JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 30, 2025 — The inaugural “Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment for Better Business Better World and Sustainable Development Goals” commenced on May 25 in Jakarta. The summit was jointly organized by the Indonesian government, the UN Global Compact’s “Sustainable Infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative to Accelerate the SDGs” Action Platform, THK Forum, United in Diversity Foundation (UID), the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), UN Global Compact Network Indonesia (IGCN), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

In their keynote speeches, UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua stressed the need for infrastructure that is “low-carbon, resilient, and universally accessible.” UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, highlighted four key priorities for businesses: setting decarbonization targets based on scientific evidence, prioritizing circular economy principles, involving local communities, and utilizing blended finance. Xiamen Airlines Chairman Zhao Dong emphasized the crucial role of aviation connectivity in promoting the “Air Silk Road.”

The summit achieved significant results, including the release of the report “Transition Finance for Sustainable Development of Traditional Industries” and the introduction of nine cross-sector initiatives covering green energy transition, SME empowerment, and global health cooperation. A significant Joint Statement from the UNGC BRI for SDG Action Platform High-Level Steering Committee reaffirmed the BRI’s importance as a global public asset for infrastructure investments and business engagement, committing to sustainable development through responsible business practices and partnerships involving multiple stakeholders in sectors like healthcare, energy, telecommunications, construction, manufacturing, transportation, food, agriculture, and digital infrastructure.

Four expert roundtables addressed important topics: sustainable supply chains for green minerals, healthcare innovation, ESG compliance, and the development of green industrial parks. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, the UN resident coordinator’s offices in both countries collaborated with UN Global Compact company participants to launch the Sino-Indonesia Corporate Communities Action Network for sustainable development. This network aims to enhance sustainable communities and advance the SDGs. Business leaders supported the creation of an annual business summit to ensure that BRI projects align with the SDGs and to promote international standards and private sector best practices.

The summit concluded with a united call to action, emphasizing the shared responsibility in creating an inclusive, climate-resilient future through enhanced BRI collaboration. This inaugural event has established a new model for public-private partnerships in sustainable infrastructure development, paving the way for long-term, principled cooperation.

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