New Delhi/ New York, April 20 (IANS): International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the role of world business to promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It was their first meeting since the decision to grant ICC Observer Status at the UN General Assembly in December 2016.

During the meeting, Mittal mentioned about ICC's commitment to use its newly granted status in the UN system to "deploy fully the resources, expertise and knowledge of world business" in the implementation of the UN SDGs. 

The SDGs are the most ambitious development agenda ever agreed upon at the international level - and it is widely recognised that their successful implementation would hinge on widespread business action. 

Guterres welcomed ICC's commitment to the SDGs and noted that partnerships with the private sector would be vital to address major global challenges from climate change to mass-migration. 

Mittal also talked about the importance of rule-based policy making to enable trade, innovation and job creation in the context of the SDGs.

They also discussed the challenges posed by growing populism and anti-globalisation sentiment.

Following the meeting, Mittal said: "Given the complexity of today's global challenges, it's vital that business has a clear voice in UN decision making."

"We look forward to using the unique platform that the Observer Status provides to positively shape important debates on issues such as trade, financing, technology and corporate responsibility," he added.