Advantages of joining Global Compact Network

Global Compact Local Networks are clusters of Global Compact participants who come together to advance the Global Compact and its principles within a particular geographic context. They perform increasingly important roles in rooting the Global Compact within different national, cultural and language contexts, and also in helping to manage the organizational consequences of rapid expansion. Their role is to facilitate the progress of companies (both local firms and subsidiaries of foreign corporations) engaged in the Compact with respect to implementation of the ten principles, while also creating opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement and collective action. At present there are 80 Global Compact Local Networks operating in key countries across the world. Global Compact Network, India (GCN) (formally known as Global Compact Society) was the first local network in the world to be set up as a legally recognized entity. The advantages of joining GCN are:

•    better networking, closer interaction and exchange of      experiences among the GCN member organizations in India,

•    coordinated approach for interaction with UN Global Compact Office including effective dissemination of information received,

•    proper focus and direction for CSR efforts and help in  action learning and ensuring proper orientation and commitment of executives at various levels through seminars/ programmes,

•    more effective and much larger CSR effort through combined CSR efforts of several organizations who are members of GCN,

•    regular Monthly Network Meetings provide a forum for valuable knowledge exchange between Network members.  Monthly meetings often have presentations from experts about issues relating to the Global Compact's issue areas.

•    outreach events organised by the Network provide company representatives with opportunities to learn about issues relating to the Global Compact thereby helping to strengthen the Responsible Business movement in India.

•    GCN provides guidance on how to complete a Communication on Progress (COP); the Secretariat and Network members can provide additional assistance in COP preparation upon request.

•    GCN also ensures that the interests of India based signatories are considered by the Global Compact Office by actively participating in the Annual Local Networks Forum and Global Compact working groups.

•    by supporting the GCN, members are partially fulfilling their obligation to the Compact since the Network is acting on behalf of its members to

   o    mainstream the 10 principles in business activities  around the world, and
   o    catalyse actions in support of the UNGC goals.

•    the Global Compact office encourages signatories to formally support local networks as part of their commitment to the Global Compact itself.

•    GCN conducts in-depth workshops and training programmes to help integrate UNGC principles into core operations of participating member organisations.