Addis Ababa — The UN Global Compact took a major step forward today in improving accountability and integrity measures of Global Compact Local Networks at the XII Annual Local Network Forum (ALNF).
Held in Addis Ababa, the ALNF set the stage for future growth of the Global Compact in countries around the world - as a way to foster a bottom-up approach to sustainable development - by enhancing governance measures, and presenting new tools and guidelines to build the capacity of Local Networks in their daily operations.
To enhance accountability, the Global Compact introduced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which includes measures to: (1) require annual activity and financial reporting by networks; (2) improve alignment with the Global Compact integrity measures, particularly around logo usage and dialogue facilitation; and (3) strengthen support to Local Networks by outlining 18 responsibilities of the Global Compact Office, including increased communications and disclosure of activities and finances, and support to networks through recruitment and participant training.
Several tools and resources were launched during today's meeting, including the annual Global Compact Local Network Report 2013 - a compendium of achievements, activities and data showcasing the work of Local Networks to advance corporate sustainability around the world. The report includes contributions from over 50 networks and provides a regional overview of work being carried out related to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, as well as local launches of Global Compact initiatives, such as Business for Peace (B4P), confirming the role of Local Networks in translating global issues into local action. A special section on the Post-2015 Development Agenda highlights how networks from over 30 countries hosted dialogues and delivered the local perspective to discussions on the United Nations' future global development agenda. Additionally, a Local Network Engagement Framework was introduced to help Local Networks engage companies and broker partnerships on key issues.
In order to recognize and reconcile the diverse nature of 100 independently managed and governed Local Networks, the Global Compact introduced a Local Network Progression Model. The model aims to provide a clear trajectory for networks, and outlines different levels of general support and capacity building depending on the size of the network, business priorities, governance structure, available resources and level of engagement.
The Annual Local Network Forum kicked off a week-long series of events co-hosted by the UN Global Compact and partners - UN Economic Commission for Africa, UN Development Programme, UN OCHA and WIPO - to promote responsible business in Africa and to explore activities and partnerships between companies, the UN, civil society, Governments and Global Compact Local Networks to advance sustainable development, with a special focus on the African continent. For more information, please visit http://www.unglobalcompact.org/NetworksAroundTheWorld/Global_Compact_in_Africa.html.
