Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Buenos Aires, 6 November 2014) – The two-day Global Compact Local Networks Regional Meeting - Americas concluded today in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hosted by Global Compact Network Argentina, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary, the annual meeting was attended by 11 Local Networks from Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Mexico, Peru, emerging networks from Nicaragua and Guatemala, as well as the Regional Center for the Support of Global Compact in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Local Networks from Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Nicaragua introduced their Strategic Working Plans based on the ongoing process of adapting the Post-2015 Business Engagement Architecture in their local contexts and identifying the most relevant opportunities to contribute to the sustainable development agenda. Participants also received an update on the Post-2015 Agenda and Phase II of the Architecture developed by the UN Global Compact.

Participants had the opportunity to discuss the governance structure between the UN Global Compact Office in New York and Local Networks, with an aim to strengthen the global-local link within the initiative, particularly as it pertains to recruitment and fundraising efforts. Updates on major decisions taken at the last Annual Local Network Forum (ALNF) were discussed, and a consultation process was initiated during which Local Networks will provide input on the Local Network Progression Model, Engagement Framework, Local Network Management Toolkit and the Local Network Award criteria.

Ahead of the annual Regional Meeting, the IV Business Forum of the Global Compact in Latin America and the Caribbean was convened in Buenos Aires. Organized by the Regional Center for the Support of Global Compact in Latin America and the Caribbean, together with Global Compact Network Argentina and the Ministry of Labour of the Government of Argentina, the event focused on issues related to human and labour rights.

UN Global Compact Executive Director Georg Kell gave keynote remarks on the Post-2015 Business Engagement Architecture, global trends on corporate sustainability and opportunities for corporate value generation in the region.

The event gave participants an opportunity for policy dialogues between public and private sectors at the highest level and to find common ground on several sustainability issues.

• See Regional Meeting agenda
• Learn more about Global Compact Local Networks

Contacts

Walid Nagi
Head of Local Networks
UN Global Compact
nagi@un.org

Javier Cortés
Regional Network Manager, Americas
UN Global Compact
cortesj@un.org