European Local Networks Address New EU Disclosure Directive at Annual Regional Meeting

(Skopje, 30 October 2014) — The Global Compact Local Networks Regional Meeting- Europe concluded today in Skopje, Macedonia. Attended by the largest ever number of representatives from Local Networks in Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, Netherlands, Nordic Countries, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK, the meeting focused primarily on governance issues and the new EU Directive on corporate non-financial disclosure.

Opening remarks were delivered by Vladimir Peshevski, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as UN and Local Network representatives. Sessions throughout the day brought together companies and Local Networks from around the region to share experiences and best practices on topics such as sustainable supply chains, reporting and advancing responsible business practices with limited resources.

The second day was dedicated to updates from the UN Global Compact regarding its work on SME engagement and the Post-2015 Development Agenda, as well as discussions around the latest developments in Local Network governance. It also marked the beginning of a consultation process during which Local Networks will provide input on the Local Network Progression Model, Engagement Framework, Local Network Management Toolkit and the Local Network Award criteria.

The third and final day of the meeting focused on the new EU Directive on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by large companies and groups. Local Networks discussed ways to leverage the new regulatory instrument and drafted action plans to assist them in addressing the potential next steps of implementation.

• See full agenda
• Learn more about Global Compact Local Networks
• Learn more about the EU Directive on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information

Contact

Walid Nagi
Head of Local Networks
UN Global Compact
nagi@un.org

Tiina Mylly
Regional Networks Manager, Africa and Europe
UN Global Compact
mylly@unglobalcompact.org