The Sustainability Learning Forum

The UN Global Compact in the MENA Region

Matthias Stausberg, United Nations Global Compact

For a few years after the Global Compact’s launch in 2000, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remained uncharted territory for the initiative. This changed in 2003, when the first efforts were undertaken to promote the Global Compact in Egypt. A high-level launch took place in Cairo in February 2004, resulting in the participation of more than 50 companies, including many of Egypt’s leading corporations. more[...] login_required

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Business and Climate Change

Lila Karbassi, UN Global Compact

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called climate change “the defining challenge of our time” – for good reasons. Climate change is the most pressing and disruptive issue the world is facing today. It affects every aspect of society, from energy resources and water sustainability to public health, food security, and even human security. more[...] login_required

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The UNGC has clearly exceeded all expectations that were generated when it was first launched

Dr. Rajendra-Kumar Pachauri, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

I am delighted to write on the occasion of the UN Global Compact’s 10th anniversary 2000–2010 and the publication of the Global Compact International Yearbook 2010. The UN Global Compact has clearly exceeded all expectations that were generated when it was first launched. It is becoming increasingly clear that the most intractable problems facing human society can only be solved if business and corporate organizations become an important part of the solution. more[...] login_required

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Sustainable development is, simply put, a synonym for sccessful globalization

Joschka Fischer, Joschka Fischer and Company

Sustainable development is, simply put, a synonym for successful globalization – that is, a globalization that enhances our well-being comprehensively and therefore passes the test of time. As foreign minister during the time of the founding of the Global Compact 10 years ago, I wholeheartedly welcomed this voluntary, business-driven initiative. more[...] login_required

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With more than 7.500 organizations in 130 countries, not other initiative can boast similar geographical range

Huguette Labelle, Transparancy International

In 2004 when the Global Compact added the 10th Principle, the anti-corruption movement gained a singularly important ally as well as a powerful platform for tackling corruption across the globe. With more than 7,500 organizations in 130 countries, no other initiative can boast similar geographical reach and such a wide range of participants, including so many small and medium-sized enterprises. more[...] login_required

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We especially appreciate the GC's efforts in tracking and formalizing private sector commitments to environmental responsible

Tensie Whelan, Rainforest Alliance

Congratulations to the UN Global Compact on a decade of successfully engaging the private sector in sustainable development – a goal we at the Rainforest Alliance share. As an organization aimed in large part at transforming business practices worldwide, we especially appreciate the Global Compact’s efforts in tracking and formalizing private sector commitments to environmentally responsible and sustainable practices. more[...] login_required

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The implementation of the Ten Priciples of the GC makes the UN Family a more sustainable sphere

Prof. Klaus Töpfer, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS)

For 10 years the United Nations Global Compact has been one of the most important UN initiatives to sharpen the international discussion about sustainable development, human rights, and environmental stability, including global warming. The various initiatives and stories concerning the activities of the Global Compact were first documented in the Global Compact International Yearbook 2009. more[...] login_required

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The UN Global Compact has played a crucial part for a sustanable development

Ernst R. Ligteringen, Global Reporting Initiative

As the United Nations Global Compact celebrates its 10th anniversary, it serves us well to reflect upon the substantial advances made in the corporate commitment to sustainable development over the past 10 years in which the UN Global Compact has played a crucial part. more[...] login_required

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There is now a critical mass of institutional investors who believe CSR is important to the long-term financial success of their investments

Dr. James Gifford, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

There is now a critical mass of institutional investors who believe management of corporate responsibility is important to the long-term financial success of their investments. Hundreds of investors are now integrating a range of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues in decision-making processes, as well as in the ongoing dialogue they have with investee companies. more[...] login_required

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The Global Compact hat worked to ensure that markets advance in ways that benefit economies and societies around the world

Paul Dickinson, Carbon Disclosure Project

On this, the UN Global Compact’s 10th anniversary, I am delighted to extend my congratulations and contribute to the Global Compact International Yearbook 2010. The UN Global Compact has for 10 years worked to ensure that markets, commerce, technology, and finance advance in ways that benefit economies and societies around the world. more[...] login_required

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The Global Compact has developed into a permanent Institiution

Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul

Ten years ago, when the UN Secretary-General initiated the Global Compact in New York, no one expected to see the global economic developments that we face today. And today, when we are battling the consequences of the global economic crisis, we must respect the ten principles of the Global Compact more than ever and promote them internationally. more[...] login_required

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Messages

When the UN Global Compact celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2010 it was a milestone for the cooperation of the United Nations with the private sector. In this section we gathered testimonials from important stakeholders. more[...] login_required

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Notable Shift Towards Holistic Understanding of CSR

Matthias Stausberg, United Nations Global Compact

It took its time but the Global Compact has become increasingly important in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) over the last couple of years. UNGC spokesperson Matthias Stausberg explains in our interview that the understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a value driver is typical for the whole region. more[...]

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The Global Compact in the Emirates

Habiba Al Marashi, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG)

In just 20 years, the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have transformed themselves from deeply traditional nations that depended largely on oil revenues to booming metropolises with rapidly growing and diversified economies. The transformation – especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been staggering; once home to a small and tight knit society, the UAE today boasts over 202 different nationalities, making it one of the most diverse nations in the world. more[...]

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