Local Networks in China, Japan and Korea Foster Collaboration and Cooperation Toward Achieving Global Development Goals

(Beijing, 22 August 2016) – The eighth Global Compact China-Japan-Korea Roundtable (CJK Roundtable) concluded today in Beijing. The CJK Roundtable is an annual platform – convened since 2009 by Global Compact Local Networks in the three countries – to foster mutual understanding, collaboration, learning and dialogue.

Fu Chengyu, Member of the UN Global Compact Board and Chairman of Global Compact Network China, opened the plenary session, welcoming the large congregation and reiterating the China Network's commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in China and throughout the world.

The event gathered over 500 government officials, top business leaders, sustainability professionals, academics, students, and Global Compact Local Network representatives. Discussions centered on the implementation of the SDGs and how companies can help advance the global goals through enhanced leadership, collaboration and transparency. Participants and speakers emphasized the urgency of this agenda by focusing on the practical implications and day-to-day impact it has on local companies.

UN Global Compact Executive Director Lise Kingo spoke of the critical role Local Networks are already playing in translating the SDGs into local context and action through the Making Global Goals Local Business campaign. “At the Global Compact we rely on the work of our Local Networks to transform this global campaign into local action on the ground,” said Kingo. “Thanks to your hard work, you make our dreams of achieving the SDGs all the more possible.”

The Chinese translations of four key Global Compact resources – The Global Opportunity Report, The SDG Compass, Making Global Goals Local Business: A New Era for Responsible Business, and A Global Compact for Sustainable Development – were launched to provide guidance and inspiration for Chinese companies looking to take action on the SDGs.

Students from China, Japan and Korea were uniquely featured as speakers and participants at the event, presenting their ideas and solutions to sustainability challenges. In contrast to the practical discussions conducted throughout the rest of the event, many of the students took a more inspirational and idealistic approach to sustainability, focusing on issues such as gender equality and closing wage gaps. A Youth & Researcher Forum, attended by youth representatives from each country, was held the day before the Roundtable to facilitate a deeper discussion on SDG issues, such as sustainable water consumption, supply chains and the Olympic Games.

The CJK Roundtable was hosted by Global Compact Network China, as part of the China Summit for Advancing SDGs.  Previously known as the Summit for Caring for Climate, held annually since 2013 in Beijing, the Summit was reimagined in light of the unprecedented opportunities and challenges presented by the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Summit convened over 500 high-level government officials, business leaders, and representatives from academia, civil society and students.

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• Learn more about the Global Compact Local Networks