Local Networks Address Key Issues for Africa and the Middle East
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Nairobi, Kenya
(Nairobi, 13 February 2013) – Global Compact Local Networks from Africa and the Middle East convened for their annual regional meeting in a three-day event concluding today. The gathering of Local Networks was preceded by an event that brought Kenyan businesses together with Local Networks and UN representatives.
During the multi-stakeholder meeting, the following issues were covered:
- UN Post-2015 Development Agenda – The Global Compact Office engaged Local Networks in consultations on the post-2015 development framework, a process Governments have prioritized as most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets set to expire in 2015. As the private sector has been identified as a key stakeholder in this process, event participants shared their perspectives on the target, scope and scale of potential post-2015 priorities – as well as how business can best contribute to the agenda. It was agreed that one of business’ primary contributions is through the advancement of corporate sustainability as defined by the ten principles of the Global Compact.
- Building Partnerships to Advance UN Goals – Participants engaged in an in-depth review of approaches to build more effective partnerships that can help address UN priorities. Companies operating in the region provided examples of collaborative steps they are taking to advance UN goals, and participants learned how they can scale up their partnership efforts.
- Making Corporate Sustainability Work for Women & Children – In order to ensure that business practices respect and support the rights of important stakeholder groups, the meeting addressed the status of women’s empowerment and children’s rights in the region, with an emphasis on the Global Compact's key engagement platforms. Additionally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Kenya Country Office led discussions on how the private sector can help support the health of women and children in the region.
- Responsible Business Practices in Challenging Operating Environments – Companies and Local Networks provided examples of steps they are taking to bolster peace and stability in the region.
Following the event with local businesses and stakeholders, Local Networks from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda and the Gulf States explored how they can better support participants from their countries to implement the Global Compact’s ten principles.
The regional meeting was hosted by the Global Compact Network Kenya.
Contact
Walid Nagi
Acting Head – Global Compact Local Networks
UN Global Compact
nagi@un.org