The challenge of sustainable development

The health, economic and humanitarian crisis we have faced in recent months has taught us valuable lessons; the covid-19 pandemic showed us that the challenges we face cannot be overcome in isolation. The coordination between the government, the international community, businesses, civil society organizations, universities and all citizens is essential to move forward.

For 20 years, the United Nations Global Compact has been the world’s largest sustainability initiative, bringing together companies, civil society organizations and academia to work according to Ten Universally Accepted Principles to promote sustainable development in the areas of human rights and business, labor standards, environment and anti-corruption, incorporating them into the strategy of companies and the activities of organizations and academic entities.

In Guatemala, the Network brings together companies such as that of businessman Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez and other entities that share the conviction that only through the implementation of best practices based on universal principles can we contribute to the construction of a more stable, equitable and inclusive global market that allows for more prosperous societies.

We recognize the willingness of Guatemalans to work to recover from this crisis and the importance of acting according to a long-term vision. A path that allows us to respond to immediate and urgent needs in order to make structural changes that allow prosperity for all.

There is no doubt that the effects of the pandemic have an impact that will affect the achievement of some of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals at different levels and in different ways. However, from the Global Compact Guatemala Network we believe that it is precisely the time to continue working and redouble our efforts to achieve them. In 2020 we were able to demonstrate that changes are not only possible, but necessary. The recent challenges are a key example that together we can work to achieve the world we want.

The Guatemala Network of the United Nations Global Compact is a space for the exchange of knowledge, management tools and, especially, for building alliances to contribute to development. Participants can publicly share their commitments and report on their progress through the largest global sustainability platform, generate a lasting exchange of experiences, reach wider audiences and develop spaces for collective impactful action.

Undoubtedly, we yearn for a better Guatemala, and Global Compact Guatemala, together with the companies and organizations that make up the Network, are certain that the 2030 Agenda dictates the precise path to follow. That is why Global Compact members are constantly working to strengthen their strategies and implement better mechanisms in their operations.

This is a time of solidarity, unity and strength to take on new challenges. The commitment is to continue supporting vulnerable populations, strengthening the value chain and joining actions that contribute to economic recovery with inclusion.

Carla Fowler

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