Role of Business in Sustainable Development Highlighted in Special Event with Honduran Private Sector

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

(San Pedro Sula, 24 November 2015) – On 24 November, the city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, hosted a special event: “UN Global Compact as a Business Opportunity in the Transparency Era.”

Organized by the Honduran Council of the Private Business Sector (COHEP), alongside the Government of Honduras and the UN Resident Coordinator Office, the event provided a crucial overview of the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and their ability to create value for businesses through engaging with the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Special emphasis was placed on the 10^th Principle against Corruption, highlighting its potential to advance Goal 16 of the SDGs on “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.”

The event was led by COHEP’s Representative and Executive Director, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director, as well as the Presidential Director for Transparency and Modernization in Honduras. It was attended by representatives from the Honduran business community, Government, the UN, international cooperation agencies, civil society, academia, and the public sector.

The Representative of Global Compact Network Mexico and Global Compact Foundation Board Member, Gustavo Pérez Berlanga, discussed best practices for signatories of the Global Compact. In addition, Mr. Berlanga offered his insights into the successes of the Global Compact Network Mexico as participants work towards advancing the SDGs and promoting a better and more just world for all.

The CEO of Sertecpet shared his thoughts on the importance of making the Ten Principles part of a successful business strategy. He relayed the significance of the 10^th Principle in its efforts to stem corruption and improve relations between the private sector and civil society.

Following the presentations COHEP moderated a roundtable discussion with business participants exploring strategies to integrate the Ten Principles into the everyday operations of their companies.

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