Flying the flag for IOSH at global summit

Alison van Keulen, Strategic Relationships Business Manager, and Marijana Živković Mtegha, Strategic Engagement Manager, attended the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Leaders’ Summit 2024. It was organised in New York last week during the UN General Assembly. 

They met with business leaders and Global Compact executive directors from many countries, including the UK, Ghana, Kenya, Denmark, Sweden and the Philippines. 

“It was fantastic to meet in person many IOSH partners from UN Global Compact Country Networks,” said Marijana.   

“With executive directors and social sustainability managers from Global Compact Country Offices, we advocated for occupational safety and health (OSH) at the heart of sustainable business. 

“We explained the role of IOSH as a non-business participant of the UNGC and how we help global businesses improve OSH outcomes.”  

Alison and Marijana also seized the opportunity to mark SDG Flag Day, celebrated on 25 September, to show our commitment to delivering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. They raised the flag with UNGC UK Executive Director Steve Kenzie. 

Pact for the future 

In addition, they attended a reception organised by the UNGC Network UK, which is dedicated to putting UK businesses at the heart of a new pact focused on sustainability. 

Adopted by the UN on 23 September, the Pact For The Future encourages the private sector in every country to adopt sustainable practices that align with the SDGs. It also encourages engagement in public-private partnerships that drive innovation and scale-up solutions to global challenges.  

Our work so far 

Since becoming a non-business participant of the UNGC in 2021, we have worked at both global and country level to strengthen collaboration and provide OSH support. This includes sharing information, reports and resources and supporting UNGC webinars on aspects of OSH relevant to businesses. 

Safe, healthy, sustainable foundations  

Safety and health at work is foundational for sustainable business, and a cornerstone of social sustainability. The SDGs are designed to inspire action to combat major global challenges, including poor work, gender inequality, poverty and adverse effects of climate change. Find out more about them and the role OSH can play.