Working visit to Belgium

The Deputy Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, Nino Kvantrishvili, and the Acceleration Programs and Academy Manager, Keti Bochorishvili, along with representatives of participating companies in the Network, are on a working visit to Belgium from 8 to 12 December 2025.

Participants in the visit include representatives of Aldagi, Adjaristsqali Georgia, Biodiesel Georgia, TBC Bank, GPI Holding, Georgian Packaging, Liberty Bank, Oxygen Plus, IT Academy STEP, and Salt Projects.

Within the framework of the visit, a meeting was held with Saskia Slomp, Executive Director of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG); Elisa Bevilacqua, Senior Sustainability Technical Manager; Bernhard Frey, Senior Technical Manager for Sustainability Reporting; and Mathias Mingazzini, Junior Technical Manager in the Sustainability Reporting Team. The meeting focused on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Voluntary Standard for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (VSME).

A meeting was held with Eelco van der Enden, Chief Executive of Accountancy Europe; Jona Basha, Director and Head of Reporting; Leonardo Botticelli, Advisor, Advocacy & Policy; Paul Gisby, Senior Director, Professional Services; and Vita Ramanauskaité, Senior Manager and Head of Sustainability. The hosts shared information about the organization’s activities and discussed how Accountancy Europe contributes to the development of sustainable finance and good governance across Europe. The meeting also covered the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Omnibus Regulation, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and the Voluntary Standard for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (VSME).

Within the framework of the visit, a meeting was held with Griet Cattaert, Regional Head, Western Europe & North America, UN Global Compact. The discussion centered on the UN Global Compact’s engagement with EU institutions, regional sustainability trends, partnerships with the private sector, and opportunities for Georgian companies to enhance their collaboration with UN agencies. The meeting also provided insights into the role of the UN Global Compact in supporting private sector contributions to the SDGs within the European context.

Meetings were held at European Union institutions, where participants learned about the contributions of European institutions and the private sector to fostering a culture of responsible business, sustainable governance, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, participants explored how Georgian companies can align their operations with European regulations and practices.

Within the framework of the visit, representatives of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia visited the European Parliament, where they were introduced to the institution’s specific activities and held a meeting with the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia, MEP Rasa Juknevičienė. The meeting discussed Georgia’s progress on its path toward European Union integration, highlighting the important role of the private sector in achieving European standards.

Within the framework of the visit, UNGCNG staff and representatives of participant companies held meetings with representatives of the European Commission in Brussels. The discussions focused on EU climate policy, sustainability, and sustainable finance. During meetings with representatives of DG CLIMA, UNGCNG representatives discussed EU climate policy and sustainable finance, with a particular focus on how sustainable finance supports the green transition, the interaction between climate and financial policies, and key regulatory developments that companies should anticipate. Participants gained valuable insights into opportunities for closer alignment with EU climate objectives.

In a meeting with DG FISMA (Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union), discussions focused on the EU Sustainable Finance Framework, including taxonomy developments, disclosure requirements, and the role of finance in advancing the European Green Deal. The exchange highlighted how EU policies influence business behaviour and investment decisions, particularly for companies operating in neighbouring countries.

The programme also included an introduction to the role of the European Commission, followed by an in-depth overview of the EU’s approach to sustainability governance and the private sector’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions covered the EU’s corporate sustainability strategy, regulatory framework, and engagement with businesses to promote transparency and responsible business conduct within the context of the EU Green Deal and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As part of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia’s study visit to Belgium, the UNGCNG team and representatives of participant companies continued their engagement with key EU institutions and business stakeholders to gain deeper insights into how European sustainability frameworks are translated into policy and business practice. During the visit to the Council of the European Union, discussions focused on the roles of the European Council and the Council of the EU in shaping sustainability-related legislation. Particular attention was given to Corporate Sustainability Directives and business engagement in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting how EU decision-making processes influence corporate sustainability requirements and expectations.

The programme also included meetings with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the Committee of the Regions, and the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. Discussions highlighted the important role of employers, workers, civil society organisations, and regional authorities in advancing the circular economy and contributing to inclusive, high-quality EU policies and legislation.

In addition, the UN Global Compact Network Georgia team and participant companies met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Mechelen-Kempen, one of Belgium’s most active regional chambers.

The visit was funded by Sweden within the framework of the project “Leadership for Sustainable Development.”