Latest news with #UNGlobalCompact
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
UN Global Compact Launches Central Asia Network to Drive SDG Progress
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- The UN Global Compact announced the official launch of its new Country Network for Central Asia yesterday in Kazakhstan, a multi-country office that will serve Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This landmark initiative will connect more than 140 participant companies in the region with the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, equipping them with the tools, resources and framework needed to advance sustainable business practices and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. "Central Asia sits at a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and is entering a period of rapid economic and political transformation," said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "By launching a Country Network here, we are anchoring responsible investment and sustainability into this dynamic corridor, and harnessing the region's untapped private-sector potential to drive green growth, improve transparency and foster social cohesion." Until now, efforts in sustainability, corporate governance and SDG implementation have largely operated in silos across the five countries. The Central Asia Network will establish a cross-border platform that advances the modernization agenda of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazahstan, by accelerating the green-economy transition, enhancing business transparency, and promoting accountable foreign investment — ensuring private-sector initiatives deliver tangible impact. With over 60 percent of the population under the age of 30, the Network will also serve as a vital bridge between global standards and the aspirations of local entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises and next-generation leaders. "At this pivotal moment, businesses in Central Asia must seize the first-mover advantage to set their own sustainability agenda," said Dinara Seijaparova, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Central Asia Network. "The UN Global Compact will convene government, business and civil society across Central Asia to build trust, foster cross-border partnerships and unlock billions in investment for the SDGs — ensuring that economic growth goes hand-in-hand with social inclusion and environmental resilience." The launch of the Central Asia Country Network reflects the UN Global Compact's commitment to regional empowerment and localized implementation of global agendas, in line with ongoing UN reform priorities. It follows the establishment of two new Country Networks in 2024 and brings the total number of Country Networks worldwide to 64. Notes to Editors The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 64 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
UN Global Compact Launches Coalition for Sustainable Procurement to Drive Supply Chain Transformation
NEW YORK, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- The UN Global Compact today launched the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement, a groundbreaking initiative to elevate procurement as a central lever for advancing sustainable business and driving business value and competitiveness. Anchored in the UN Global Compact's Sustainable Supply Chains & SMEs Programme, the Coalition brings together companies committed to embedding sustainability across their procurement practices — ensuring that supply chains are not only more efficient, but also more equitable, inclusive and resilient. Procurement remains one of the most powerful — yet underutilized — functions in shaping corporate sustainability. Despite growing recognition of the need for responsible business, procurement is often siloed from broader sustainability efforts. Yet when sustainability is fully integrated into procurement, it not only drives cost efficiency but also opens up new revenue streams — creating a financial multiplier that underscores the strategic value of sustainable sourcing. The Coalition aims to bridge this gap by convening Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and public sector leaders to collectively shape a future in which procurement is fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "The Coalition for Sustainable Procurement is not just about changing supply chains — it's about changing systems," said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "By putting sustainability at the heart of sourcing decisions, we can drive transformation across entire industries and geographies. This Coalition will be a powerful platform to elevate procurement leaders as sustainability champions and ensure that even the smallest suppliers are part of a just and inclusive global economy." The founding member companies will be announced during a high-level dialogue on 25 September 2025 at the iconic Chrysler Building in New York. The flagship event will gather CPOs, CSOs, and ministers to identify shared challenges, opportunities, and pathways for strengthening sustainable procurement practices. This public-private roundtable will mark the first in a series of engagements designed to accelerate knowledge sharing, foster innovation and drive action across corporate supply networks. In its inaugural year, the Coalition will release a State of Sustainable Procurement analysis, build a practical framework for sustainable procurement and co-create guidance and tools for implementation. It will also formally engage ecosystem partners — including policy makers, UN agencies, industry platforms and civil society organizations — to deepen collaboration and align efforts for systemic impact. While the Coalition is mobilizing leadership from key industries and strategic supply chains, it is equally committed to fostering inclusive participation across sectors and company sizes. As part of its mission to engage 100,000 businesses by 2030, the Coalition will work closely with SMEs and suppliers, ensuring they have access to the tools, knowledge and opportunities needed to thrive in a sustainable economy. Organizations interested in supporting or learning more about the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement are welcome to reach out to the UN Global Compact Sustainable Supply Chains & SMEs Team at [email protected]. Notes to Editors About the UN Global Compact The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UN Global Compact Network USA Appoints Amanda Gardiner as New Executive Director
Meta's Former Head of ESG to Steer the U.S. Chapter of the World's Largest Corporate Sustainability Initiative NEW YORK, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amanda Gardiner has been appointed Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network USA (Network USA), the American chapter of the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, by its Board of Directors. Gardiner, a social impact leader whose career spans over two decades, has successfully led efforts to integrate sustainability into core business strategies and operations. Most recently, she served as the first Head of ESG at Meta, driving strategy and implementation efforts at a transformative time in the technology sector. Prior to Meta, Gardiner led corporate responsibility at both Verizon and Pearson, advising their boards and C-suites on embedding sustainability and social impact into business practices. "After an extensive recruitment process and thoughtful deliberation, we are thrilled to welcome Amanda as the next Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network USA," said Ann Tracy, Network USA Board Chair and Chief Sustainability Officer at Colgate-Palmolive Company. "Her experience, strategic insight, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of the sustainability landscape made her the clear choice to guide the organization into its next phase of growth and engagement for all our current and future participants." With participants representing more than 18% of U.S. GDP, Network USA has elevated its corporate programs, grown its team, and steadily expanded its network to nearly 1,000 signatories. Gardiner's appointment marks an inflection point as the organization seeks to enhance its programmatic offerings and establish deeper engagement with the U.S. private sector in driving the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact forward. "At this defining moment for business and sustainability globally, Network USA's role in supporting U.S. companies in a rapidly evolving and interconnected landscape is more important than ever," said Gardiner. "It is an honor to take on this position, and I look forward to working with our network participants, Board, and staff to advance sustainability initiatives, accelerate progress, and shape the future of responsible business leadership." Her appointment comes at a milestone moment for the UN Global Compact, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. Focused on elevating the leadership of the U.S. private sector, Network USA supports companies on their sustainability journeys while fueling operational resilience, innovation, and business growth. By delivering actionable resources and guidance, Network USA puts American businesses at the forefront of global sustainability, reinforcing their role as leaders in responsible business. About UN Global Compact Network USA UN Global Compact Network USA (Network USA) is the U.S. Chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. Network USA is a powerful network of companies and stakeholders dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. By connecting partners with the resources of the greater UN, Network USA supports companies that are committed to fully integrating its principles of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption into their business strategies and operations. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE UN Global Compact Network USA Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UN Global Compact CMO Blueprint for Sustainable Growth Takes Centre Stage at Cannes Lions
First-of-Its-Kind Guide Empowering CMOs to Drive Sustainable Business Growth and Impact CANNES, France, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the world's preeminent gathering of creative and marketing leaders, the United Nations Global Compact today unveiled the CMO Blueprint for Sustainable Growth — a unifying framework to mobilize Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and brand leaders with actionable guidance to harness sustainability as a driver of business growth and lasting impact. As brand stewards, value creators, and powerful communicators, CMOs and marketing leaders have the influence to shape perception, shift behavior, and help align business and brand growth with long-term societal and environmental value. Developed by the UN Global Compact CMO Think Lab — a working group of global marketing leaders — the Blueprint advances three core ambitions: Establish a unified, principles-based framework for sustainable marketing Provide an industry benchmark to assess progress, identify gaps and accelerate action Build a collaborative ecosystem of brands, experts and partners committed to reshaping the future of marketing and sustainability "The need for action has never been greater — and neither has the opportunity," said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "The CMO Blueprint for Sustainable Growth is both a call to action and a practical roadmap. It reflects the collective insight and ambition of marketing leaders around the world who are ready to lead businesses toward a more just, inclusive and resilient future." The Blueprint is structured around five strategic pillars — growth strategy, brand strategy, innovation, communications, advertising and media, and collaboration and partnerships. Together, these pillars support a collaborative ecosystem anchored by the CMO Blueprint online hub. This hub connects brands, experts, and stakeholders to share knowledge, case studies, and resources — helping marketing teams embed sustainability into strategy, drive long-term value creation and accelerate transformation at scale. "CMOs and marketing leaders have a vital role to play in driving sustainable growth and advancing corporate sustainability strategies," said Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS. "Every June, Cannes Lions brings together the world's most influential creative minds and we invite our community to be part of something bigger to collaboratively build a sustainable future. This blueprint provides a key opportunity for our industry to harness its boundless creativity and pioneer solutions that will echo far beyond Cannes Lions." Cannes Lions participants can explore the CMO Blueprint throughout the Festival (16–20 June) at the EverGrow greenhouse activation happening at the LIONS Sustainability Hub. This is the Festival's new home, in partnership with ACT Responsible, for inspirational work, ideas for practical action and a place to meet like-minded individuals. In addition, the CMO Blueprint will be launched on 19 June at 15:30 CET on the Lions Terrace Stage, featuring a high-level conversation with Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Mastercard; Cristina Diezhandino, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo and Khensani Nobanda, Chief Marketing Officer, Nedbank. To download the Blueprint and learn more, visit: Notes to Editors About the UN Global CompactThe ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative—one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at UN Global Compact CMO Think Lab The United Nations Global Compact is convening an esteemed group of CMOs to advise on the challenges, opportunities, and needs of global marketing leaders as part of the first-ever CMO Think Lab. This group will design a roadmap that will inform future programming, empowering CMOs with the knowledge and tools needed to drive sustainable growth and positive impact. The CMO Think Lab is by invitation only. It offers a small group of leading organizations a collaborative space to actively contribute to the development of thought leadership content through interactive workshops, consultations, calls, webinars and other activities. Learn more: SOURCE United Nations Global Compact 登入存取你的投資組合
Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
HCDSB Empowers Youth Voices at First-Ever Elementary Equity Symposium
Grade 7 students from across the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) came together recently for a day of learning, leadership and inclusion at the board's first-ever Elementary Student Equity Symposium. Held under the theme 'Take Space – Make Space,' the event welcomed 204 students and more than 45 staff supervisors from 43 schools, marking a significant milestone in the board's equity and inclusion efforts. The day-long symposium, designed to empower students to express their identities and build inclusive communities, featured three interactive workshops and was supported by 17 staff volunteers and six student volunteers. 'The 'Take Space – Make Space' theme reflects our Catholic values of dignity, compassion, and inclusion,' said Sita Jayaraman, Senior Manager of Human Rights and Equity. 'While similar symposiums have been held at the secondary level, we saw an opportunity to engage elementary students in building confidence in their identity, while supporting inclusive school communities through young leaders.' Participants, many from equity-deserving groups or with lived experiences tied to diversity, took part in workshops that blended creative expression, community engagement, and leadership skill-building. In Creative Collaboration, Matthew Morales, Community Engagement Specialist from the UN Global Compact, led students through a hands-on design process exploring diversity and collaboration. In Introduction to Leadership, facilitators from Rising Stars guided students through exercises on self-awareness, community-building, and youth empowerment. In Power of Diversity, presenters from The Ripple Effect Education offered a space for storytelling and reflection, focusing on how diverse voices can create stronger communities. 'The symposium aligns closely with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan pillar of Belonging,' said Jayaraman. 'It supports our commitment to safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools where every student's identity and voice is welcomed and valued.' The initiative also responds to priorities identified in the board's 2023 Equity Audit, including the need for affinity spaces for equity-deserving students. The Equity and Inclusive Education Policy, another guiding document, further underpins the board's approach to events like this. The impact of the day was clear in student feedback. 'They shared that the event helped them feel more connected, and they were inspired with new ideas—encouraging them to promote inclusion and compassion in their own school communities,' said Jayaraman. With the success of this year's symposium, HCDSB is now considering options to expand the program and make it an annual event. The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, a celebration of identity, and a strong reminder of the important role young people play in shaping equitable and inclusive school communities. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
