Financing, Business and Civil Society in the SDGs

This session explores the financial, economic, and societal dimensions of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on the role of financing mechanisms, business actors, and civil society organizations in advancing sustainable development.

Participants learn about the money needed to reach the SDGs, including how much investment is needed and the different ways to get it, like public funding, private investment, blended finance, and capital market mechanisms. The session also highlights the role of international development finance institutions and global funds, such as the Green Climate Fund and other multilateral initiatives.

In addition, the lecture examines the role of businesses and global value chains, emphasizing how private sector actors influence sustainable development through innovation, responsible production, and stakeholder engagement. The discussion also addresses the environmental and social risks associated with unsustainable industries, while exploring how companies can transition toward sustainable business models and public–private partnerships (PPPs).

The session further highlights the importance of civil society organizations, youth engagement, and public participation in advancing the SDGs through awareness campaigns, consumer activism, transparency initiatives, and social entrepreneurship.

Participants look at real-life examples, identify key players, and use various media to understand how funding, management, and community involvement work together to help sustainable development, especially in the Mediterranean region.