1 July 2014: A regional consultation for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) on the role of the private sector in the post-2015 development agenda has identified proposals and strategies for complementarity, coherence and coordination between the public and private sectors, particularly those linked to the inclusion of the private sector in the development agenda, the creation of decent jobs, and the need to integrate women and the youth in the process.

The consultation, which convened from 30 June-1 July 2014, in Cartagena, Colombia, was organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Global Compact. The consultation was part of a series of regional consultations on the topic.

Representatives from governments, multilateral organizations, cooperation agencies, and national and multinational companies attended the consultation. During an open dialogue, participants emphasized: the need to consolidate a business ethic that promotes public-private partnerships (PPPs) where companies take part in solving collective problems; and the increasing role of industry and the private sector in generating the necessary resources to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

Panel discussions addressed: driving corporate sustainability through government policies; mobilizing private sustainability finance; localizing the architecture for small and medium enterprise (SME) engagement; addressing cross-cutting elements, such as gender, governance and the environment; building trust through enhanced transparency and accountability; and fostering PPPs. [UNIDO Press Release] [Regional Consultations Website] [Consultation Conclusions (Spanish only)]