The Global Compact Launches Caribbean Network

In May 2024, the UN Global Compact launched its latest network: The Global Compact Network Caribbean.

This launch was a result of many years of building support in close collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, as well as local business communities.

The launch of the Caribbean Network advances support for Caribbean companies by offering essential resources, practical tools, and peer engagement opportunities. This initiative will help advance business objectives and contribute to the second half of Agenda 2030. 

Caribbean economies are uniquely placed to act as strong advocates for climate justice, sustainable development financing, and the preservation of biodiversity. 

“Establishing the Regional Caribbean Network is a critical step towards leveraging the unique position of Caribbean economies as advocates for climate justice, sustainable development financing, and biodiversity preservation."  
— Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. 

Establishing a regional Global Compact Network in the Caribbean is critical for the Compact to grow its regional presence and better mobilize the private sector to support Caribbean sustainable development priorities in collaboration with UN, Government and private sector commitments.

Additionally, SMEs, or medium-sized enterprises, play a huge role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Businesses in the Caribbean are uniquely positioned to realize the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact. The new network fosters enabling environments through CEO engagement and policy advocacy, addressing the region's unique opportunities and challenges.

With this launch, the Caribbean Network joins the previous existing 8 Networks (Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina), that is, the total number now is 9 — and marks the milestone of reaching 62 Global Compact Country Networks globally, covering 73 countries. 

While challenges remain in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, there is an opportunity for progress in the Caribbean region.

The Caribbean Network is set to catalyze transformative change to drive regional development and sustainability.