KazakhExport participates in UN Global Compact's business accelerator
The UN Global Compact’s SDG Ambition Business Accelerator, an innovative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable business practices, was held at the UN headquarters in Almaty.
The SDG Ambition Business Accelerator is a six-month educational program developed by UN experts and partners to expedite the integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into the strategic and operational aspects of businesses. From October 2023 to March 2024, a specialized training was organized for Central Asian countries, with representatives from 40 companies from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan taking part. Notably, KazakhExport was among the participants.
Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, highlighted, "The recent launch of the Business and Human Rights Accelerator in February and the upcoming Climate Ambition Accelerator in May underscore the growing interest from the local business community in these initiatives, reflecting their alignment with the international agenda. Business plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals."
Transitioning from donation-based partnerships to forging strategic business relationships, the UN has found the accelerator program to be an effective tool for stimulating growth, job creation, and fostering innovation to address societal issues. Moreover, it has played a crucial role in actively involving businesses in combating climate change. Presently, 62 companies from Kazakhstan are members of the UN Global Compact.
According to Ayan Bektybaeva, Deputy Chairman of the Board of KazakhExport, participation in the accelerator and the opportunity to enhance competencies and understand practical ways to implement the SDGs in the company's operations will enhance efficiency. It will help set strategic goals and promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in Kazakhstan. Bektybaeva emphasized, "The environmental and social issues encapsulated in each of the SDGs are pertinent and impact every sphere of activity. The company's commitment to the UN Global Compact and employee engagement in the SDG Ambition Accelerator serve to promote the world's best practices in sustainable development and responsible business conduct."
It is noteworthy that since 2017, KazakhExport has been a full-fledged participant in the UN Global Compact, the world's largest initiative in corporate social responsibility.
