Belgium Launches Local Network

( Brussels, 15 October 2009 ) – A Global Compact Local Network was launched today at a ceremony organized by a task force consisting of Belgian Global Compact participants and in close collaboration with the Government. Approximately 150 business, civil society and Government representatives were in attendance.

Yves Leterme, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered the welcome address at the event. He emphasized that multi-stakeholder cooperation among companies, civil society, UN and Government is “essential in a globalized world”. He continued, “I am convinced that the business environment plays a significant role in enhancing the UN key goals through the companies' day-to-day operations and their corporate social responsibility programmes.”

During the meeting, presentations were delivered by business and intergovernmental representatives and next steps for formalizing the network were discussed. With the launch of a Local Network, the number of Belgian companies participating the UN Global Compact is expected to grow.

Contact:

Stephan Vanhaverbeke
Managing Partner, Executive Coach
ubeon | business experts
stephan.vanhaverbeke@ubeon.com

Nessa Whelan
Local Network Coordinator
UN Global Compact
whelan@un.org