Executive Director Global Compact Network Georgia – Salome Zurabishvili

For the past five years, global compact network Georgia has been working hard with the business sector and other major stakeholders in the country to transform the market economy by making it more sustainable and responsible. We have been assisting companies to align their strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment, anti-corruption and to take action that advances societal goals.

During this relatively short period of time, we have already seen progress as businesses in Georgia take increasingly strategic decisions to integrate sustainable approaches into their operations. Some of the most noteworthy achievements of the past years have also included the introduction of policy level developments that promote businesses’ respect for human rights and the environment, in addition to the increased involvement of the media in raising the awareness of the general public on the concept and importance of corporate sustainability… and this is just the beginning. The COVID-19 crisis, which has instigated an economic and social crisis in both Georgia and the globe over, has also triggered a better understanding of the importance of societal well-being for a healthy market economy; it has made us realise that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option. With economic growth down 6%, it is essential for Georgia to reboot the economy by taking more sustainable approaches and bold action that considers societal and environmental necessities, while measuring risks and acting upon existing challenges along with future opportunities. The UN Global Compact, both nationally and globally, has assumed the responsibility for and leadership to mobilise business action towards the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. The first step to achieving this goal is to foster better awareness in the business sector, among government entities, in academia, the media, civil society, and in the general public at large on the universal principles of corporate sustainability.

Therefore, Global Compact Network Georgia is proud to present Sustainability Spotlight, the first ever magazine in Georgia dedicated to corporate sustainability issues, which will aim to identify the best examples of responsible business practice that reflect the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and other internationally recognised standards. Besides its focus on good corporate practice, Sustainability Spotlight will also present the government’s vision, initiatives and activities around sustainability issues, the work of the diplomatic corps and international organisations in this area, and trending news related to responsible business conduct from around the world. The magazine is divided into three main sections, covering environmental, societal, and economy related topics. We hope that the Sustainability Spotlight magazine will help increase awareness and knowledge on corporate sustainability issues of the major stakeholders in Georgia, and that it will incentivise responsible business conduct in the country. This first issue is dedicated to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the society, economy, and the environment — how have businesses tackled the crisis and what is yet to come? How can we rebuild the economy in a sustainable way and where to start? It is time for us to face the truth, unite forces and tackle sustainability challenges together. The future is prosperous, green and inclusive – but only if we decide we want it so and act upon it.