The Global Compact in Zambia
The Global Compact was first introduced to Zambia in 2002. A Steering Committee was established, consisting of representatives from business, government, donors, multilateral NGOs, the UN system and civil society.
Background
The Global Compact Local Network in Zambia was launched on 11th March 2002 by the former French Ambassador to Zambia H. E. Excellency Jean Paul Monchau, former UN Country Representative Ms. Olubanke King Akerele, and Deputy Finance Minister Hon. Felix Mutati and Hon. Kafumukache representing the government. A Steering Committed was created, headed by former UN Country Representative Ms Olubanke King. Leading companies and institutions include: Total Zambia Limited, Tata Zambia Ltd, Zambia Investment Centre, Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited, Zambia Export Growers Association, Zambia Export Board, Bank of Zambia.
The current UN Country Coordinator H. E. Mr Aeneas Chuma has expressed support for Global Compact, and takes interest in the various activities of the Compact.
Global Compact Zambia is governed by a Board of Directors from participating companies, and the Co-chair is the Indian High Commissioner to Zambia.
Objectives
Global Compact Zambia has three main objectives:
1. Investment/Export Promotion, Market Access, Tourism Promotion and Environmental
Protection.
2. Business Partnerships in Developing and Promoting HIV/AIDS Programmes in the
workplaces
3. Linking the Global Compact with NEPAD, MDGs
Key Activities Include
HIV/AIDS workplace Programme: Global Compact Zambia has been involved in the HIV/AIDS sensitization in the workplace since October, 2004 till date. This project is done in collaboration with Zambia National Aids Network. More than 27,146 workers have been sensitized in various sectors of the economy, i. e. mining, agriculture, manufacturing industries and service industry such as hotels, security firms etc.
To make the HIV/AIDS programme sustainable, Global Compact Zambia Network trains peer educators from various companies who act as focal point persons in their various organizations. HIV/AIDS being complex, Global Compact has also developed partnership with other organizations such as the Lusaka District Health Board for the supply of condoms and educational which are then distributed in various companies.
The main achievement of this project is that, more companies have put in place HIV/AIDS workplace policy and they have more information on HIV/AIDS through the trained peer educators. Usually after the awareness talks more people express their wish to be tested for HIV/AIDS.
MDGs & Private Sector: Global Compact in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme organize workshops on the “ Role of the Private Sector in Achieving the MDGs”. These workshops are held across the country and attract various stakeholders from the government, private sector and civil Society. The main objective is to sensitize the private sector on how they can assist in achieving the MDGs by 2015. The added advantage is that the government is present at these meetings by a senior government officer, usually the Minister of Finance and National Planning.
The main achievement of this is that more companies, especially multinationals, are engaged in various CSR activities, such as rehabilitating schools, hospitals, improving water and sanitation and offering of scholarships to vulnerable children just to mention a few. On the other hand, the government gets a better understanding of how it can assist the private sector through its various policies.
Business Linkages: To assist the small entrepreneurs, the Local Network in Zambia mobilizes SMEs for business linkages. This is done through the UNDP Growing Sustainable Business Initiative. The main achievements is that more big businesses are willing to work with SMEs.
Chairperson :
Name: Mr R Balasubramanium
Institution: Tata Zambia Ltd
E-mail:
rbala@zamnet.zm
Organisations Developing the GC Network Zambia:
UNDP
Tata Zambia (Global Compact Secretariat)
Launched October 2002
ContactsGlobal Compact Secretariat
UNDP
Lebogang Motlana
Kaingu Mines
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GC Participants in Zambia
