Global Compact and Spanish Local Network Launch Exchange Programme in Madrid
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Madrid, Spain
(Madrid, 8 March 2011) – The UN Global Compact and the Spanish Local Network today launched the Local Network Exchange Programme with a four-day event that convened contact persons representing the Local Networks of Zimbabwe, Belgium, Egypt, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
The Exchange Programme seeks to foster collaboration among Local Networks by providing an opportunity to share experiences and identify best practices across regional boundaries. Contact persons from various networks gather at a particular network and participate in practical working sessions, with the goal of developing an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with Local Network operation.
Topics featured during the programme launch included daily management of local networks; current Global Compact events and activities such as Global Compact LEAD; the Differentiation Programme; the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20); and the customized reporting system developed by the Spanish Local Network.
Exchange Programme participants also met with the Spanish Local Network Steering Committee comprised of representatives from Cofides, Endesa, BBVA and Telefonica, as part of discussions on governance structure and Global Compact LEAD, the new platform for Global Compact participants committed to setting a new benchmark for corporate sustainability performance. Global Compact participant Mahou-San Miguel also made a special presentation at its Madrid facility to share insights from participation in the Global Compact.
“The Spanish Local Network is proud to play an active role in empowering Local Networks to complement Global Compact Office activities and to fully engage the increasing number of Global Compact participants” said Isabel Garro, Focal Point of the Local Network Spain.
Local Networks perform increasingly important roles in rooting the Global Compact within different national, cultural and language contexts, facilitating the progress of companies with respect to implementation of the ten principles, and creating opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement. A second Exchange Programme event will be held later this year.
Contact
Soren Petersen
Head of Local Networks
UN Global Compact
petersens@un.org