2023 marks the midpoint for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Yet, the SDG Progress Report released by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reveals that only 15% of SDG targets are on track. Progress has been insufficient on 48% of targets, and 37% have either stalled or reversed.

On September 18, 2023, the United Nations Global Compact launched the "Forward Faster" initiative. This effort is designed to speed up business investment and action to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Accelerate Forward initiative urges global business leaders to undertake measurable, credible, and ambitious actions in five key areas: gender equality, climate action, living wages, water restoration, and sustainable investment and financing. By focusing on these areas, businesses can drive significant and rapid progress on all the SDGs by 2030.

The Accelerate Forward initiative urges global business leaders to undertake measurable, credible, and ambitious actions in five key areas: gender equality, climate action, living wages, water restoration, and sustainable investment and financing. By focusing on these areas, businesses can drive significant and rapid progress on all the SDGs by 2030.

On October 20, 2023, the UN Global Compact hosted the "Forward Faster" CEO Roundtable and the Women Business Leaders Roundtable in Shanghai. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director General of the UN Global Compact, participated with nearly 20 CEOs and business leaders to explore collaborative strategies for advancing sustainable business practices.

Speaking at the Forward Faster CEO Roundtable, Ms. Ojiambo stated: "Business involvement in the Accelerating Forward initiative holds tremendous potential to significantly advance the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing the substantial and rapid impact that businesses can make by 2030. We are excited to see the enthusiasm and dedication shown by Chinese companies since the initiative began, and we are honored to welcome 22 pioneering businesses from China today."

At the subsequent Women Business Leaders Roundtable, leaders from various industries discussed the challenges women face in achieving equal representation in management roles. They shared insights on promoting gender equality throughout the value chain and business ecosystem, and explored ways to enhance UN business cooperation to advance gender equality and achieve all sustainable development goals on schedule.