25 April 2008
Windhoek — LOCAL corporate leaders, captains of industry and senior Government officials gathered in Windhoek on Wednesday to witness the launch of the country's UN Global Compact Network.
The newly launched business initiative is a global concept whereby companies integrate a number of social and environmental concerns into their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis, with the aim of advancing corporate social responsibility in the country.
The Namibian UN Global Compact Network will generally facilitate access to business information, tools and technical inputs through its strong relations with other UN entities, development agencies and civil society.
Speaking at the launch, the Secretary General of the Namibian Employers' Federation (NEF), Tim Parkhouse, said local participating companies would not only benefit from better public relations, but also from an increased understanding amongst their stakeholders of the private sector's potential as an agent for sustainable development.
"We believe there are many areas where firms can commit to their social responsibility, improve their relations with important stakeholders and customers, including their supply chains, up and downstream, and commercially benefit from the understanding and improving their social and environmental footprint," said Parkhouse.
"This is a voluntary business initiative.
All companies are subject to diverse market forces, a one-size-fits-all approach and strict compliance enforcements are counter-productive when trying to effect change within the private sector.
Within the Namibian UN Global Compact Network, companies can choose their mode of engagement, which may be either collectively or individually", he explained.
About 10 Namibian enterprises including the Agricultural Employers Association, Bank Windhoek, Deloitte & Touche Namibia, First National Bank Namibia, Namibia Beverages, NOSMENA (National Organisation for Small and Medium Enterprises), Ohlthaver & List Holdings, Pupkewitz Holdings, Shell Namibia and SMEs Compete have joined the business network initiative.
Nampa
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