The UN Global Compact is uniquely prepared and positioned to lead business in the SDG era,” said UNGCNT Coordinator Emmanuel Nnko. “Achieving the SDGs will require unique cooperation, radical innovation and extraordinary leadership. That means taking personal and corporate responsibility for how we do business and who we choose as our staff and partners. It means taking stock of our decisions as consumers and investors. It means raising our voices and taking a stand when it matters. The United Nations Global Compact is the forum to make all this happen

Speaking at the event Dr. Aggrey Mlimuka – GCNT Ag. Chairman said “It is clear, that with a puzzle (environmental, social, and governance challenges) this large, governments cannot solve it alone. Together with the public sector and civil society, business plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development”

Speaking at the event Ernest Salla - UNDP, Program Specialist & Head of Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Livelihood Pillar said “I count on Tanzanian companies to take lead on GCNT through embracing the ten principles and advancing the sustainable development goals” 

Opening the Meeting, Ludovick J. Nduhiye, deputy permanent secretary at Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, underscores the urgency of business to act more responsibly engagement on sustainability practices. “Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact”. 

Representatives of private sector, civil society presented concrete examples of their company’s contribution to advance different areas of sustainable development, from providing a platform for discussing sustainability challenges and identifying best practices, to developing technical guidelines and providing trainings, and engaging in policy advocacy

Global Compact Network Tanzania and UNDP subsequently agreed that, while the Network provides momentum to the businesses, Civil society, government and media to discuss and learn their major roles in advancing sustainable practices and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but opened further opportunities for collaboration with private sector, government, UN agencies, civil societies and development partners. Through their extensive networks, Private Sector players and Civil Societies they serve as key platforms for sharing knowledge and know-how on integrating sustainability measures into company operations

UNGCNT works on engaging the private sector’s resources and expertise in boosting economic development. Its Inclusive Business Solution initiative invites private sector to channel their resources allocated under Corporate Social Responsibility to development projects for impact on shared economic growth.

Under the UNDP Country Programme Document for Tanzania 2017 - 2020, UNDP is supporting the establishment and consolidation of UN Global Compact Network Tanzania. One of the outcomes is that the economy is increasingly transformed for greater pro-poor inclusiveness, competitiveness and increased opportunities for decent and productive employment.