SDG Ambassador Community
CONCEPT
CIFAL Flanders and Voka present the SDG Ambassador Community, a dynamic learning network designed for SDG Ambassadors, enabling them to advance their sustainability efforts. This programme is tailored to their expertise and aligns with the highest ambition level of the PCA2030 Trajectory, fostering meaningful impact and long-term engagement.
Session 1 / 26 FEBRUARY 2025, BRUSSELS
KICK OFF Session: Business and Human Rights
On 26 February 2025, the SDG Ambassadors Community gathered for the first time at our KICK OFF 2025, “From Agenda 2030 to Pact For The Future.”
The first session focused on Business & Human Rights, including speakers such as:
- Astrid Van Parys part of the Board of Directors from Colruyt Group and CIFAL Flanders, moderated the session.
- Leen De Ruck from VS Advocaten, provided a legal perspective on human rights in business.
- Boris Verbrugge from KU Leuven & Möbius, discussed the CSRD’s impact and due diligence requirements.
- Stephan Parmentier from KU Leuven, introduced a human rights test designed for Flemish universities.
Session 2 / 29 APRIL 2025, BRUSSELS
UN House Working Visit
On 29 April, CIFAL Flanders and Voka, in collaboration with the UN in Brussels, organised a visit to the UN House for the SDG Ambassador Community. Representatives from BelOrta, DNS Belgium, Fruit At Work, Upgrade Estate, and Willemen Groep engaged with UN agencies through presentations, Q&A sessions, and networking to explore collaboration opportunities.
Venue
Morning Programme
Welcome words by Camilla Brückner
Ms. Brückner, Director of the UN/UNDP Office in Brussels, welcomed participants by highlighting the SDGs as the world’s most ambitious peace plan, calling for full societal engagement, especially from the private sector. She also addressed current UN challenges, including U.S. funding cuts and the need for continued European support.
Opening words
Peter Wollaert, Managing Director of CIFAL Flanders and UNITAR Fellow, opened the visit by emphasising collaboration and knowledge sharing. He introduced the speakers and set the tone for a meaningful and engaging exchange.
Jens De Vos, Director of Projects at Voka, presented Voka as Flanders’ largest entrepreneurial network, built on connecting, strengthening, and defending its members. He highlighted their collaboration with CIFAL Flanders on the SDGs since 2016 and encouraged Flemish companies to better communicate their sustainability efforts.
Introducing the SDG Ambassadors
BelOrta
When consumers think of healthy food, they often think of fruit and vegetables. BelOrta is aware of their great responsibility to continue earning this trust. Their goal is and remains to bring healthy, tasty, fresh and local fruit and vegetables from the field or greenhouse to the consumer’s plate in a sustainable way.
DNS Belgium
Through reliable and recognised domain name services, DNS Belgium seeks to promote a digital and sustainable society. They also aim to be an example to others in the field of corporate social responsibility.
Fruit At Work
Fruit At Work cares about the health of your team and your business, with an extra touch of care for our beautiful planet. In doing so, they like to play a positive role in society. Socially responsible and ethical business is in their DNA.
Upgrade Estate
Upgrade Estate wants to contribute to society and is always looking for added value that extends beyond meeting financial targets and results. They are committed to ecological & social sustainability, through which they can have a positive impact on society.
Willemen Group
Willemen Groep wants to be the preferred partner that realises future-oriented infrastructure works, projects and buildings in an efficient and climate-conscious manner with care for people and society. They have shaped their sustainable strategy with three focal points: ‘efficient and future-oriented construction’, ‘climate action and sustainability’, and ‘people and society’.
BESIX
BESIX Group actively supports the Agenda 2030’s peace, humanity, planet and prosperity goals, aiming for sustainable solutions that benefit society and future generations. The Group is particularly focused on SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (Climate action), based on the conviction that these goals are in line with the Group’s core activities and that these are the SDGs to which it can add the most value.
UN Presentations
UNIDO
Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO Representative and Head of the Brussels Office, emphasised that industry can drive progress on the SDGs. He highlighted SDG 9 as key to innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development, noting UNIDO’s role in clean energy, resilient supply chains, and addressing global challenges.
IOM
Marise Habib, Chief of Mission, and Rob De Lobel, Head of Unit at IOM Belgium, emphasised the importance of making migration work for all. Their work focuses on empowering diaspora, supporting diversity and inclusion strategies, and assisting migrants through community engagement.
Lunch Break
Participants enjoyed a vegan lunch by Groot Eiland, an organisation working on social economy.
Afternoon Programme
UNRIC
Marina Blondeel, Head of the Benelux & EU Desk at UNRIC, outlined UN communication priorities for 2025 and proposed collaboration with the SDG Ambassadors on awareness campaigns, SDG promotion, and knowledge sharing.
UN Environment Programme
Veronika Hunt Safrankova, Head of the UNEP Brussels Office, presented UNEP’s mandate and 2025 milestones. She stressed the private sector’s role in sustainable development and called for multi-stakeholder partnerships to address climate, nature, and pollution challenges.
ILO
Emily Sims, ILO Helpdesk Coordinator, highlighted the ILO’s role in shaping responsible business through international labour standards. She introduced practical tools for companies, including the ILO Helpdesk, the Child Labour Platform, and the Global Business Network on Forced Labour.
Networking Reception
Interested in the presentation? Access the PowerPoint here.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
