Secretary-General's remarks at UN Global Compact Board Meeting [as prepared for delivery]

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Lise Kingo, Distinguished Global Compact Board Members,

Good morning. I am very pleased to be with you today.

We are meeting at an exciting time, as the Compact prepares to set off on its journey to 2030, with the overarching priority of mobilizing responsible businesses to help deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. 

I have had the privilege of watching closely as the Global Compact has grown and matured over nearly ten years as Secretary-General.

This is one of the most successful initiatives launched by the United Nations. Although it was established under my predecessor, Kofi Annan, it has expanded very significantly during my time in office. 

I have visited more than two dozen Local Networks on travels around the world.

I have launched eight issue platforms for companies – many of which are making an enormous difference in areas including peace and security, climate, gender, water, and management education.

Later today, I will open the Global Compact Leaders’ Summit in the General Assembly for the fourth time.

All these activities reflect my strong faith in the Global Compact.

This concept resonates throughout the United Nations and with companies everywhere: do business right, take an active role in creating the world we want, and build partnerships to deliver progress. 

Around the world, recognition of these principles has grown over the past decade.

The importance of bringing all stakeholders together… The key role of business in preventing and mitigating the impact of climate change… The fundamental relationship between sustainable economic development and human rights… These ideas are now mainstream.

I know many of you have played a leading role in this shift, as Board Members and leaders of Local Networks. I thank you for your work building the Global Compact and advocating for its principles in your countries, and within your industries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Global Compact has come of age. It is now uniquely positioned as the entry point for business to the United Nations, as we embark on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The United Nations Global Compact must be an important driver in implementing both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

I strongly appreciate your leadership on Caring for Climate, your CEO Water Mandate initiative, and your other important platforms and programmes to promote sustainability, gender equality and human rights.

I am confident in the potential of the Global Compact and proud to pass the baton to my successor. It is clear that business can and must play a very positive role in advancing the SDGs, as you are highlighting in your campaign to make the Global Goals into local business.

The implementation of the 2030 Agenda also provides an opportunity to review the Global Compact. The Compact’s roots in UN principles and its role as a global standard setter for responsible business will be more important than ever in the coming years.

I am pleased that the Board will focus on the review underway to develop a new 2020 Global Compact strategy to support the vision of the SDGs, and I commend the wide consultations that have already taken place.

I urge you as Board members to provide guidance and support as we renew the Global Compact for the 2030 Agenda.

I ask you to be the ultimate Global Compact ambassadors, and to lead by example by bringing your supply chain, peers and industry associations to the table.

I thank Executive Director Lise Kingo and every Board member for your dedication and hard work.

I wish you every success in continuing the movement you have built.

I hope my successor will continue to back your efforts with as much enthusiasm as I have!  

Now I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.