Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion met with United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in Manila on Oct. 29 to mobilize support and financing to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN in 2015 created 17 SDGs that aim to achieve "peace and prosperity for the people and the planet" while tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests.

According to Go Negosyo, the meeting took place with with members of the private sector and international finance institutions.

Also joining them was 2023 Go Negosyo Inspiring Filipina awardee Anna Marie Lagon of Bayo Manila Inc., a Philippines-based MSME that has committed to sustainability through various
practices, such as designing to minimize waste, using sustainable materials, carbon offsetting, repurposing waste materials, and working with local communities.

Mohammed was in the Philippines for the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS). In an X post, she thanked Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary (DFA) Enrique Manalo for hosting the said conference.

"The Philippines has demonstrated strong leadership and continues to strengthen the #WPS (Women, Peace, and Security) agenda. We discussed ways to further champion WPS alongside youth, peace, and security," she said on Oct. 31.

The UN official likewise shared that during her visit she witnessed the country's efforts in addressing the risks and challenges faced by highly vulnerable populations.

"By taking local action, we can deliver on the promise of the SDGs," she said.

Mohammed also went to the Manila City Jail where she witnessed the outcomes of the UN's support in criminal justice reform.

"From prison decongestion and access to justice to initiatives like 'Read Your Way Out' and improved healthcare, this partnership is advancing conditions for prisoners to rejoin society," she said.

She likewise praised the local government of Pasig City for creating green and inclusive jobs while accelerating the country's transition to a circular economy with innovative solutions.

Lastly, Mohammed praised her colleagues from the UN office in the Philippines for working tirelessly to support a "better future" for Filipinos, harnessing the collective expertise of the UN to drive tangible local progress on the SDGs.