Global Compact Network Kenya held its 9th Annual General Assembly in Nairobi.
The Assembly brought together over 70 UN Global Compact participants from Kenya to discuss our collective progress in driving sustainable development in Kenya.
The meeting was Chaired by Martin Ochien’g and attended by Board members, Kariuki Ngari, Vice Chair and (CEO, Standard Chartered Bank) (Jane Karuku (Group MD & CEO EABL) Abdi Mohammed (CEO ABSA), Jonty Van Zeller (MD Alamaya Group) Flora Mutahi (CEO Melvin Marsh International Ltd) Sheila Masinde (Executive Director Transparency International Kenya) and Judy Njino (Executive Director Global Compact Network Kenya)
In his opening address, Mr. Ochieng, noted that in 2022, Global Compact Network Kenya registered significant progress in advancing the sustainability agenda in the country. “We noted the enthusiastic participation of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in our global movement, underscoring the importance of sustainability even in times of crises”.
Further, he was pleased to observe that the voice of business leaders drawn from participating companies were amplified in various forums across the globe, a confirmation that our contributions matter in providing solutions to global challenges. He concluded by pledging his support and that of the Board to steer the organization and tag everyone along towards this 2030 vision.
Speaking during the forum, Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director, Judy Njino shed light on key trends around sustainability and the growing stakeholder expectations for corporate accountability in addressing societal and environmental challenges. With less than 7 years left in the Decade of Action, she challenged the private sector to aim higher, and committed support through the Global Compact Network Kenya.
During the year under review, the Kenya Network attracted 47 new participants and rolled out several programmes and initiatives centred around Human Rights, Labour and Decent Work, Anti-Corruption and Transformational Governance, Gender Equality, SDG integration, Climate Change and Supply Chain Sustainability.
Four (4) UN Global Compact participants were also recognized for their efforts using business as a force for good to advance the 17 SDGs.
Catherine Gichungu, CEO Caly Flora was recognized as the 2023 SDG Pioneer and among the 12 Global SDG Pioneers honoured at the UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit. Juliana Wanjiru, General Manager Communications and Innovation at KWFT was also recognized as the 2023 SDG Pioneer from Kenya. The recognition for the Most Engaged Company category went to KenGen, while Most engaged Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) went to Sybl Kenya.
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