UN Global Compact Launches Local Network in Guatemala

(Guatemala City, 7 December 2015) – On 7 December, Guatemala City celebrated the launch of Global Compact Network Guatemala. The launch was marked by the official signing of the Letter of Intent between the UN Global Compact in New York and Local Network Representative Jorge Escoto, in the presence of  the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director and Representative of Global Compact Network Colombia, Mauricio López.

The landmark event was attended by over 80 representatives of the Guatemalan business community, representatives from the UN, civil society, academia, Government and the public sector.

Mr. López and Mr. Escoto presented opening remarks, relaying an optimistic message about the crucial role Guatemalan business can play in advancing sustainability. Mr. López outlined the objectives of the Global Compact in relation to the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while an international consulting firm presented on the strategic role that Local Networks can play in achieving global objectives.

Later in the day, a workshop exploring a strategic bottom-up approach to sustainable business practices was attended by more than 50 multi-stakeholder representatives. An effective, integrated local-global methodology utilized by other Local Networks was outlined for the benefit of participants and served as a starting point to identify local engagement opportunities. It also laid the groundwork for incorporating the Global Compact’s Ten Principles into participants’ business models and provided a roadmap for engagement on the SDGs.

• See UNDP Press Release
• Learn more about Global Compact Local Networks
• Learn more about the role of Local Networks in implementing the SDGs