Karachi, 18th August 2022: UN Global Compact Network Pakistan (UN GCNP) organized its first Business Talk SDGs Meeting on elevating ambition for greater collective action on the sustainable development goals which was hosted by AGI Denim. Entrepreneurs, stakeholders and representatives from various peer organizations came together to learn about SDGs, their targets and how they can embed them in their normal business practices to achieve the Global 2030 Agenda. The agenda focused on shaping and empowering businesses to be competitive in a global market.
Mr. Majyd Aziz, President UN GCNP, in his Welcome Address appreciated the initiative of AGI for being the first host of the BTS meeting and called the private sector to join the hands of the Network in promoting UNGC principles and SDGs. He further stated that competition between companies translates into a greater quantity of products and services, a better quality of goods, and lower prices and this is what the consumer is looking for — the best quality at the best possible price. Global competition has created an impact on business activities in the international marketplace by putting more power in the hands of the customer which ensures business sustainability.
Mr. Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Executive Director UN GCNP informed that through various programs and events, GCNP has spearheaded the national awareness on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and has also been engaged in multi-stakeholder dialogue and discussions at national, regional and global levels to promote the 17 SDGs and 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact. He emphasized that this is the high time for business sector to showcase their remarkable performance in the journey of sustainability to uplift the social face of Pakistani business globally. After all, “who sees a peacock dancing in the Jungle”, he remarked.
Mr. Ahmed Javed, Executive Director AGI thanked UN GCNP Team for organizing this meeting at his enterprise and welcomed the participants for joining the event despite the bad weather.
“We have successfully implemented systems in place to jumpstart a meaningful movement against climate change, but this fight is far from over. Our policies are long-term, and our collaborations with entities like the UNGC help us stay responsible and true to our mission to add to the collective transformation of our planet.” – Mr Ahmed Javed added.
In a discussion on AGI Denim’s SDGs initiatives, Ms. Farheen Zahoor, Head of Strategy at AGI Denim explained actions the company has taken to align itself with the SDGs. By 2030, AGI Denim is focused on creating a positive impact through a holistic approach of engaging with stakeholders and streamlining processes and policies to prepare for the future.
In a Panel Discussion on issues and challenges in Business Sustainability, the moderator Ms. Nuzhat Jahan, Secretary General of the UN Global Compact Network Pakistan asked the panelist various questions on sustainability strategy. The panelists Mr Muhammad Akram, Mr Ahmer Butt and Mr FK Siddiqi responded to the questions and shared their optimism about the future of sustainability and achievement of 2030 agenda.
The UN Global Compact serves as a Sustainability outreach & engagement hub for the business community for those wanting to start their sustainability journey or to accelerate it. The Local Network Pakistan provides Companies the access to Sustainability initiatives, SDG baseline assessments, Accelerator programmes and of course the opportunity to showcase and elevate what they are doing.
