Governments from across the Arab region, UN agencies and a broad range of sustainable development stakeholders came together at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development in Beirut, Lebanon to discuss progress, experiences and implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

During a UNOPS-hosted session at the forum, representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), UNICEF, UNOPS and the World Bank, discussed the impact and influence of sustainable procurement and the important role of the private sector in driving sustainable development.

Opening the session, Lebanon’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassin, emphasized the importance of sustainable procurement in the transition to green and sustainable economies.

“When we think of reform and transition, we think of greening those recoveries and transitions – [and] sustainable procurement becomes at the heart of such discussion and such debate,” said Dr. Yassin.

With extensive expertise in sustainable procurement, UNOPS works closely with governments and partners across the Arab region and around the world to integrate sustainable procurement practices into public procurement policies and processes.

“Public spending can be a powerful force for change. UNOPS is committed to supporting partners to realize this potential, enabling public procurement practices that will accelerate progress towards the SDGs,” said Anne-Claire Howard.  

Watch:

• A recording of the special session
• ILO video on the Employment Intensive Infrastructure Programme in Lebanon