Business for Peace Foundation has announced the launch of their Future of Business programme, a new global impact-driven event series focused on accelerating development towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through investments and entrepreneurship in the Global South.

In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) the launch of the programme coincides with the announcement of the For Better Business Together (4BBT) programme – an effort to promote local initiatives throughout Ghana to strengthen green and sustainable economic development within the business sector.

The Future of Business programme offers a new way for SDG-aligned investors to connect with established businesses and entrepreneurs across the Global South. The programme begins as an event series in Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria during 2021.

The Future of Business calls for a mindset change amongst business leaders, investors, employees, and NGOs to re-evaluate how resources can be not only used but shared differently. From governments to companies alike, SDG-enabling investments will enable businesses to help solve global challenges.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was present to deliver the keynote address at the launch alongside other Ghanaian dignitaries.

The Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, also addressed the audience digitally in support of the programme.

"As we continue our efforts to translate the ambitions of the SDG agenda into action, the Future of Business programme paves the way for businesses to contribute to scaling these efforts,” Prime Minister Solberg commented, “We firmly believe that programmes such as the Future of Business can unlock solutions to global challenges by leveraging the power of entrepreneurship and collaboration."

“The SDG’s provide both a societal road map and a business plan for achieving a fairer, more equitable, and a sustainable world for all.” says Per L. Saxegaard, Founder and Executive Chairman at Business for Peace Foundation. “The global business community has experienced first-hand the mutual interdependence with societies in which they operate. The ongoing pandemic has shown, more than ever, the need for increased collaboration and a broader mindset. The Future of Business programme seeks to connect investor and SDG-entrepreneurs with investment opportunities that creates both societal and business value.”

The Future of Business programme is made possible through generous support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and UNDP’s SDG Impact. For more information on the Future of Business programme, visit futureofbusiness.io.