Intelligent CXO Issue 07 | Page 55

REGIONAL ROUND-UP

AFRICA APAC EUROPE MIDDLE EAST NORTH AMERICA

UN GLOBAL COMPACT ANNOUNCES NEW AFRICA STRATEGY

The United Nations Global Compact , one of the world ’ s largest corporate sustainability initiatives , has announced its new Africa Strategy to advance corporate sustainability and scale up responsible business practices across the continent in support of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).

The Global Compact will pursue three strategic objectives in Africa : growing impact through focus ; driving inclusive impact ; and leveraging associations , supply chains and sources of capital .
With 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of US $ 3.5 trillion , Africa is one of the world ’ s biggest growth markets and its businesses are primed to play a pivotal role in the corporate sustainability movement .
Aiming to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business , the UN Global Compact Africa strategy 2021 – 2023 , aims to galvanise large and small companies across Africa to uphold the Ten Principles . The UN Global Compact principles-based approach means that businesses operate in ways that , at a minimum , meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights , labour , environment and anti-corruption .
“ The United Nations Global Compact is uniquely positioned to support companies on their journey to align their practices to a sustainable and inclusive future .
The Ten Principles on human rights , labour , the environment and anti-corruption offer a blueprint for businesses seeking to be part of the collective effort to build back stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic . Now is the time to scale up the global business community ’ s contributions to the 2030 agenda and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change . That is the overarching goal of the Global Compact strategic plan for 2021 through 2023 ,” said António Guterres , UN Secretary-General and Board Chair of the UN Global Compact .
The strategy is released ahead of the Climate Change Conference of Parties ( COP 27 ) in Africa in 2022 and as countries on the continent begin implementing the African Union ’ s agenda 2063 – a collective blueprint for transforming the African continent into a global powerhouse of the future .
Sanda Ojiambo , CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact , added : “ The private sector plays a critical role in the development of Africa and in realising the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ). Our new strategy for Africa will ensure businesses across the continent have access to the tools and partnerships they need to play their part in creating a resilient future while adhering to responsible and sustainable business practices .” x www . intelligentcxo . com
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