The role of UNDP

UNDP plays a convening role to facilitate new, business-led partnerships that encourage entrepreneurship, improve standards of corporate practice, and promote sustainable development and investment in underdeveloped areas. It is expected that several key challenges identified jointly with the companies using Global Compact local network will be addressed through UNDP-supported initiatives.

The programme strategy has three linked components:
(i) Supporting lead group of businesses to devise and implement socially responsible policies and procedures;
(ii) Creating frameworks for business engagement in development projects,
(iii) Increasing the capacity of companies, national and local authorities to engage in innovative partnerships as means of delivering on national development agenda. 

Establishing the capacity for domestic leadership and self-financing options for continued CSR development in Croatia are the main UNDP's objectives in the forthcoming years. The key activities that need to be completed to achieve these objectives include the following: expansion and development of the Global Compact network; capacity building and support for advocacy groups; delivery of media training; promotion of CSR reporting standards; CSR resources for SME sector; promotion of CSR; promotion of responsible consumption amongst the public; development of a register of partnership opportunities; development of an Innovation Bank; securing CSR-related incentives, including tax subsidies and other incentives; integration of sustainability requirements in State procurement processes; improvement to environmental standards; and continued judicial reform.

Key partners of the programme include private sector companies, line Ministries, opinion leaders among the business community, the Croatian Employer's Association and Chamber of Economy, National Competitiveness Council, Trade unions, NGOs, professional associations, academic institutions, and the media. Expected donors are bi-lateral donors, businesses and the Government of Croatia. Strategic links between the Business Partnerships programme with other programmes include: links with environment agenda especially on the climate change issues, engaging business around issues such as employment of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, relying on UNDP's knowledge hub facility for delivering Global Compact learning agenda, etc.