The Irish Food Board (Bord Bia) has become a registered participant of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) following an official meeting with the UNGC Chief of Participant Relations, Fund Raising and Communications, Sue Allchurch, and the Irish Food Board's CEO, Tara McCarthy, in New York. Launched in 2000 by the United Nations, the UNGC is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative with over 13,000 corporate participants and stakeholders from over 160 countries.  

Members of the United Nations Global Compact are required to align their operations and strategies to support the ten principles of the UNGC with respect to human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption as well as advancing the UN Goals including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Speaking in New York, Irish Food Board CEO, Tara McCarthy said, “The Irish Food Board is honored to join the United Nations Global Compact and pledge our support to upholding the ten principles of the UNGC. Membership of the UNGC further underlines the Irish Food Board’s commitment to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals within the Irish food and drink industry through the development of Origin Green, Ireland’s national food and drink sustainability program.”

Through membership of the UNGC the Irish Food Board will gain access to a range of international stakeholders and resources – to share best practices, guidance and emerging solutions to address global sustainability challenges and support private businesses to deliver upon the SDGs. 

McCarthy continued, “We welcome the opportunity that memberships affords to collaborate with the UNGC to share knowledge, experience and ideas for the advancement of sustainability goals worldwide.”

Key principles of the UNGC are communication and collaboration with all members encouraged to inform stakeholders and the public about their involvement with the Global Compact. Furthermore, members must actively encourage other businesses and stakeholders to participate in the UN Global Compact and engage in collaborative projects.

Read more about Bord Bia’s efforts to grow Irish beef sales in the United States in this article from Independent Processor: https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/106096-irish-beef-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-the-us-market-thanks-to-bord-bia

Source: Irish Food Board