Global Compact Network France Mobilizes Private Sector Support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The following is an article submitted by a Global Compact Network France. Please contact the network representative listed below with any questions regarding its contents.

(Paris, 30 June 2016) – On the occasion of its eleventh General Assembly, Global Compact Network France launched the mobilization of French companies in support of the United Nations Agenda 2030.

The all-day event brought together 300 participants to discuss taking action around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which present an action plan for peace, humanity, the planet and prosperity. Business has a key role to play in achieving the SDGs, which will require the implementation of multi-stakeholder partnerships and create new market opportunities for the private sector.

During the event a survey of participants identified the French business priorities among the SDGs. SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 3 on good health and well-being were selected as immediate top priorities. Participants identified SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure,  and SDG12 on responsible consumption and production as key sources of opportunities over a five-year timeframe.

Global Compact France organized thematic workshops to build knowledge around the SDG Agenda. Led by experts and business representatives, the workshops covered issues such as how to fight against corruption effectively (SDG 16), monitoring and reducing the risks of human rights violations (SDGs 3/5/8/10), tackling the challenge of biodiversity (SDGs 14/15) and improving CSR reporting (SDGs 12/17). Brice Lalonde updated the participants with the latest climate-related news (SDG 13).

Following the luncheon session entitled The Sustainable Development Goals, the new agenda of the private sector?, journalist Isabelle Hennebelle (L’EXPRESS) led a roundtable discussion which featured  Jean-Pascal Tricoire, CEO, Schneider Electric, Chairman Global Compact France; Jean-Paul Agon, CEO, L'Oréal; Frédéric Bontems, Development Director, Foreign Affairs Ministry; Claire Plateau, Sustainable development Coordinator, INSEE and Pierre Radanne, President, Association 4D. The discussion helped clarify Agenda 2030, its implications for business, and highlighted existing good practices and possible obstacles which must be faced collectively.

Jean-Paul Agon stated that for his sector there is no additional cost associated with implementation  of the SDGs, they even represent "a source of innovation and performance," mobilizing teams and stakeholders around a common project. Jean-Pascal Tricoire emphasized that the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact remain the foundation of a company’s commitment towards sustainability.

The private sector is a key actor for a successful Agenda 2030. Companies are invited to apply their creativity and ability to innovate to address global challenges. Global Compact Network France aims to set the example so that 100 percent of French companies embark on the journey of achieving the SDGs.

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Related resources:

• First annual report of the Global Compact France
• Global Compact France video
• 2016 Awards of the Best Communications for Global Compact France
• “Refusing corruption in business relationships”, a guide with Transparency International France
• Guide des droits de l’Homme pour les petites et moyennes entreprises
• Event programme and pictures.

Contact:

Charlotte Frérot
General Secretary, Global Compact Network France
charlotte.frerot@globalcompact-france.org