all failed and struggling businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The destruction of global supply chains has reinforced the necessity for closer cooperation among all countries in the world even ask business leaders navigate COVID-19 on the it is imperative that we find a balance between profitability viability employees safety and happiness. These are defining moments and business organizations must endeavor to commit to broader goals including sustainability social justice of the attainment of the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals”, said President Akufo-Addo.
He added that the restructuring of the global financial architecture to enable access to fresh capital by developing nations, now more than ever, is another such priority which is of necessity if the gains in chalked in transforming our respective economies are not to be eroded and the standard of living of our people are not to be dangerously lowered.
On his part, Dr Mohammed Awal, the Minister for Business Development noted that the country’s high democratic credentials, political stability, visionary leadership and a vibrant entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem made her the obvious choice for the global launch of the programme.
He said the 4BBT programme will act as a springboard for the global launch of Business for Peace’s Future of Business programme.
Dr Awal outlined that: “The initiatives under the 4BBT umbrella include; the establishment of a Centre for Entrepreneurship by the International Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, development of SDG-investor maps by the United Nations Development Programme, and the provision of support for SMEs through the COVID-19 Private Sector Global Facility and ICC’s global “Save Our SMEs” campaign.”
