23 Jun

Elevating Ambition for Collective Action

Courtheath's blog
By

The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2021 was an important step toward creating a global roadmap for greater sustainable development.

CourtHeath was honoured to be part of the 20,000+ strong global contingent from 180+ countries that attended the 2021 UN Global Compact Leaders Summit last week. Over 26 hours, the virtual Summit offered a platform for business leaders, government representatives, academia, civil society and the United Nations to “engage in a crucial global conversation at the crucial time,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations, in his opening comments.

Addressing the converging crises of climate change, the COVID-19 global pandemic, social and economic inequality, and corruption, the Summit hoped to find new ways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in an increasingly uncertain world.

“If the past year has taught us anything,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, “it is that no-one is truly safe until everyone is safe.”

The Summit flowed flawlessly across topics, demographics, and global perspectives. Diversity and inclusivity were paramount, the presence of so many international voices across the speakers and participants incredibly exciting and inspiring. There was also time for some fun and for recharging energy amidst the serious and challenging topics with several dance party breaks! 

With 100+ Summit sessions, and 59 breakout sessions, there were plenty of opportunities to exchange knowledge and discuss collaborative approaches to make lasting, sustainable change. Sessions included Financing a Sustainable World, The Future Is Now, From Global Goals to Local Business, SDGs: The Business of Tomorrow and Next Stop 2030: How Do We Get There?

A standout all-Australian panel discussed the intersection of Anti-Corruption and Human Rights. Corruption is “intrinsically linked with each of the other SDGs as corruption affects the strength, accountability and inclusivity of institutions and demolishes their capacity to deliver sustainable development outcomes,” said Rachel Nicholson, Partner at Allen’s. Principle 10, the anti-corruption principle of the UN Global Compact, also inherently links to each of the other Global Compact principles. It is clear that sustainable development depends on businesses seeking to work against corruption in all its forms.

“We have never been so forewarned about things that are going to happen, yet also so forearmed with tools to do something about it,” said Paul Polman, Vice-Chair, UN Global Compact Board. “This is our moment to put our words into action.”

As Inger Anderson, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program stated, “Sustainability is on every level in the best interest of business.” We agree. A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath is committed to environmental sustainability and anti-corruption practices. More information on how CourtHeath is progressing on our commitment to the UN Global Compact Goals can be found here.

UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2021 resources:

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IMAGE: Used under licence from shutterstock.com

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Written by Wendy Cavenett and Elizabeth Tower

[category courtheath's blog]

[UN Global Compact, Leaders Summit 2021, climateaction]

CourtHeath Consulting

CourtHeath Consulting provides expert procurement and probity advice to government and not for profit organisations. We provide specialist consulting services about procurement issues and organisational procurement operations – as well as management of simple and complex tender processes. Our probity audit and advisory services help clients meet government probity standards especially regarding conflict of interest, confidentiality, ethical conduct and corruption risks.