BCCI First Business Chamber in the Caribbean to sign UN Global Compact

The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has become the first business chamber in the Caribbean to partner with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), with the recent signing of a partnership agreement.

 

Under this partnership agreement, the Barbados Chamber and the UNGC commit to advancing the Global Compact’s Multiplier Strategy in Barbados, primarily among the BCCI membership across the business sector. The two organizations will also collaborate on promoting the sector’s contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and scaling up global collective actions aligned with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, aimed at upholding human rights, ensuring environmental responsibility, and fighting against corruption in all its forms.

 

This is a historic partnership as the UN Global Compact is uniquely positioned to support businesses in aligning their practices to be more sustainable as they build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“As a partner of the Global Compact, the BCCI will play a pivotal role in encouraging greater involvement of the business sector in advancing the sustainability agenda in Barbados and in promoting the adoption of sustainable, socially, and environmentally responsible best practices among businesses. We are embarking on a journey that will undoubtedly leave a lasting and positive impact on our economy, our people, and our planet,” stated BCCI Executive Director Misha Lobban Clarke while addressing the Signing Ceremony.

Also addressing the gathering, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, underlined:

“If we are to succeed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, engagement and partnership with the private sector is imperative. Today’s signing is therefore a critical step in the right direction towards building sustainable businesses in the Caribbean.  As Barbados’ oldest private sector association, one of our key partners and a trusted voice in the regional  business community, it is quite fitting that the BCCI is leading the way among the business chambers in committing to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda."

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BCCI President, James “Jimmy” Clarke explained that:

“our roadmap for the implementation of the UN Global Compact is robust. We will not only promote the Ten Principles within our membership but will also help build the capacity of our membership. Through the SME Journey with members, we will empower our members to embrace these principles, ensuring a widespread adoption of responsible business practices within our community.” 

Through the Global Compact, BCCI members will gain access to the UN network and platform where ideas are exchanged, and partnerships can be forged. It provides access to knowledge-sharing with other businesses in the global network, enabling BCCI members to develop environmental and social risk analyses, sustainable strategies, and responsible business practices. The Global Compact will also equip businesses with tools to address critical corporate sustainability challenges.

 

The partnership agreement was signed on October 26, by the UN Resident Coordinator; the BCCI President and Esther Corral, Global Compact’s Regional Head for Latin America and the Caribbean, during a Cocktail Reception. The event was attended by representatives from the business sector, the UN Resident Coordinator Office; UN Women, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other specially invited guests.

 

For further information contact:

Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI)

Email: bcci@barbadoschamber.com 

Telephone: 434-4750