Second Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Fuels SDG Action in Singapore

On September 7, 2026, Singapore became the bustling backdrop for the second Global Business Summit on Belt and Road (BRI) Infrastructure, held under the upbeat theme “Connect for Better World.” Organized by the UN Global Compact’s Sustainable Infrastructure for the BRI Initiative and co‑hosted by the UN Global Compact Network Singapore, the two‑day gathering felt more like a think‑tank cafe than a formal conference.

More than 300 senior executives, diplomats, scholars, and civil‑society representatives filled the venue. They didn’t just exchange business cards; they rolled out a dozen joint actions and pioneering partnerships aimed at turning BRI‑linked projects into engines for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From green mining standards to digital‑infrastructure roadmaps, the agenda was as ambitious as it was diverse.

At the heart of the summit was a newly adopted declaration that spells out business priorities for sustainable infrastructure, responsible AI, a just energy transition, resilient global supply chains, inclusive finance, and the empowerment of women and youth in the digital era. It also calls for deeper cooperation on traditional medicine—a nod to cultural heritage within modern development.

Private‑sector leaders were given the floor to launch expert groups on sustainable energy and digital infrastructure. These groups will shepherd 12 concrete SDG‑linked outcomes, covering everything from biodiversity safeguards and ocean protection to low‑carbon electricity standards and women‑owned micro‑enterprises.

UN Assistant Secretary‑General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, stressed that “resilient infrastructure is the backbone of long‑term sustainable development.” She highlighted that the day’s initiatives—new guidance on green minerals, responsible AI, and biodiversity—show how progress hinges on cross‑border, cross‑sector collaboration.

Selwin Hart, the UN Secretary‑General’s Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition, reminded attendees that Chinese clean‑energy expertise, paired with the growth potential of developing economies, could rewrite the narrative of the energy transition. “Our greatest opportunities will come from building bridges, not walls,” he said.

As the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport kicks off, Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt warned that the sheer scale of the BRI demands an equally strong safety commitment. Under‑Secretary‑General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua summed it up: “No single country can tackle today’s connectivity challenges alone. Cooperation across governments, international bodies, financiers and businesses is essential.”

Regional voices echoed this sentiment. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana (UNESCAP), Stephen Jackson (UN resident coordinator in China), and Nikolas Myint (UN resident coordinator for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei) highlighted how the summit strengthens cross‑border ties and propels the ASEAN region toward the SDGs.

In short, the Singapore summit was less a static conference and more a launchpad—a place where ideas were sketched, partnerships were sealed, and concrete roadmaps were drafted to ensure that Belt and Road infrastructure truly serves a greener, fairer world.