UNGC restates commitment to SDGs

Members of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) local network in Nigeria have renewed their commitment to achieving the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) of the out-going Minister of environment, Amina Mohammed.

UNGC is the world’s largest voluntary corporate initiative based on Chief Executive Officers commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and implementations to support UN goals.

The members, who gathered at the congratulatory dinner in honour of the Minister who was recently appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, described the appointment as an opportunity for women in making prospective decisions that affects the welfare of the United Nations.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, described the appointment as a remarking achievement pledging the bank’s support in assisting the UN achieve its goals.

Until her recent appointment, Amina Mohammed served as a special adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning to the UN Secretary-General, which meant she had to interface regularly with the UNGC. Presently, there are 120 participants drawn from different industries of the Nigerian economy in the local network.

Membership expectation includes playing active roles in advancing the global corporate sustainability agenda. In Nigeria, an area of focus for the local network has been on curbing corruption.

Group Chairman, FBN Holdings, Oba Otudeko, disclosed that the company shared identical values exemplified in the partnerships that provide the utmost good for the greatest number of humanity.

Otudeko noted that the group has been at the forefront of promoting good governance, global best practices and corporate social responsibility, as a member of the UNGC.

“We will continue to ensure that we integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into our business, towards enhancing the livelihoods of all our stakeholders within their respective families and communities,” Otudeko said.

Chairman of the local network, Laoye Jaiyeola, said the minister’s new position at the UN would only enhance the progress of the group made so far.

“We are going to pursue the African strategy. We are recruiting more people to join us to that SDG. We will ensure enforcement of the Paris Agreement, which the minister worked tirelessly to make a reality,” Jaiyeola said.