As a key stakeholder of the UN Global Compact, Governments play an essential role in the success of the initiative. Governments from developed and developing countries alike are encouraged to engage with the UN Global Compact and discuss Governments’ priorities in harnessing the contribution of business to sustainable development.
- PARTICIPATE AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL WITH THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT:
The Government Group
The Government Group is composed of Member States representatives who meet bi-annually with UN Global Compact leadership and senior staff to provide strategic guidance, review progress and shape future plans and priorities.
Benefits of the Government Group
By engaging via the Global Compact, Government Group members have the opportunity to:
- Leverage the Global Network: Governments can utilize the extensive reach of the UN Global Compact, which includes regional hubs, country networks, and over 21,000 businesses worldwide, to support their plans.
- Harness UN Global Compact’s convening Power: The UN Global Compact organizes numerous events annually, engaging thousands of companies globally, which governments can leverage for collaboration and dialogue.
- Align with Priorities: The Compact’s strategies align with government priorities in areas like corporate social responsibility, climate action, gender equality, and sustainable finance, helping governments achieve their international cooperation goals.
- Collaborate with the Private Sector: Governments can work with businesses to implement UN decisions and mandates, improving lives in developing countries and supporting Official Development Assistance priorities.
- Explore Trade Opportunities: By tapping into the Compact’s network, governments can explore sustainable trade opportunities and market-based approaches to development.
- Support SMEs: The Compact helps improve support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for economic growth and sustainable development.
- Promote Responsible Business: Governments can access resources to promote international standards and best practices for responsible business conduct and sustainable investment.
- Bridge Supply and Demand: The Compact provides tools and platforms to help companies understand and meet sustainability requirements, bridging gaps between supply and demand.
- Engaging in Advocacy: Governments can participate in joint advocacy and multi-stakeholder dialogues to advance common interests at various levels.
- Shaping Future Plans: Governments can review the Compact’s progress and help shape its future plans and priorities through the UN Global Compact Board.
The Group of Friends
The Group of Friends is open to all Member States and offers a chance to learn about the work of the UN Global Compact in greater detail and explore opportunities for collaboration.
2. COUNTRY-LEVEL ACTION WITH COUNTRYNETWORKS: Located in 62 countries, the Global Compact Country Networks find opportunities for collaboration between Governments, private companies and UN and civil society to advance national SDG priorities and support local companies to operate responsibly. Of particular relevance is the Global Compact Country Networks' work on engaging businesses in their national SDG review processes and how data on businesses’ contributions to the Global Goals help inform Voluntary National Reviews.
3. PROGRAMMATIC COLLABORATION: Governments can also support the UN Global Compact thematic programmes and the Global Impact Initiatives, which convene experts from business, Government, civil society and UN agencies from all over the world to exchange knowledge and best practices in a wide range of sustainability challenges.
For more information, we invite you to contact the Government Relations team (email: governments@unglobalcompact.org)
