CACCI joined the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) convened from July 14 to 24, 2025, under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), that also included a three-day Ministerial Segment held from July 21 to 23 under the theme, “UN@80: Catalyzing Change.”

The UN’s central platform reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development brought together over 6,000 in-person participants, including governments, youth, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders―all focused on sharing experiences and scaling innovative, inclusive solutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year’s theme was: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind.” With an in-depth review of five SDGs:

• SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality
• SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 14 - Life Below Water
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

As an NGO holding consultative (roster) status with ECOSOC, CACCI gains access to high-level UN dialogues and policy forums, enabling active engagement in global discussions.

A tone of “positive realism” permeated discussions at the 2025 HLPF, as global conflicts, economic instability, and the escalating climate crisis continue to hinder progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The message was clear: coordinated, collective action is no longer optional—it is imperative.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres noted that only 35% of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress, while 18% have regressed. The 2025 SDG Progress Report described global advancement as “real and substantial, but remains fragile and unequal.”

Across sessions, Member States and stakeholders emphasized the need to shift from commitments to implementation. Achieving the 2030 Agenda will require inclusive partnerships, increased financing, and stronger alignment of SDGs with national development plans and budgets. ECOSOC President and HLPF Chair Ambassador Bob Rae stressed that multilateralism only delivers when backed by national action.

Delegates highlighted the growing SDG financing gap—especially in climate finance—and called for deeper public-private collaboration. Several Member States urged closer cooperation with businesses to build critical infrastructure and streamline regulation. There was strong consensus that youth, civil society, and the private sector must lead in driving innovation, especially through AI and digital transformation.

The HLPF closed with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration by majority vote, with only the United States and Israel voting against—highlighting ongoing divisions among member states. Debate centered on language related to sexual and reproductive health rights, universal labour standards, among others. The United States rejected the Declaration in its entirety, while several other Member States disassociated themselves from specific parts of the text.

As trade tensions continue to rise, chambers of commerce remain vital platforms for promoting multilateralism and fostering constructive dialogue. Since its founding in 1966, CACCI has been committed to advancing regional economic integration and empowering the private sector to engage on global development issues. This commitment will be reinforced at the upcoming 39th CACCI Conference, taking place Nov. 10–11 in Sri Lanka.

In parallel with the HLPF and the Ministerial Segment, CACCI co-hosted a side event titled “Code Blue: Digital Solutions for a Changing Ocean,” in collaboration with the International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and the STUF United Fund (World Taiwan Foundation).

CACCI also participated in a side event titled “Strategies to Ensure Sustainable Economic Growth through Disaster Risk Reduction,” co-organized by the governments of Japan and Thailand, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

CACCI’s engagement in these forums delivers tangible value—enhancing the Chamber’s visibility, influence, and insights in global discussions. It facilitates meaningful partnerships that promote sustainable trade and investment growth.

Looking ahead, CACCI is well-positioned to strengthen the private sector’s role as both an innovator and enabler of sustainable development. Through side events at global forums such as the HLPF, CACCI can highlight evidence-based solutions, promote innovative partnerships, and support entrepreneurship and digital transformation—particularly where emerging technologies can help advance the 2030 Agenda.