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Diana Chávez
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Aristotle said that “the educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead”. The global agenda is calling for living and educated Global Compact participants that “walk the talk” and understand their role as agents of change.
Global Compact Local Networks have a strategic role to play in this regard. Beyond recruiting companies, raising awareness and guiding on Communication on Progress (COP), networks are the perfect conduit for thinking globally and acting locally. A one-size-fits-all approach is not an option if the ultimate goal is to raise local GC champions that are engaged in the responsible development of their communities and markets.
It is important that each GC participant understands the advantages of being part of the largest corporate responsibility initiative in the world, as well as what it implies and what is required to be an active participant. The GC offers an extraordinary and valuable set of globally-designed and generic tools. But materials and training are only successful if they are a source for practical action and inspiration. Often this requires adjusting or re-developing them for local context and language.
In Mexico, the Local Network has placed immense focus on developing localized training workshops, materials and other resources. We do so to:
- Encourage the successful understanding and implementation of the 10 principles
- Meet a variety of participant requirements according to sector, size, etc.
- Engage in advocacy and policy dialogue on global and local challenges
The GC network in Mexico was launched in June 2005, and today is comprised of more than 300 participants that reflect the diversity of the country. The network includes global players, such as CEMEX, and also local and family-owned businesses. It also includes academia, NGOs and public administrations. Participants are from different industry sectors, have access to different resources and understand corporate citizenship at very different levels.
Given the rich variety of participants, the Mexican network – like many GC networks – faced the challenge of developing resources which were applicable to the local context and would contribute to the understanding and implementation of the principles. Additionally, it became clear that many participants were not aware of the importance of communicating their progress after becoming a GC signatory.
A plan to more deeply educate Mexican signatories of the Global Compact was developed, which included strategic alliances with key actors for the design of materials and practical training sessions. Following are the resources and trainings that have been rolled-out since 2005.
- The Mexico Global Compact´s Practical Guide: a concise guide to implementing the Ten Principles:
Developed with Institute Mora, a public research institution. This 30-page guide provides a basic introduction to the GC, outlines the objectives and highlights of the initiative. It includes practical examples of implementation by Mexican companies that represent the diverse size and types business.
- Advantages of Implementing the GC in Mexican SMEs: 8-hour training course
Developed by COMPITE(a non-profit organization specializing in SMEs) and UNDP. The course explains each principle and illustrates how Mexican SMEs can use the GC as a tool to develop and implement a CSR action plan.
- GC Mexico Web Page:
www.pactomundialmexico.org.mx includes 7 sections that provide a description of the 10 principles, CSR materials and guidance on developing COPs.
- Learning forums and training sessions:
a. Principles Issues: human rights, environment, labour and transparency. Each session combines theory as well as best practice examples by selected companies.
b. Other global CSR issues: ISO 26000, Carbon Disclosure Project, etc.
- Progress and Value Workshop:
With the support of the Barcelona Center for the Support of the Global Compact, the Mexican Network has trained faculty to conduct a one-day training session on implementing the principles and developing COPs. The course is offered on an annual basis and includes a follow-up session for Q & A.
- Specialized tools:
a. On-line CSR Seminar for Medium and Large Companies: Developed with CEMEX, the World Bank and the Monterrey Institute of Technology. Currently, the seminar includes 300 participants from 16 countries. The on-line modality allows participants to combine professional activities with this training program. It covers three topics:
i. Sustainable development and competitiveness
ii. Integration of sustainable development into the core business
iii. Multi-sectorial partnerships
b. Global Compact Guide for Local Governments: Developed in association with International City/County Management Association, whose mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and fostering professional local government management worldwide. The Guide introduces the 10 Principles as a tool for developing and incorporating specific actions that require local action, particularly in the context of pubic administrations. A self evaluation allows governments to define a plan for the implementation of the GC.
In Mexico, a focus on local training and resources has contributed to:
1. Developing strategic alliances with key actors for the development of tailored-materials and collective action;
2. Identifying local champions;
3. Enhancing local capacities in the area of corporate responsibility; and
4. Motivating participants to contribute to broader UN goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals.
Training at the local level lays the ground for common knowledge, collective action and policy dialogue – the key ingredients for helping ensure that each and every Global Compact participant can bring about meaningful change in their business and communities.
Diana Chávez has been the UNDP coordinator of the Global Compact Mexican Network since 2005. She has worked as a state government official in the area of foreign investment promotion and as a liaison with Fortune 500 companies established in Mexico.
