The importance of developing new forms of partnerships and collaborations, particularly between public and private actors is widely recognised. A case in point is the SDG 17 “Partnerships for the Goals”, which underscores the key role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in meeting the challenges of today’s world.
Private sector actors have an important role to play in sustainable development, be it through responsible land investment or through strengthening of local value chains. It is equally true for large corporations and for smaller enterprises, many of which work in rural areas. These local actors are vital not only for the local economy but also for food security and nutrition. However, one element, which is identified as necessary from both the private and public spheres, is the need to increase trust and confidence. At the heart of this divide are business risks and profitability, as well as the issues with profit-making when dealing with public goods.
This side event will provide success stories and lessons learnt from private-public partnerships in rural development. With Sweden committed to the principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI), the work of big international companies, like Stora Enso and Tetra Pak, will be highlighted as case studies of how corporate social responsibility can strengthen local value chains. This session will explore business models for multi-sectoral collaborations to reach SDGs by bringing together representatives from the private sector, government, civil society and academia in discussing ways to build stronger cooperation.
This event is part of the Committee for Global Food Security (CFS) 45 conference.