UN Global Compact Launches Local Network in Czech Republic

(Prague, 2 April 2015) – Marking the one-year anniversary of the adoption of the National Action Plan for Corporate Responsibility, Global Compact Network Czech Republic was launched in Prague at an event hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The occasion brought together Global Compact signatories, representatives of the Ministry and the Quality Council of the Czech Republic and other stakeholders in support of advancing corporate sustainability in the country.

Jan Mládek, Minister of Industry and Trade, predicted that the new Local Network will have a lot of work ahead, but emphasized the importance and need for such an organization in the country. “[Social responsibility] is often narrowly seen, not only by the public but also by companies and the media, as just giving to charity. Nothing could be farther from the truth.”

UN Global Compact Executive Director Georg Kell echoed Mr. Mládek’s sentiments, remarking: “The launch of this network sends a strong signal that companies in the Czech Republic are ready to scale up their commitment to integrate sustainability into their strategies and operations, and to inspire others to follow their lead.”

Elections for the new Local Network’s Steering Committee were held, and Lucie Mádlová was elected to the position of Network Representative. Ms. Mádlová and Mr. Kell signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the commitment of their two organizations to engage and work together to support the mission and principles of the UN Global Compact.

Network Representative Lucie Mádlová and UN Global Compact Executive Director Georg Kell sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the occassion of the launch of Global Compact Network Czech Republic.

Participants ended the day with an interactive programme entitled, International Conference of Social Responsibility: UN Global Compact in Czech Republic, which covered various topics about the Global Compact, Local Networks and reporting. Companies discussed the key corporate sustainability challenges in the Czech Republic and how their organizations work in the area. Representatives from Global Compact Network France and Global Compact Network Germany also took part in the event, reflecting on the value of Local Networks in translating the global corporate sustainability agenda into the local context.

• See agenda
• Learn more about Global Compact Network Czech Republic

Contacts

Tiina Mylly
Regional Networks Manager – Africa and Europe
UN Global Compact
mylly@unglobalcompact.org

Lucie Mádlová
Network Representative
Global Compact Network Czech Republic
madlova@a-csr.cz