(9 January 2015, New York) - The UN Global Compact Board concluded its first meeting of the year today to provide guidance on the future direction of the initiative. Chaired by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the biannual meeting focused on key priorities including Global Compact Local Networks, engagement of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and opportunities to go to scale. The meeting was held as the UN prepares to conclude a process in 2015 to develop a new sustainable development agenda and reach a global climate agreement - in which the private sector will play important roles.

The Secretary-General commended the UN Global Compact for its wide ranging efforts to drive the corporate sustainability movement - and encouraged Board members to do more to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a critical year for global action and leadership.

"I have never seen such a committed group of leaders…No organization is as committed, has such a strong solidarity and unity of purpose. You are really fit for purpose," he said. "Ending poverty, transforming lives and protecting the planet is not easy…I count on your strong support on this matter."

The Board, comprising high-level representatives from business, civil society, labour and the United Nations, discussed the critical need to employ more companies in the effort to advance sustainable development, ahead of the UN Global Compact's 15th Anniversary event in June 2015 and the high-level Summit on the SDGs to be held 25-27 September in New York.

Chaired by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the biannual Board meeting focused on the role of business in advancing the future Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaching a global climate agreement. (Photo Credit: UN Global Compact/Michael Dames)

The Secretary-General also noted the role of business in reaching a meaningful and universal climate agreement and called on the Board for its continued commitment: "I ask each of you to act as an ambassador for the Global Compact. We need companies everywhere to join us in becoming part of the global solution."

As part of the meeting, Board members also participated in a high-level luncheon, co-hosted by Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh, Finland and Tanzania to the United Nations. Featuring Deputy-Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and attended by approximately 30 Government representatives, the luncheon engaged participants on the contribution that responsible businesses and the UN Global Compact, especially through its Local Networks, can make to shape and advance the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The discussion also focused on the role of Governments in providing incentives for corporate action on the ground to implement the SDGs.

Kristen Coco
Public Affairs and Media Relations
UN Global Compact
cocok@un.org

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