UN Global Compact Launches Local Network in Sweden

(Stockholm, 22 March 2018) – The United Nations Global Compact held an event in Stockholm on 22 March to commemorate the official launch of Global Compact Network Sweden. The launch event brought together over 100 participants and included a diverse group of speakers from the Swedish business community to discuss plans and aspirations for working with Network Sweden locally and the UN Global Compact around the world.

Lise Kingo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, attended the event to highlight the important role Global Compact Local Networks play in mobilizing a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want.

Many of the Swedish companies joining Network Sweden were originally part of Global Compact Network Nordic Countries. Launched in 2009, the Networks includes Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland. The Nordic Network provides companies in the region with the ability to collaborate on common challenges and work towards embedding the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into strategies and operations.

As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes greater opportunities for national implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the five Nordic countries are moving towards a model of establishing independent, national Local Networks in their respective countries.

Following the launch of the Danish Network in October 2017, Global Compact Network Sweden pledges to bring local businesses together to advance responsible business and the SDGs at the country-level. Global Compact Network Nordic Countries will continue to exist as a knowledge-sharing platform for the five original country members.

Swedish participants warmly welcomed the new Local Network and expressed a hope to engage more in the future. In a survey conducted prior to the establishment of the Swedish Network, two-thirds of participants indicated interest in the new Network, with many expressing a desire for the Network to be a platform to share experiences and knowledge as well as an opportunity to address Swedish-specific and sector specific-issues.

The new board for Global Compact Network Sweden is filled by nine individuals from different business sectors in the region. Erik Belfrage serves as Chairman of the Board.