Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

As demands for reliable and long-lasting transport communication systems increase, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the railway sector face unique supply chain challenges. ErvoCom, a family-owned company with 45 employees and more than 30'000 devices in operation worldwide, shows how a focused and Europe-based supply chain strategy can reduce risks and strengthen sustainability. Operating in over twenty countries, the company combines long-term partnerships with strict quality processes to maintain reliability under highly demanding conditions. A train equipped with ErvoCom communication systems Who is ErvoCom? Founded in 2001 in Switzerland, ErvoCom builds communication and passenger information systems for rail operators around the world. From Santiago to Doha and from Glasgow to Manila, the company supports rail networks with train radio, passenger information, and dispatcher solutions. This global footprint requires a supply chain that ensures reliability, long lifetimes and compatibility with rigorous railway standards. Rail vehicles operate for 30–40 years and electronics must last at least 15 years, which raises expectations for durability in extreme temperatures, shaking environments, electromagnetic exposure and safety requirements. Supply Chain Risks in the Railway Sector Railway communication systems consist of complex components that must be highly reliable, repairable, replaceable and easy to deploy. These requirements create risks when sourcing electronics, mechanical parts and subsystems from different countries. Long lifetimes, strict regulatory standards and heavy usage mean that failures directly impact safety and service availability. For SMEs, dependence on external manufacturing partners can add risks related to quality, consistency, and transparency. ErvoCom’s Approach to Managing Risks and Impacts ErvoCom mitigates these risks with a clear strategy: manufacture components in Europe, ensure final assembly and quality control in-house and maintain long-term partnerships with reliable suppliers. This creates independence from large subsystem manufacturers and strengthens transparency. Direct knowledge of supplier sites and live audits support continuous quality improvements and make it easier to manage environmental and social impacts. Local and reliable partners also allow ErvoCom to reduce production and transport-related emissions and to introduce reusable packaging solutions. European production standards support the ethical treatment of the workforce and communities. A long product lifetime and very low failure rates further reduce environmental impacts across the supply chain. Practical Examples Strengthening Sustainability ErvoCom implements several concrete measures to enhance supply chain sustainability and reduce risks: Use of reCIRCLE boxes to reduce waste 100% renewable energy consumption in facilities Remote management tools improving service efficiency Sustainability clauses included in supplier contracts Material traceability and PCB quality control at supplier level A clear recycling concept and repair-friendly product development MTBF and lifecycle-enhancing engineering to extend component durability These actions support transparency, reliability, and environmental stewardship throughout the supply chain. A Partnership-Based Path Forward By combining European production, long-term relationships, and a low failure/long life-oriented design, ErvoCom creates a supply chain that meets the strict demands of the railway sector. For an SME, this approach ensures transparency, reduces environmental impacts, and strengthens resilience in a global market where reliability is essential. ErvoCom shows that even small companies can manage supply chain risks effectively when collaboration and long-term thinking guide every decision. Why ErvoCom joined the UN Global Compact ErvoCom's reasoning for joining the UN Global Compact is one of practicality and a desire to further advance their sustainability. "ErvoCom's core value is quality – since quality in the railway sector is clearly linked to sustainability, it was logical to engage in sustainability and exchange with other companies about their best practices. The UN Global Compact is an ideal platform for us to do so." Advice for other SMEs Through their many years of working within global supply chains, ErvoCom have gathered much experience in navigating them. Their advice for other SMEs who want to progress sustainability within their supply chains is to get in direct contact with their main suppliers and make sure to be informed about their progress in sustainability. Or as ErvoCom put it simply: More partnership – less pressure. Conclusion A resilient and sustainable supply chain is not the product of a single decision, but of a consistent strategy that brings quality, environmental responsibility, and long-term partnership into every stage of sourcing and production. The example of ErvoCom shows that even a 45-person SME, operating across more than twenty countries under some of the most demanding technical standards, can identify complex supply chain risks, translate them into concrete measures, and refine its processes over time. For other SMEs, the key takeaway is not scale, but focus. A Europe-based production footprint, long-term supplier relationships, and a design philosophy built around durability and repairability turn sustainability from an abstract ambition into a practical advantage. Clear priorities, direct knowledge of supplier sites, and continuous quality control are what allow a small company to manage risk effectively and build a supply chain where reliability and responsibility reinforce one another. If you are an SME and interested in inspiring fellow SMEs with your sustainability success story, do not hesitate to contact our Sustainability Advisor via email: fabio.gfeller@globalcompact.ch. Disclaimer: The SME Stories are intended strictly for learning purposes and do not constitute an endorsement of the individual companies. Unless otherwise indicated, the content is not intended to reflect the official positions, views or opinions of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The case study does not make any assessment of whether the companies presented fully align with the UN Global Compact Ten Principles. The aim is rather to demonstrate the feasibility of sustainability management and to offer SMEs suggestions for their own implementation. Photo credits: ErvoCom AG

In June 2026, Switzerland's commitment to the 2030 Agenda came under renewed focus with the publication of its fourth Voluntary National Review. The report, which the Swiss Federal Council will present at the High-level Political Forum in New York in July 2026, offers a comprehensive snapshot of where the country stands in its journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For businesses, this is more than a government progress report. It is a reflection of the broader sustainability landscape in which companies operate, invest, and plan for the future. Bundeshaus Bern | © EDA 2026 Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals through its endorsement of the Pact for the Future in December 2024. Participants of the UN Global Compact commit to progressively implementing the Ten Principles throughout their value chains and reporting annually on their corporate responsibility efforts. Beyond this commitment, all participants are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to achieving the SDGs. This connection between business responsibility and sustainable development has become increasingly important. Companies that actively manage sustainability risks and opportunities across their value chains are not only contributing to societal progress. They are also strengthening resilience, driving innovation, and positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing economy. For more than eleven years, the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein has supported companies on this journey. Our Executive Director, Antonio Hautle, serves as Co-Chair of the Swiss Federal Government's Advisory Group for the 2030 Agenda, helping to shape the dialogue around sustainable development at the national level. A Mixed Progress Report The 2026 Voluntary National Review is particularly significant because it also serves - for the first time - as an interim assessment of Switzerland's National Sustainable Development Strategy. The report focuses on three priority areas: Sustainable consumption and production Climate, energy, and biodiversity Equal opportunities and social cohesion Overall, the report presents a mixed assessment of progress between 2022 and 2026, which makes the conclusion clear: progress is being made, but not fast enough. Switzerland continues to perform relatively well by international standards and remains among the top 20% of highest-ranking countries globally. Yet despite this comparatively strong position, the country has slipped to 26th place in international SDG rankings. Some developments point in the right direction. Progress can be seen in areas such as circular economy, renewable energy, and gender equality. However, progress remains significantly too slow even in these areas. Additionally, many of the most pressing sustainability challenges remain far from being solved. Particularly concerning are the goals related to sustainable consumption, climate action, biodiversity, poverty reduction, affordable housing, and discrimination. Based on current trends, these objectives are unlikely to be achieved by 2030. The report attributes progress to a combination of new strategies, regulatory adjustments, participatory approaches, and support mechanisms. At the same time, competing policy priorities and limited resources continue to slow implementation efforts. It is also worth noting that the review primarily reflects federal-level activities. The contributions of cantons, municipalities, and cities, many of which play a critical role in implementation, are only partially captured. The Role of the Private Sector The private sector features prominently in Switzerland's sustainability story, although the overall picture remains mixed. Over the past decade, sustainability has moved steadily higher on the corporate agenda. Awareness has increased substantially among multinational corporations, large companies, and an increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Sustainability considerations are now integrated into many corporate strategies and operational processes, particularly when it comes to environmental topics. The challenge becomes more complex when moving beyond environmental management and into social and human rights issues across value chains. The report highlights important progress made by Swiss businesses in advancing sustainability objectives (see chapter 5.2 in the report). Yet some of the most difficult issues remain unresolved. Negative spillover effects within supply chains, distribution networks, and consumption patterns continue to present a significant challenge. Whether in business-to-business or business-to-consumer relationships, performance in these areas still falls well short of the ambitions set out by the SDGs. For companies, this serves as an important reminder that sustainability leadership increasingly depends not only on what happens within the organization itself, but also on the impacts generated throughout its wider ecosystem. The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. A Concerning Shift in Positioning One aspect of the report that has generated discussion and criticism, including from the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland and from members of the Federal Advisory Group, is the apparent repositioning of the 2030 Agenda. Rather than being presented as an important and binding multilateral framework, it is now described as an "important reference framework" for government action. While this may appear to be a subtle change in wording, the implications are more significant. It is our perspective that this weakening of the Agenda 2030's status sends a problematic signal to the business community. Businesses depend on long-term planning certainty. Many companies have used the SDGs as a foundation for strategic decision-making, committed to ambitious targets through initiatives such as Forward Faster, and invested substantial resources in sustainability transformation. Changes in political signalling can therefore have real consequences for investment decisions and long-term planning. This concern is amplified by the current geopolitical context. Multilateral agreements and institutions are facing increasing pressure around the world, as several international commitments have recently been weakened or abandoned by major economies such as the United States. In this political climate, any weakening of Switzerland's position presents as problematic. For a small, highly interconnected country such as Switzerland, strong institutions and reliable multilateral frameworks remain essential. Grounds for Optimism Despite these concerns, the overall assessment remains encouraging. The Voluntary National Report provides a transparent, balanced, and credible picture of Switzerland's progress regarding the SDGs. Rather than presenting an overly optimistic narrative, it openly acknowledges both achievements and shortcomings. This honesty is one of the report's greatest strengths. The quality of the underlying data and the measured but honest tone of the analysis provide confidence that further substantial progress is possible in the years ahead. As a member of the Federal Advisory Group, our Executive Director, Antonio Hautle, states: "I continue to witness strong commitment across the federal administration, as well as among many cantons, cities, and municipalities. Equally encouraging is the engagement demonstrated by Swiss businesses and, in particular, by our UN Global Compact participants, as they continue to show serious, ambitious, and pragmatic leadership in advancing sustainable business practices." At a time of growing political and economic uncertainty, this commitment matters more than ever. The path to 2030 remains challenging, but meaningful progress is still within reach. We continue to count on our business community to help drive sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. Let's keep raising the SDG flag! References Voluntary National Review: 2030 Agenda: Country report and stocktaking survey For further information on the Agenda 2030 in Switzerland: Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development About the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein We seek to promote responsible business practices by stimulating multi-stakeholder dialogue, providing knowledge, tools and mutual learning for businesses in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to engage in corporate responsibility and sustainability. We support companies to align their corporate strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption and to take actions to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Contact Antonio Hautle Executive Director | UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein antonio.hautle@globalcompact.ch

On 10 June 2026, we welcomed over 70 guests — business leaders, representatives from government, civil society and international organizations — to our General Assembly and Global Compact Dialogue at the premises of dsm-firmenich in Satigny. We look back on a day of candid exchange and learnings on what it takes to build resilient organizations in an increasingly uncertain world. 2026 General Assembly of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein General Assembly UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein (GCNSL) The General Assembly was opened by GCNSL President Dr. Ruth E. Blumer Lahner, and Executive Director, Antonio Hautle, who guided the participants through the formal proceedings and strategic outlook. Looking back on a busy year of activities, events and milestones, they also outlined what lies ahead — from our Accelerator Programmes and new Academy e-learnings, to upcoming peer learning groups and further training and engagement opportunities. For an overview of upcoming activities, visit our event page. As in previous years, the GCNSL presented its 2025 financial report and statements, the 2026 budget, and the findings of an independent financial audit — reflecting our continued commitment to transparency and accountability. The annual report, financial report, 2026 membership fees and budget were all approved by the participants present. Board Election: Welcoming New Members and Thanking Departing Ones This year's assembly also marked a significant moment for our board. We re-elected eight board members and welcomed four new ones: Karin Reiter | SVP Sustainability & ESG | The Adecco Group Hallvard Bremnes | Global Head of Sustainability | Givaudan International SA Barbara Vrede | VP, Social Impact & Sustainability | Novartis International AG James Rawson | Finance Director | Kaizen Institute Ltd We look forward to benefiting from their expertise and fresh perspectives in the years ahead. At the same time, we had to say goodbye to three board members. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Vice-President, Dr. Jérôme Barra, Carrie Scott, and Nick Bell for their valuable contributions and dedication over the past years. Dr. Jérôme Barra | Vice-President, Taste Global Marketing and Business Development | dsm-firmenich | appointed 2021 | Vice-President 2023- 2026 Carrie Scott | Head, Sustainability and ESG Office | Novartis | appointed 2023 Nick Bell | Global Head of Marketing Communications | Trafigura | appointed 2019 We were also pleased to share the stage with our long-standing partners from the Federal Administration — the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Peace and Human Rights Division (FDFA) — who are also represented in our Programme Committee. Our thanks go to Roland Widmer (SDC) and Rémy Friedmann (EDA) for taking the time to attend our General Assembly and for sharing the latest updates from their respective offices, and to all our partners for their continued engagement. Lastly, this year's General Assembly also carried a special significance. After years of dedicated leadership, Antonio Hautle will be stepping down as Executive Director, making this his last General Assembly. His succession is currently being planned, and we will be taking the opportunity to celebrate his contributions to the GCNSL properly during the 2027 General Assembly. We are grateful for everything he has brought to this organization and to our network.  Global Compact Dialogue Following the General Assembly, the doors opened to our Global Compact Dialogue — our public afternoon event, and a chance to bring voices from business into the conversation. This year's theme could not have felt more timely: how can organizations navigate geopolitical uncertainty responsibly, while upholding trust, protecting stakeholders, strengthening resilience and preserving long-term value. Katharina Stenholm | dsm-firmenich Following a short welcome from Antonio Hautle, Katharina Stenholm, Chief Sustainability Officer at dsm-firmenich, set the tone for the afternoon with an inspiring input on "Sustainability as a Value Creation Opportunity." Drawing on dsm-firmenich's experience, she made a compelling case that sustainability is not a cost to be managed, but a genuine driver of innovation and long-term value — for business, for the world, and for customers, employees and stakeholders alike. It was a fitting opening for an afternoon dedicated to resilience, and a message that feels especially timely given today's landscape. Our sincere thanks to Katharina, both for hosting us at dsm-firmenich and for so generously sharing these insights with our network.  Building Corporate Resilience amid Geopolitical Tensions We had the honour of welcoming Livio Sarandrea, Business and Human Rights Global Policy Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With his thought-provoking input "Human Rights vs. Competitiveness: A False Dilemma?", he set the stage for the panel discussion to follow, making the case that robust human rights due diligence is not a competitive cost, but a source of resilience, investor confidence and long-term advantage. The centrepiece of the afternoon was a high-level panel on "Building Corporate Resilience amid Geopolitical Tensions." At a moment when fragmentation, shifting trade dynamics and growing pressure on multilateral cooperation are reshaping the operating environment for businesses everywhere, the panel offered a candid, wide-ranging discussion on what resilience really means in practice — and how commitment to sustainability and supply chain management can help safeguard trust, protect stakeholders and preserve long-term value even when the landscape keeps shifting.  We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our three panellists, who took the time to share their experience and perspectives so openly with our audience: Alain Fournier | Chief Financial Officer | Contexa Ana Serbanovic Mendes | Sustainable Procurement Lead | Sonova Group Josie Lianna Kaye | Chief Executive Officer & Founder | TrustWorks Global Moderation: Alice Harbach-Forel | Head of Programmes | GCNSL L to R: Alice Harbach-Forel, Josie Lianna Kaye, Ana Serbanovic Mendes and Alain Fournier World Café: Turning Dialogue into Action The panel set the stage for a series of World Café-style conversations — informal, rotating small-group discussions designed to carry the day's themes further and turn them into something more concrete. Our thanks go to the panellists, who stayed on to facilitate their own tables, as well as to Annie Burdzy from DCAF and the GCNSL team for facilitating additional discussion rounds.   Acknowledgements Our warmest thanks go to everyone who joined us for this year's General Assembly and Global Compact Dialogue, and made it such a rich and engaging day. A special thank you to our host, dsm-firmenich, for so generously welcoming us to their premises in Satigny and to Dr. Jérôme Barra for his support. We are equally grateful to Katharina Stenholm, Livio Sarandrea, and to our three panellists, for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge, experience and perspectives with us. It is this generosity — of time, insight and openness — that gives these gatherings their real value. Finally, a big thank you to the GCNSL team, our President, all board members and participants for their continued engagement and support. We look forward to seeing how the ideas, connections and conversations sparked at this event will translate into greater resilience and collaboration in the future. GCNSL Team All photo credits: IKIGAI Media

External contributions to our network Would you like to contribute? Even if you are not a participant of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein, you can still contribute to our common goals. We welcome and value contributions from external parties, whether through expert insights, co-hosting events, or sharing knowledge via blog articles. All contributions must be in line with our mission to promote responsible business practices regarding corporate responsibility and sustainability. External inputs should add value to our network and not be overly promotional or company-centered. If you're interested in getting involved, please fill out the form below and let us know how you would like to contribute. Our team will review your submission and reach out to discuss the next steps. Please note that while we appreciate all submissions, not every proposal may fit within our current programming, priorities or capacity. Thank you for your interest! How would you like to contribute? Salutation First name* Last name* Business email* Job Title* Organization* How would you like to contribute?* Expert input at a webinar / event Co-hosting an event Being a panelist Submitting a blog article Sponsoring an event Other (please specify) Please specify the topic(s) in which your expertise would contribute.* Briefly describe your contribution idea and the value added for our network.* Who is your usual target audience?* I have read and consent to the privacy policy. * Submit

​Access an in-depth CSRD/ESRS webinars series and learn how the UN Global Compact supports companies in their sustainability efforts. Turn your company’s commitment into action Join the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative Events and Webinars 100+ yearly webinars, workshops and networking events on topics like human rights, biodiversity & supply chain management. UN Global Compact Academy Live and on-demand courses on diverse sustainability topics available to all employees of participating companies. Accelerator Programmes Hands-on training programmes with experts on topics like Climate Action, SDG Ambition, and Business & Human Rights. ESG Regulations Navigator Useful tools like our ESG Regulations Navigator to access key requirements, applicability, and deadlines on current regulations. Peer Learning Groups Peer learning groups with professionals to share insights, tackle challenges, and connect with industry experts and peers. Tools and Resources An extended library with guides, toolkits, and case studies to build, measure, and communicate your sustainability strategy. Download a free webinar series and experience our work Free webinar series on the CSRD/ESRS requirements Access four in-depth webinars and slides on the CSRD/ESRS requirements. Understand key components & scope, including SME standards, sector-specific standards, and non-EU applicability. Learn from company case studies. Explore the environmental and social standards in detail. Complete the form to access the series First name* Last name* Email* Organization* Organization type* Number of employees Country* I would like to register for the monthly newsletter. I have read and consent to the privacy policy. * Submit Who we are The UN Global Compact (UNGC) supports companies in advancing their sustainability efforts to create long-term value for stakeholders and the wider society. By providing practical knowledge, tools, resources, events and training programmes, our ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles - in Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption - and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. The UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein is the official platform of the UNGC in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 24'000+ companies committed globally 380+ companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Participant contributions to our network Would you like to contribute? We welcome and value contributions from our participants, whether through expert insights, co-hosting events, or sharing knowledge via blog articles. If you're interested in getting involved, please fill out the form below and let us know how you would like to contribute. Our team will review your submission and reach out to discuss the next steps. Please note that while we appreciate all submissions, not every proposal may fit within our current programming or capacity. Thank you for your interest! How would you like to contribute? Salutation First name* Last name* Business email* Job Title* Organization* How would you like to contribute?* Expert input at a webinar / event Co-hosting an event Being a panelist Submitting a blog article Sponsoring an event Other (please specify) Please specify the topic(s) in which your expertise would contribute.* Briefly describe your contribution idea.* I have read and consent to the privacy policy. * Submit