CONCEPT
From 14 to 18 July 2025, five companies from the SDG Ambassador Community in Flanders –BelOrta, Center Parcs, Fruit at Work, DNS Belgium and Smulders– participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development ( HLPF) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This working visit is an initiative of CIFAL Flanders and Voka Flanders’ Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade in New York, the Delegation of Flanders to the USA, and the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the UN.
delegation
The SDG Ambassador Community delegation, represented by five companies from the community, brings together committed businesses from diverse sectors that actively integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into their strategies and operations.
Belgium’s largest cooperative fruit and vegetable auction, promotes sustainable horticulture by supplying fresh, local produce from over 1,350 growers.
A European network of nature-focused holiday parks, committed to sustainability through biodiversity protection, carbon reduction, and eco-educational experiences for all ages.
A Belgian non-profit registry for .be, .vlaanderen, and .brussels, advancing secure internet access and digital inclusion through a strong sustainability and cybersecurity strategy.
A Belgian SME that delivers fresh fruit to workplaces, promoting employee well-being while embedding sustainability and the SDGs in every aspect of its operations.
An international steel construction company advancing the energy transition through innovation, offshore wind projects, and a strong sustainability and CO₂ management strategy.
The largest entrepreneurial network in Flanders, supporting 65% of the region’s added value. Through its local chambers, it promotes entrepreneurship that drives sustainable growth.
Programme
The programme below outlines the planned activities for the working visit. Content will be updated with photos and summaries following each day’s events.
New York, Sunday 13 July 2025
17:00 – Meet & Greet and briefing on the programme
Upon the arrival of our SDG Ambassadors in New York, the programme officially began with a Meet & Greet and a short briefing session at The Parlour, InterContinental New York Barclay. Guests were formally welcomed by Sofia Vandaele, General Manager of the InterContinental, who delivered brief opening remarks. The gathering offered participants an opportunity to connect in an informal setting and become acquainted with the programme.
New York, Monday 14 July 2025
08:15 – Welcome at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the United Nations
For the first day of the programme, the SDG Ambassadors delegation visited the Permanent Representation, where they were welcomed and briefed by Filip De Maesschalck, Minister-Counsellor for Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Aid.
Later that day, the delegation attended the opening of the HLPF on Sustainable Development in the UN General Assembly Hall, followed by a light lunch at the Delegates Room at UN Headquarters.
Meetings
14:00 – Meeting with Managing Director of CIFAL Durban
- The SDG Ambassadors met with Mpilo Ngubane, Managing Director of CIFAL Durban, South Africa.
17:00 – Meeting with Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA)
- The SDG Ambassadors also met with Aziel Philippos Goulandris, Secretary-General of WFUNA.
New York, Tuesday 15 July 2025
09:30 –15:00 Internal Meeting & Lunch Session at Le Botaniste
The second day of the programme began with an internal meeting at the hotel, followed by a lunch session at Le Botaniste focused on plant-based organic catering. The session included an introduction by Alizée Wyckmans, Chief Operating Officer at Le Botaniste, and a dialogue with Laurent François, CEO and Founder (TBC), and Christophe Van Durme, Senior Management and ESG Consultant.
15:00 – 20:00 Side events at Flanders House
- Regions4 and Subnational Government Implementation of the SDGs
- Private Sector Implementation of the SDGs, where the SDG Ambassadors presented their sustainable business cases and engaged in dialogue with Arnaud Brohé, international sustainability and zero-carbon expert and entrepreneur.
10:00
- Introduction to the mission of BelCham
- Workshop on U.S. business development led by Eline Van Eldere, Member Service Director at BelCham
13:00
- Lunch meeting at Café Joyeux, focused on social entrepreneurship
- Introduction by Monique Murray, General Manager of Café Joyeux USA
- Presentation and dialogue with Marianne Amssoms on current and future business challenges in the U.S. and Europe
15:30
- Session at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the UN
19:00
- Group dinner
10:30
- Meeting at the UN Global Compact
- Session led by Anna Mori and Daniel Sterling on the Compact’s work and business engagement opportunities in sustainable development
13:00
- Lunch at the UN Headquarters
14:00
- Meeting (TBC)
19:00
- Group dinner
10:00
- Participation in the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)
12:30
- Buffet lunch with the Consul General of Belgium in New York
16:00
- UN HLPF: Voluntary National Review South Africa
19:00
- Closing dinner