Luanda: The United Nations Global Compact officially launched its local network in Angola, known as the Global Compact Country Network Angola, in a ceremony held on Monday. The initiative aims to mobilize the Angolan private sector to adopt sustainable business practices with a focus on human capital development. According to Angola Press News Agency, the UN Global Compact Deputy Secretary-General, Sanda Ojiambo, emphasized during the launch that the organization will provide a strategic platform for Angolan companies to align their operations with the UN Universal Principles. These principles encompass critical areas such as human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Ojiambo highlighted Angola's economy as one of the ten largest in Africa, underscoring its potential to spearhead sustainable development within the region. She noted that Angola's inclusion in this global platform, which comprises over 23,000 companies across 160 countries, comes at a pivotal moment of challenges in the world econ omy. She stressed that sustainability is essential for long-term competitiveness. "The private sector in Angola is critical for job creation, innovation, and investment. Through this network, we will offer practical tools so that companies can translate their sustainability ambitions into concrete actions and resilient growth," Ojiambo stated. The Local Network in Angola is expected to facilitate access to global and regional programs, notably the Online Academy, which provides training in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. It also includes Accelerators focusing on gender equality and climate action. Ojiambo further mentioned the "Forward Faster" initiative, which aims to accelerate goals on living wages, and the CFO Coalition, which seeks to align financial strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The executive director of the Global Compact also emphasized the significance of the SPARK program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The program aims to support local suppliers in reducing emissions and adhering to human rights standards, making them preferred partners in global value chains. The launch event in Luanda received support from the Government of Angola, the UN Resident Coordination in the country, and leaders from six pioneering companies already part of the Angolan network, representing sectors such as banking and finance. The Global Compact, launched over 25 years ago by then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, remains the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, aimed at giving a "human face" to the global market.