At the CEO roundtable hosted by UN Global Compact Rwanda, business leaders, and corporate executives were urged to integrate the -'Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)' into their business strategies while ensuring adherence to human rights principles. The high-level event, held on March 12, at Kigali Marriott Hotel, centred around the theme “Integrating ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Standards in Business Strategy: A Pathway to Sustainable Growth and Corporate Accountability.” ALSO READ: FEATURED: UN Global Compact engages Rwanda’s private sector to drive progress on SDGs The event brought together CEOs, UN officials, and representatives from various institutions to discuss how businesses can drive sustainability and corporate responsibility while promoting gender equality. The third UN Global Compact CEO Roundtable underscored the vital role of the private sector in accelerating the Sustainable Development Agenda. UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo emphasised the role businesses play in influencing societal change, noting that the theme of the event reflected the urgent need for sustainable growth and corporate accountability. “We must find ways to come together to reaffirm our common humanity, multilateralism, and the beliefs we have about how the world is organised,” he noted. “The good news is that global change has often happened because business wants change.” He highlighted that the private sector’s proactive stance is crucial in accelerating progress on human rights, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. UN Global Compact works closely with businesses to ensure their operations align with SDGs and adhere to UN Global Compact’s 10 principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. Since its launch in Rwanda in June 2023, UN Global Compact Rwanda has rapidly grown, with over 25 companies already part of its network. Marie-Claire Dushimumukiza, UN Global Compact Rwanda’s Country Manager, announced that more than 15 additional companies are in the pipeline to join the initiative by the end of the year. The UN Global Compact Rwanda is actively engaging businesses to integrate sustainability and human rights principles into their operations through networking events, knowledge-sharing platforms, and peer learning sessions. Dushimumukiza emphasised that these initiatives help companies align with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. UN Global Compact Rwanda has facilitated its members' participation in high-profile regional and global events, including the Africa CEO Forum and the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) Conversations. With plans to expand its network to 50 companies by 2025, UN Global Compact Rwanda aims to establish a dedicated country network of businesses committed to upholding the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the SDGs. Herve Lado, the UN Global Compact Africa Regional Head, commended UN Global Compact Rwanda for its rapid achievements, including helping members access sustainability resources through the UN Global Compact online academy and connect with businesses worldwide. “This is just the continuation of our engagement. By early next year, I believe we’ll have a vibrant network that is fully functional in Rwanda and that will bring more opportunities like this to exchange, to share best practices, to grow on in our sustainability journey, and to contribute to sustainable development in Rwanda,” he noted. The event featured a fireside chat with Martin Ochieng, Group Managing Director & CEO of Sasini Plc and Board Chair of UN Global Compact Network Kenya, who shared valuable insights and best practices with Rwandan CEOs. Discussions emphasised the importance of intentionality in gender equality efforts, urging companies to go beyond numerical representation and ensure women’s effectiveness in leadership roles. Ochieng said that gender equality should be embraced at all levels of a company, urging firms to actively integrate it rather than cite a lack of skilled women in the workforce. Stop doing it by default. Be deliberate, he advised other CEOs. “Once you choose your path and you're clear about what you want to achieve as an organisation, you go and you commit time and action to achieve it.” Business leaders were encouraged to implement policies and workplace cultures that foster genuine inclusivity, ensuring women have the support, resources, and opportunities to drive meaningful impact at the decision-making level. Ochieng underscored that now is the time for business leaders to step up, commit to responsible practices, and take bold steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Patricia Muhongerwa, a Commissioner at the National Commission for Human Rights Rwanda, emphasized that human rights should not be seen as just a legal obligation but as a fundamental pillar for business growth. “It should be recognised that upholding human rights in businesses should not be taken as complying to the constitution and other international mechanisms for human rights. It’s a fundamental need for businesses to grow and strategically achieve the goals they have,” she said. The Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, Hannington Namara, said that providing women with the right knowledge and opportunities should be a priority. “Intentionality is what matters. To be intentional in programmes, and products,” he added. “We cannot change the world alone. This is why we associate with the UN Global Compact and all the other actors to ensure that each of us brings to the table the very best we can to ensure that we get alignment for a better society.” Namara acknowledged progress in financial inclusion for women but pointed out that more work needs to be done to ensure equitable access to financial resources. Business leaders were called to step up, collaborate, and embrace responsible practices to drive a more sustainable and inclusive economy. They were urged to take deliberate actions towards integrating ESG principles and SDGs, and contribute to the growth of the UN Global Compact network to step up, commit to responsible practices, and take bold steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
