Turkish FM: Private sector key in achieving UNDP goals

By Dildar Baykan

NEW YORK (AA) – Turkey prioritizes the private sector as part of the UN Development Program (UNDP), the country’s foreign minister said Tuesday.

"One of the priorities of our partnership in the UNDP is to facilitate and strengthen the role of the private sector towards achieving the 2030 agenda," said Mevlut Cavusoglu.

He was speaking at the session "Private Sector and Sustainable Development Goals - Emerging Business Models" at UN headquarters.

Cavusoglu said Turkey actually acknowledged the importance of private sector development even before it was officially recognized in the global development agenda.

"Our shared objective is to mobilize the potential of entrepreneurship and innovation to support the implementation of the SDGs," he added.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The 17 goals, set by the UN General Assembly, cover social and economic development issues.

Cavusoglu expressed Turkey's full commitment to the 2030 agenda towards the realization of the global goals.

Turkey looks "forward to solidifying our partnership with the UNDP and other interested parties and strengthening the private sector", he added.

*Servet Gunerigok and Umar Farooq contributed to the story