KAM, Confederation of Danish Industries host SDG Conference

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) organized a two-day Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Business Conference on 21^st– 22^ndMarch 2019, to provide a platform for learning, sharing knowledge and enhancing engagement through multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives in support of the SDGs.

Speaking during the conference, KAM Chairman, Mr. Sachen Gudka noted that SDGs shape business to build strong foundations for long term social transformation.

“The business community is indeed an integral part of development for any country in the world. It provides formal and informal jobs, facilitates improved efficiency, innovation and delivery of goods and services. The SDGs call on companies to advance sustainable development through the investments they make, the solutions they provide and business practices adopt for the socio-economic transformation for all,” added Mr. Gudka.

The SDG Business Conference also emphasized on the importance of equipping all with the best knowledge at hand, so that we can go out and forge successful and sustainable partnerships in order to tackle the SDGs.

“The world is changing. Countries are focusing on Sustainable Development, which is setting the stage for Kenya to re-establish itself as a key player in the future global markets, through SDGs,”said KAM Chief Executive, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga during her opening remarks.

It emerged that, the collective experience and sharing among the delegates in attendance will help inform stakeholders all over the industry in this endeavor.

During the two day engagement, discussions revolved around how the SDGs are vital in guiding our future development pathway and interactions among the KAM members and beyond.

“Climate change is here. We should all act as there is no other World. There are plenty of opportunities for manufacturers in the attainment of SDGs.”said Prof. Bitange Ndemo.

Addressing the delegates during the second day of the conference, Nairobi County Women Representative, Hon. Esther Passaris brought out the importance of SDGs in the Kenyan context and urged manufactures and business community to embrace sustainable and innovative ways of production and attainment of Vision 2030.

“I realized that most of the parliamentarians, and Kenya is not the only parliament guilty of this, do not even know what the SDGs are, and remember we are 350 members of parliament, only 10% or 20% to know what the SDGs are, but they don’t think, plan and act in line with SDGs. The SDGs is the agenda for the World to end poverty.”said Hon. Esther Passaris.

KAM commits to work with the legislative arm of government, the private sector organizations and other related institutions towards promotion of SDGs.

The SDG Business Conference, organized by KAM in Collaboration with Confederation of Danish Industries, was a national event for the industry, private sector and the general public to engage, share, learn and interact with businesses in all sectors of industry.

The conference was also attended by Ethiopia – Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (AACCSA), Uganda – Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) and Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI).