Secretary-General Hails Achievements of Global Compact Network Spain, in Video Message for Ceremony Marking Tenth Anniversary

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the Global Compact Network Spain, held in Madrid from 26 to 27 November:

Felicitaciones por su décimo aniversario. 

Congratulations on your tenth anniversary.  I am proud that the local network in Spain has grown into our largest, with over 1,000 corporations and participants from civil society and academia.  You have every reason to be proud of your achievements in advancing human rights, labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption measures.

Your network’s efforts to help small and medium-sized companies become sustainable are commendable.  Due to this work with smaller companies your expertise is highly sought after by other networks around the world.

Looking ahead, the year 2015 will be crucial for people and the planet.  We face the double challenge of reaching a meaningful agreement on climate change and adopting a new development framework, including an ambitious set of sustainable development goals.  I am confident that the Global Compact Network Spain will play a leading role. 

Thank you for your commitment to the United Nations and to responsible business practices.  I wish you all the best for the success of this important work.