Global Compact Network Kenya Welcomes Adoption of New Global Goals

By / Published September 28, 2015 | 9:18 am

The Global Compact Network Kenya has today welcomed the adoption of the global goals by the United Nations heads of states in New York. “The global goals will provide a powerful aspiration for improving our world laying out where we collectively need to go and how to get there.” said Network Representative and KAM Chief Executive, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), endorsed by 193 heads of states, will set off a chain reaction of national and local action on poverty, inequality, injustice and the protection of the planet over the next 15 years.

The SDGs are global in nature but will depend on national and local implementation if they are to succeed. “The Global Compact Kenya is dedicated to translating the SDGs for businesses locally and helping companies understand how they can leverage these goals to drive good practices and growth opportunities,” She added.

The Global compact is widely disseminating new resources such as the SDG Compass, SDG Industry Matrix and the Poverty Footprint to help companies take action.

In Kenya alone, over 100 businesses- both large and small- have heeded the call to integrate a culture of responsibility in their strategies, policies and procedures. The adoption of the SDGs by organizations is an added opportunity to stimulate innovation, investment, engagement and ultimately performance.

It is important to recognize that all SDGs may not be relevant to every business. The Kenya network has therefore zeroed in on Anti-corruption as one of the major challenges facing the country.

So far, The Global Compact Network Kenya has been instrumental in mobilizing business action in the fight against corruption. It is estimated that government loses up to 30% of its revenue annually to corruption. Most of this happens through collaboration with the private sector.

“Through the Kenya network, companies are auditing their own corporate behaviors and are using their influence to create ethical ecosystems through their supply chains” added Ms. Wakiaga.

The SDGs have been negotiated at the UN with widespread public input, including from companies participating in the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

To contribute to achieving the SDGs, the UN Global Compact asks companies to first do business responsibly and then pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges through business innovation and collaboration.