United Nations - Private Sector Dialogue took place in Dushanbe

This important event was attended by the UN Country Team members, as well as heads and representatives of private sector companies. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tajikistan organized the event in partnership with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Tajikistan and the National Association of Small and Medium Businesses. 

The dialogue gave a space to participants to highlight successful examples of collaboration and to identify positive outcomes and benefits of partnerships between the UN and the private sector. The participants identified existing barriers and  highlighted areas for further improvement of partnership between the UN and the private sector, exploring ways to align expectations, foster shared values and scale up ongoing initiatives.

Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami, UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan in her opening remarks stated: “Today’s dialogue is very important not only for the UN system in Tajikistan, but also for business entities”. She further added that “the private sector, with its innovations, investment capacities, and ability to scale solutions rapidly, plays a crucial role in sustainable development. The companies hold technological expertise, access to global markets, and significant financial resources. This collaboration is not just beneficial, it is essential.”

Mr. Burak Ates, member of Board of Directors of AmCham in Tajikistan and General Manager of Coca-Cola İçecek emphasized the importance of the dialogue and added: “One of the key areas we need to focus on is understanding each other’s perspectives and expectations. Therefore, this event is particularly pivotal as it provides a platform for open communication, where we can jointly share our visions, challenges, and aspirations. By doing so, we can find common ground and develop concrete opportunities for collaboration.”

Ms. Nasibakhon Aminova, Executive Director of the National Association of Small and Medium Business of Tajikistan stated that “inclusion of private sector’s voice in SDG implementation is critical, as companies have unique expertise and resources, including human capital, which can accelerate progress towards achieving these goals such as economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.”

The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Tajikistan’s national priorities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires a collaborative effort that includes not only commitment by the government, but also  the private sector, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders. Within this collaborative framework, the private sector acts as a vital catalyst for progress and important partner for sustainable development. As it drives innovation, creates quality employment opportunities, promotes responsible production practices, supports development initiatives, and advocates for policy reforms that advance sustainability. By harnessing these strengths, the private sector can play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of sustainable development priorities, ultimately contributing to building a more equitable future for all.