Series of Events Held to Scale Up and Support Local Networks in Asia & Oceania

(Colombo/Sri Lanka, 24 November 2012) – Today a week-long series of events aimed at building greater capacity among Global Compact Local Networks in the Asia and Oceania region concluded. Hosted by the Global Compact Network Ceylon, the events offered the following opportunities: knowledge exchange between Local Networks; interface with businesses and other stakeholders; and internal discussions on important issues regarding implementation of the Global Compact in the local context.

• Third Exchange Programme for the Global Compact Local Networks (19-21 November). Participants exchanged their experiences and knowledge of managing a Local Network and shared their best practices. The Local Network delegations conducted site visits of participant businesses from Global Compact Network Ceylon to understand how the ten principles have been integrated within specific companies’ strategies and practices. The Exchange Programme – which aims to develop an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with Local Network operation – was attended by delegations from Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
• Global Compact Local Network Regional Meeting: Asia & Oceania (23-24 November). The Regional Meeting provided an opportunity for Network representatives to discuss a variety of issues connected with implementation of corporate sustainability in the local context. The following Local Networks attended: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Republic of South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam. Three core sessions were held:
  • The launch of a consultation process to engage Local Networks in Asia and Oceania to contribute to the post-2015 development framework, a process Governments have prioritized as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets are set to expire in 2015. The private sector has been identified as a key stakeholder in this process.
  • A discussion on how Local Networks can play a central role in engaging companies can promote responsible business when operating in high-risk and conflict-affected environments. Examples from Sri Lankan companies and existing Local Networks activities were shared.
  • A capacity building seminar regarding how Local Networks can support new and existing Global Compact companies as they pursue implementation of the ten principles
• On 22 November a session was held to bring together participants from both the Exchange Programme and the Regional Meeting with Sri Lankan businesses and other stakeholders, over 100 representatives were in attendance. The event showcased how Local Networks are making an impact throughout the region on issues such as water management, anti-corruption and youth engagement. Opportunities for building up the support framework between businesses and Local Networks were also explored as well as how to establish effective partnerships between business and other stakeholders – including the United Nations. Finally, the outcomes of Rio+20 and future directions of the sustainable development agenda were presented.

Collectively these events underscored the valuable contributions to the sustainability agenda on offer in the Asia and Oceania region. Additionally, the events provided insight and opportunities for how Local Networks, companies and other stakeholders can work collectively to advance their respective efforts.

• Download Agendas:
  • Local Network Exchange Programme
  • Local Network Regional Meeting Asia & Oceania
  • Joint Day with business and other stakeholders
• Regional Meeting: Participant List
• Learn more about Global Compact Local Networks.

Contact

Walid Nagi
Acting Head, Local Networks
UN Global Compact
nagi@un.org