THE DELEGATE OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

COUNTRY: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

COMMITTEE: UNDP (UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME)
AGENDA: YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A CATALYST FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in 2015 was
adopted by all United Member States which is an urgent call for
action to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the
year 2030 for all countries both: developing and developed.
They emphasize upon ending poverty, strategies to improve
health,education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth,
while tackling climate change and to work for preservation of
oceans and forests.
With regard to United Nations 2015, youth are recognised as the
voice of the nation and key drivers of transformative change.
Whereas, young people start and run new businesses benefiting
from resources, maintaining global employment , improving
economic growth and contributing to sustained livelihood.
Through the agenda, Youth entrepreneurship beholds as a
mechanism (catalyst) to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
CHALLENGES -UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) ON THE
AGENDA : SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
1)​ Acknowledging : In March 2025, the US formally rejected the
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2)​This decision is a change from the past when both major
political parties in the U.S. agreed on working together with
other countries to support global sustainability efforts.
3)​ Without US participation, the SDGs may face reduced political
momentum, financial support, and diplomatic engagement.
The US decision also comes at a time when progress toward
the SDGs is already falling short. A 2024 UN report found that
only 17% of SDG targets were on track to meet their 2030
goals , while nearly half showed minimal or moderate
progress and over one-third had stalled or regressed. This
lack of progress reflects several complex global challenges,
including:
●​ Economic constraints: Global economic uncertainty
(including inflationary pressures and shifting investor
priorities) has curtailed financing for SDG initiatives, while
unsustainable debt levels have limited the ability of many
developing countries to invest in SDG-related infrastructure.
●​ Geopolitical challenges: Wars, civil unrest, and political
instability (e.g., in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa) have
disrupted SDG progress, This problem got worse because the
COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains.
●​ Environmental pressures: Increasing climate-related disasters
are reversing gains in poverty reduction, food security, and
infrastructure resilience in vulnerable regions.
●​ Fragmented coordination: The SDGs require cross-sectoral
collaboration but misalignment between national
governments, local authorities, international organizations,
 and the private sector creates inefficiencies and duplication of
efforts.
4)​ The U.S. formally withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement
twice:
In January 2025, President Trump again signed an executive order
to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, instructing the U.S.
Ambassador to the UN to submit formal notification. According to
the Agreement rules, the withdrawal takes effect one year after the
notification.
Regarding UN climate financing mechanisms, the 2025 executive
order also ceased U.S. financial commitments under the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including
climate funds that support developing countries in mitigation and
adaptation efforts.
5)​Non-participation of the US would eliminate more than a third
of the world emissions reduction (31.8% direct effect and 6.4%
leakage effect) and has only very little to gain from unilaterally
deciding not to participate.
CHALLENGES: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) ON THE
AGENDA : YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
SOLUTIONS/ INITIATIVES : UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(USA) STANCE ON THE AGENDA “YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AS A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.”
1)​ US Policy shift and SDGs: Contrast with a tendency for many
US public companies to align aspects of their sustainability
efforts with the SDGs and advocate transition from
“sustainable development” to “responsible and long- term
development”.
2)​ Corporate alignment has generally focused on SDGs that are
most relevant to business strategy and material ESG (The
environment,social & governance) issues. For example,
PepsiCo has invested in initiatives supporting SDG 2 (Zero
Hunger) through sustainable agriculture, food security, and
nutrition programs.
3)​ Businesses have focused on a subset of SDGs aligned with
their core operations. Such as: Clean energy commitments in
the utilities sector or gender equality.
4)​ Improved sustainability priorities among industries as
consumer demand, investor pressure and competitive
positioning.
5)​ While SDGs provide broad global goals for sustainability, the
action is taken through corporate ESG strategies.
6)​ Linking ESG initiatives to business value and competitive
advantage helps companies contribute to SDG progress by
embedding sustainability into their core operations, making
SDG-aligned actions financially viable and sustainable.
7)​ Ensuring legal defensibility and regulatory compliance allows
companies to support SDG targets responsibly and
transparently, aligning with global and local regulations tied
to goals like climate action, responsible consumption, and
equality.
8)​ Adapting to regional differences in sustainability expectations
acknowledges the SDGs’ universal but locally varied
application, helping companies and governments tailor their
efforts to effectively meet SDG targets across diverse
contexts.
9)​ According to US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) ,
Climate change regulatory actions and Initiatives:-
10)​ Reduction of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):
a)​ The U.S. enacted the American Innovation and
Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, giving the EPA
authority to phase down HFCs by 85% by 2036.
b)​ The EPA has established programs such as the HFC
Allocation Program, Emissions Reduction &
Reclamation Program, and Technology Transitions
Program to restrict, manage, and gradually eliminate the
use of high-global warming potential HFCs in various
sectors like refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosols.
11)​ The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a United
States federal government agency established in 1970 with
 the mission to protect human health and the environment. The
EPA creates and enforces regulations aimed at reducing
pollution, protecting air and water quality, managing
hazardous waste, and addressing climate change. It conducts
research, provides education, and works with state and local
governments to implement environmental laws. The EPA also
monitors emissions from industries, vehicles, and power
plants, and enforces compliance to ensure a cleaner and safer
environment for Americans.

12)​ The EPA has implemented CO2 emission standards for

commercial airplanes and large business jets that align with
international standards set by the United Nations'
International Civil Aviation Organization, helping reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector.
13)​ Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Requires the use
of renewable fuels to replace petroleum-based transportation
fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on
imported oil.
14)​ Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Largest industrial source of
methane, a potent greenhouse gas. EPA’s Clean Air Act rules
reduce methane and harmful air pollutants from new and
existing oil and gas operations.
15)​ Methane Reduction Rules: EPA's final rule includes New
Source Performance Standards and state guidelines to cut
methane emissions. The Inflation Reduction Act adds a Waste
Emissions Charge to incentivize further reductions.
16)​ Power Plants: EPA enforces programs like Acid Rain
Program and Mercury and Air Toxics Standards to reduce
pollutants from fossil fuel plants, also cutting CO2 emissions.
New EPA carbon pollution standards limit emissions from
coal and gas-fired plants.
 17)​ Landfills: EPA updated rules to reduce methane emissions
from new and existing municipal solid waste landfills,
supported by a federal implementation plan.
18)​ Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: Requires large
emitters across industries to report emissions to EPA
annually, improving transparency and data accuracy to
support climate action.
19)​ Clean Air Act Findings: EPA officially recognizes key
greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles and aircraft as threats
to public health and climate, underpinning regulatory action.
20)​ The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
(NGLCC) certified businesses alone have created over 33,000
jobs annually in the United States, contributing significantly
to the U.S. economy. These nearly 1,000 certified LGBT
Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) generate an estimated $1.7
trillion in economic impact. The average certified LGBTBE
reports annual revenues of about $2.5 million, and many have
been in business for over a decade, outperforming national
small business survival averages. The NGLCC certification
helps LGBT-owned businesses gain visibility, access to
corporate procurement contracts, and opportunities for
growth. These businesses span diverse industries and
regions, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the
LGBT community and their growing influence in the economy.

Despite many challenges, minority-owned businesses have made

impressive strides:
●​ Growth in Numbers: As of 2020, in the U.S there were 1.2
million minority-owned businesses with paid employees,
generating $1.6 trillion in revenue and employing nearly 10
million people. Between 2012 and 2020, the number of these
 firms grew by 32%, with a 33% increase in aggregate revenue
and a 38% rise in employment.
●​ Success Across Ethnic Groups: African American-owned
firms grew by 29%, while Hispanic-owned firms saw a 31%
increase. This momentum shows the incredible potential of
minority entrepreneurs to drive economic impact and create
jobs​. Ex:Companies like World Wide Technology, a
Black-owned IT firm with $20 billion in revenue, prove that
minority entrepreneurs can operate at the highest levels​.
21)​ Black Entrepreneurs: The 1 Million Black Businesses
Initiative has supported over 459,000 businesses with
training, mentorship, and capital. Grants like the NAACP
Powershift and Google’s Black Founders Fund ($40M+)
provide funding and community support.
22)​ Hispanic/Latinx Entrepreneurs: Funds such as the Support
Latino Business Fund and Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship
Program offer financial aid and training for Latino-owned
businesses.
23)​ Minority Entrepreneurs (including women): The Minority
Business Development Agency promotes growth through
programs and research. Grants like HerRise and Galaxy
Microgrants provide capital and mentorship.
24)​ Educational Support: Universities like Virginia State
University offer tailored entrepreneurship centers and
resources for minority startups.
25)​ (Past Action) Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by UNDP and the
Citi Foundation, empowers youth to accelerate the SDGs through
leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It believes young
people can solve major challenges by turning ideas into action and
has reached over 300,000 youth across 28 countries. Over the years,
the initiative was funded with US $850,000 from UNDP’s core
resources and has mobilized over US $67 million from partners to
support youth empowerment, highlighting the power of
 collaboration and long-term commitment to inclusive and
sustainable development led by young changemakers across Asia
and the Pacific.

25) Access to Financial/Capital Resources :The U.S. government

and organizations offer targeted grant and funding programs to
minority entrepreneurs to bridge gaps in venture capital access. In
2025, the Minority Business Development Agency launched the
Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, offering $11 million in funding
and support to women and minority-owned businesses. The State
Small Business Credit Initiative provides nearly $10 billion to help
underserved small businesses access capital and assistance.

26) Lack of Awareness and Role Models: Specialized mentorship,

representation initiatives, and community networks help increase
awareness and encouragement for underrepresented
entrepreneurs. Ex: Nonprofits like Operation HOPE’s 1 Million Black
Businesses initiative provide mentorship, training, and workshops
tailored to Black entrepreneurs, boosting visibility and skills.

27) Education and Training Programs: Federal funding supports

tailored entrepreneurship education delivered through partnerships
with Minority Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, and rural
business centers to overcome accessibility and language barriers.
Ex: MBDA’s (The Minority Business Development Agency) Parren
J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program offers
evidence-based training on business management, financial
planning, and technology adoption, focusing on underserved
communities.

28)Lack of Work and Entrepreneurship Experience: Mentoring and

capacity-building programs provide experiential learning and
coaching to entrepreneurs with limited prior experience. Ex: SBIR
and other federal initiatives connect startups with accelerators and
incubators offering hands-on training and business development
support.
29) Limited Business Networks and Social Capital: Programs foster
networking through conferences, pitch competitions, and online
platforms connecting minority entrepreneurs with investors and
peers. Ex: National Black Business Pitch competition offers
exposure, cash prizes, and access to corporate supply chains.

30) Market Barriers and Discrimination: Government policies

promote equitable contracting opportunities, and grants aim to
reduce market entry barriers for youth and minority-owned
businesses. Ex:The SBA Women-Owned Businesses programs
provide resources to compete for federal contracts and build
market presence.
CONCLUSION
While the formal rejection of the UN SDGs and withdrawal from key
climate agreements signal a negative political shift that could
reduce global sustainability momentum, there are strong efforts
with the private sector and federal programs to advance related
goals through ESG(The environment, social &
governance)initiatives, targeted funding, and support for minority
and youth entrepreneurs. Programs are run by the MBDA, SBA, and
nonprofit organizations show positive progress in addressing
financial disparities, education, and market access for
underrepresented groups. Though challenges are present , these
initiatives show the potential for youth entrepreneurship to serve
as a catalyst for the SDGs.

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