Swiss Global Compact Partnership
The private sector has a central role to play in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through joint action with other stakeholders. The consolidation of the Global Compact Network Switzerland (GCNS) is an important gateway for the SDC in Switzerland to strengthen the implementation of responsible and sustainable business practices by the highly internationalized Swiss private sector, particularly in developing countries and fragile contexts, and to promote its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Global |
Employment & economic development
Business support & economic inclusion
|
15.02.2019
- 31.12.2022 |
CHF 850’000
|
- The business membership base has grown steadily and has consolidated through business diversity (sector/size)
- The GCNS offers advisory services on responsibility and sustainability frameworks, particularly for sensitive sectors and fragile contexts
- Regular and substantive interaction of the GCNS members with NGO, academia and the public sector on sustainability issues is established
- The GCNS has actively supported business in acquiring knowledge on sustainable business practices and in implementing it
- An initiative, involving SDC and one or several members of the GNCS has been facilitated and lead to action
- Other Swiss Non-profit Organisation
- UN Global Compact (SDC /Global Institutions)
- The Swiss administration, in particular the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO, Division international investment and multinational enterprises), and the FDFA’s Human Security Division (HSD)
- Cantons
- NGOs, academia
- Business associations and schools
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Business support services and institutions
Cross-cutting topics Human rights
The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Core contribution
Project number 7F10084
Background | Corporate Social Responsibility approaches and Responsible Business Conduct frameworks abound, as do the commitments made by businesses to the SDG. Yet the implementation and the impact of sustainable business practices are not straightforward, and in spite of public pressure, a lot remains to be explored and done by the private sector. In Switzerland, public-private platforms such as the GCNS are are highly valuable to promote sustainable business more broadly, to stimulate the dialogue and provide tools to businesses to effectively engage on a pathway to sustainability. This is particularly relevant to poorer and vulnerable populations in developing countries, which are disproportionatly affected by negative impacts of business operations or undue practices in global value chains. |
Objectives | The implementation of responsible and sustainable business practices reduces negative impacts and enhances positive effects of Swiss business, notably on poorer and vulnerable population groups in developing contexts. |
Target groups |
Swiss private sector /international enterprises in Switzerland, in particular small and medium enterprises. |
Medium-term outcomes |
O1: The GCNS is consolidated as a convening platform for sustainable business and engages as a credible broker between business and other stakeholders on sustainable development and on the SDG O2: Responsible and sustainable business frameworks and practices are promoted by strategic partners of the GCNS, and are increasingly implemented by members O3: Selected initiatives involving SDC and GCNS members are established and contributions for the strengthening of local GC networks in developing countries are made |
Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: The GCNS is increasingly perceived by business as an active platform and facilitator in relation to sustainability issues The GNCS plays an important role in bringing together different frameworks and principles (UN, OECD, 2030 Agenda) to the private sector. The GCNS is fully operational thanks to the establishment of a proactive secretariat, a well-functioning governance structure and a substantial increase of paying members |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Credit area |
Development cooperation |
Project partners |
Contract partner Swiss Non-profit Organisation Other partners Global Compact Network Switzerland (GCNS) |
Coordination with other projects and actors |
|
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 850’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 847’215 |
Project phases |
Phase
2
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2026
(Current phase)
Phase 1 15.02.2019 - 31.12.2022 (Completed) |