The WBCSD's Regional Network is an informal alliance some 57 CEO-led business organizations around the globe that are united by a shared commitment to providing business leadership for sustainable development (SD) in their respective countries or regions.
Access our partner organizations' profiles by region:
While the WBCSD makes the business case on the world stage, its
Regional Network helps shape the sustainable development agenda
at the local and regional levels. Regional partners run numerous
cutting-edge initiatives to implement sustainable practices on the
ground and cooperate with decision-makers in creating framework
conditions for business to effectively contribute to sustainable
development. They also provide a platform for companies to
address supply chain issues and engage with small and medium
enterprises (SMEs).
These partner organizations are mostly, but not exclusively, known
as Business Councils for Sustainable Development (BCSDs) and have
a membership that comprises leading local companies and subsidiaries
of foreign enterprises, many of which are members of the WBCSD.
The first BCSDs were established in 1992, not long after the
WBCSD itself was formed. Since then, the network has expanded
steadily worldwide.
Bjorn Stigson talks to the WBCSD Regional Network
WBCSD President Bjorn Stigson addresses the members of the Regional Network.
The Regional Network adds value in the following ways:
For the WBCSD by:
Strengthening its legitimacy as a truly global organization, enabling it to reach
a wider range of players, particularly in the developing world, home to two-thirds
of the regional partners
Enhancing brand value, making it the preferred partner for governments and
international organizations
Giving legitimacy to individual elements of its program by providing localized
input and perspectives, and validating results.
For WBCSD members by:
Advocating WBCSD messages at the local level to support the business license to operate, innovate and grow
Providing an additional channel for implementing local, action-oriented initiatives
Offering an effective platform to reach influential business and opinion leaders at national and regional levels
Addressing supply chain issues and engaging small and medium enterprises.
For regional partners by:
Keeping in touch with the latest thinking and best practices on economic, environmental and social management
Providing access to key international players and platforms concerned with business and sustainable development
Facilitating cooperation with each other, particularly in countries with similar socio-economic and cultural characteristics, which tend to share common challenges.
For information about activities of the WBCSD Regional Network,
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