Task 3- International Business

  Integration of the SDGs into National Policy: Costa Rica has a clear structure to include the SDGs in national, sectoral, and regional policies, supported by the "National Pact for the Advancement of the SDGs" which brings together government, private sector, civil society, and academia. Sustainable Financing: A national law enables access to green funds and bonds, helping businesses and projects get financing for sustainable initiatives, especially in clean energy and resource management. Capacity Building and Monitoring: Costa Rica uses national forums and councils to track SDG progress, encourage broad participation, and develop indicators to measure the impact of policies and commercial initiatives.

  Main Objective: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Key Targets: Ensure universal access to modern energy services. Substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Improve energy efficiency. Facilitate investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technologies. Examples of application in sustainable projects: Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its clean energy matrix, which is based on renewable sources. The country has promoted energy efficiency projects, clean transportation, and renewable energy initiatives, supported by financial instruments such as the National Bank's Green Investment Fund, which finances sustainable projects aligned with SDG 7. At the public policy level, Costa Rica has signed national pacts and developed plans such as the National Decarbonization Plan, which promotes the transition to a low-emission economy and universal access to sustainable energy.

  Main Objective: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Key Targets: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water Improve water quality by reducing pollution. Increase water-use efficiency. Support participatery management of water resources. Examples of application in sustainable projects: UNOPS has also developed key projects such as the wastewater treatment system in Puerto Viejo, Limón, and the expansion of potable water systems in Liberia and Nicoya. These actions have benefited thousands of people by ensuring access to clean and safe water, reducing health risks, and protecting local ecosystems. Additionally, national assessments and plans have been established to strengthen capabilities and close gaps in the implementation of SDG 6, identifying challenges and concrete strategies for sustainable water management in Costa Rica.

Main Objective: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Key Targets: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (including trafficking and exploitation). Eliminate child marriage and female genital mutilation. Ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and political and economic leadership for women. Recognize and value unpaid domestic and care work. Examples of application in sustainable projects In Costa Rica, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has implemented gender, diversity, and inclusion policies in infrastructure projects such as the La Bandera, Garantías Sociales, and Guadalupe roundabouts. These initiatives include workshops on positive masculinity, training on sexual harassment prevention, and the requirement that at least 10% of field workers hired are women. Over 400 people have received training in these areas, promoting gender equality and creating safe work environments.

The SDGs are a global initiative led by the United Nations. They include 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and make sure all people live well by the year 2030. These goals focus on big problems like climate change, inequality, access to education, health, clean water, sustainable energy, decent work, and justice. Discover more about the SDGs with this engaging educational material!: SDG Games is an interactive online platform with educational games about the Sustainable Development Goals. https://juegosods.com/