Global Compact Network Georgia, with support from the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program, is actively working to promote and support corporate responsibility, increase the role of the private sector in attaining sustainable development goals, and fostering cooperation and skills-sharing between the private and civil sector to increase the positive social and environmental impact of their work.
On October 12, GNCG hosted its sixth annual Corporate Sustainability Award ceremony in Tbilisi. The purpose of the awards, which were held with support of the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program and the Government of Sweden, is to promote a culture of corporate responsibility in Georgia, increase the role of businesses in pursuing the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and celebrate cross-sectoral partnerships between the private sector and civil society. USAID Mission Director John Pennell and Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Anna Lyberg gave opening remarks at the ceremony, which was attended by leading businesses in Georgia, members of the public sector and diplomatic corps, and civil society representatives.
This year, 141 applications were evaluated by a jury composed of international and local members representing the private and public sectors, as well as local and international organizations. The awards covered six SDGs: quality education; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; reducing inequality; responsible consumption and production; and partnership for SDGs. For the first time, these prizes were awarded in two categories: large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Partnerships for the Goals award celebrates businesses that participate in cross-sectoral partnerships to address a shared cause or issue aimed at improving quality of life for Georgian people and communities. This year’s SME winners of the partnership award were e-commerce site Veli.store and NGO Superheroes, which have worked together over the last year to collect donations and deliver care packages with books, toys, and school supplies for children in need throughout Georgia. See the full list of winners here.
In October, GCNG also hosted the international conference Uniting Business Europe with the support of the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program and the Government of Sweden. The event brought together business executives, government leaders, and civil society representatives from 30 countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to discuss Europe’s progress towards achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. It evaluated the role of businesses in implementing the sustainable development agenda and explored methods for the sector to further engage with civil society and other stakeholders to increase its involvement in promoting social and environmental causes. The speakers emphasized that sustainable business practices can enhance competitiveness and access to new markets, leading to more profit while also contributing to broader societal development.
