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The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data landscape is evolving as ESG ratings transition away from traditional, aggregated scores that rely primarily on self-reported data. This shift is driven by the demand for more precise, transparent metrics that provide stakeholders with deeper insights and effectively address increasing regulatory scrutiny. This evolution enhances the reliability of ESG assessments, ensuring they more accurately reflect company practices and performance. Challenges in ESG Rating Systems Traditional ESG ratings have relied on company disclosures and questionnaires, with publicly listed companies spending between USD 220,000 and USD 480,000 annually, and private companies up to USD 425,000.¹ Despite these costs, many companies are dissatisfied with the accuracy and transparency of traditional ratings. Self-reported, aggregated scores often obscure critical financial and reputational risks. While companies highlight positive actions like board diversity and waste reduction, composite scores can mask significant operational and supply chain risks, pushing stakeholders to demand more granular data for a clearer view of ESG performance. Regulatory pressures, including frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), underscore the need for detailed ESG scores. These regulations demand precise insights to hold companies accountable and provide metrics that clearly reflect corporate risks. Additionally, there is a rising demand for independent ESG risk data, which is essential for assessing and managing risks tied to specific business practices and ESG factors. The Power of Disaggregated ESG Scores Disaggregated ESG scores offer a detailed view of company performance across various ESG factors. By examining individual components, stakeholders can identify where a company faces more or less risk, allowing them to assess what matters most based on their business goals, policies, and values. This approach ensures decision-makers have the data needed to comply with regulations and understand impacts on people and the planet. Risks vary depending on the sector. For instance, in the global oil and gas industry, disaggregated scores provide a clearer risk profile. The sector's environmental impacts make biodiversity a priority. Disaggregated scores expose specific risks related to local pollution, protected areas, land ecosystems, waste management, and endangered species. Moreover, global operations expose oil and gas companies to regions with diverse human rights records. Disaggregated scores highlight risks like corporate complicity, land grabbing, indigenous rights, and forced labor. Due Diligence and Compliance for Every Business, Every Sector Disaggregated scores enable due diligence and compliance processes to effectively flag investments, customers, or suppliers at risk of violating business conduct norms, regulations, or internal policies. This approach is particularly useful for: Companies:  Ensures compliance with business conduct standards and regulations, promoting ethical practices and minimizing compliance risks. Banks and Insurance Companies:  Enhances Know Your Client (KYC) and transaction due diligence, reducing financial and reputational risks. Asset Managers, Asset Owners, and Index Providers:  Strengthens norms-based screening for private equity and debt, aligning investments with ethical standards. Conclusion The shift in ESG ratings toward disaggregated metrics marks a new era of precision and transparency. By highlighting risks where they matter most, disaggregated scores improve due diligence and compliance, offering stakeholders the clarity they need to protect investments and maintain strong business relationships. This evolution not only builds trust but also drives progress in corporate responsibility and sustainability. The future of ESG lies in the precision and transparency offered by disaggregated scores, which are essential for effective risk management and informed decision-making. For an in-depth look at the value of disaggregated scores, refer to the full RepRisk report: The evolution of ESG data: disaggregated scores for precision and transparency .  ¹ Companies pay up to $500,000 for sustainability ratings - report By Reuters / March 27, 2023    Author: Laura Zamarian - Marketing Business Development Manager Email: laura.zamarian@reprisk.com About RepRisk: RepRisk is a global leader in identifying and assessing business conduct and ESG risks for organizations worldwide. Using artificial and human intelligence, RepRisk focuses on what companies may not disclose, uncovering risks such as deforestation, human rights abuses, and corruption – empowering clients to identify and manage risks faster and with confidence. www.reprisk.com

On 6 June 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming many participants, business leaders, government representatives and civil society experts to our General Assembly and Global Compact Dialogue in Schlieren (ZH). We look back on a successful day that emphasized the critical role of the private sector in achieving the 2030 Agenda. General Assembly The assembly started with the presentation of the Annual Report, which gave an overview of past activities, events, and highlights. Furthermore, the Secretariat team shared an outlook on the current and planned activities on a local and global level including interactive Accelerator Programmes, insightful Academy e-learnings, upcoming peer learning groups, and other training and learning opportunities. For all upcoming events, please visit our event page. In addition, a thorough review of the 2023 financial statements and 2024 budget was presented, detailing our income, expenses, and overall financial health. Given the importance of transparency and accountability to our organization, we also shared an additional financial audit conducted by PwC Switzerland. Another important point on the agenda was the election of our network's board of directors. We would like to warmly welcome the following new people to the board of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein: Aurelia Figueora | Global Director of Sustainability at Breitling Vanessa Hans | Head of Private Sector at Basel Institute on Governance Stephanie Ossenbach | Group Sustainability Officer at dormakaba International Holding AG We also said goodbye to two board members who stepped down. Their dedication, impactful contributions, and efforts played a vital role in supporting our organization and our activities. A big thank you to: Adrienne Williams | Group Vice President, Head of Corporate Responsibility at ABB Helen Medina | Senior Public Affairs Manager, Government and Multilateral Relations at Nestlé SA Global Compact Dialogue Following our General Assembly, participants as well as other interested individuals were welcomed to our Global Compact Dialogue - an interactive event that brought together business leaders, government representatives, SDG stakeholders, and professionals from civil society dedicated to advancing sustainability. The event provided a platform for dynamic discussions on ambitious corporate sustainability action and practical workshops focused on key areas, where the private sector can collectively make the biggest, fastest impact by 2030. After a brief welcome, Noemi Rom, Head of Sustainability Transformation at Zühlke, kicked off the event with interesting insights into how sustainability can be used as a driver of opportunity and how Zühlke supports clients in transforming their businesses to become more sustainable. This input was followed by Lucas Ribeiro, Climate Ambition Accelerator Lead at the UN Global Compact, who introduced the Forward Faster initiative and shared some numbers that underline why more than ever it is essential that companies play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. A highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion with industry experts who shared their experiences and showcased examples of impactful measures taken to drive sustainable transitions and effect positive change for both people and the environment. We would like to extend our gratitude to our insightful panelists: Serena Alonso, Human Rights Specialist at dormakaba | Addressing child labour in the cobalt supply chain Carrie Scott, Head, Sustainability and ESG at Novartis | Internal governance measures to drive access to health Brett Dodge, Lead - Human Rights in Agriculture and Food Systems & Senior Consultant at Ergon Associates | The centrality of living wages to address root causes of human rights risks Lucas Ribeiro, Climate Ambition Accelerator Lead at UN Global Compact | Good practices from SBTi & climate action and achievements from Climate Ambition Accelerator The panel was followed by three parallel workshops focusing on topics of the Forward Faster initiative: Ensuring a Living Wage for All Driving Gender Equality in the Workplace Science-Based Climate Action: Managing key decarbonization challenges The workshops offered a deep dive into relevant topics, creating a platform for participants to discuss their challenges and opportunities while learning from peers and experts in their field. The event concluded with a networking apéro where attendees had the opportunity to connect and continue the conversations started during the panel discussions and workshops. We would like to thank everyone who attended our General Assembly and Global Compact Dialogue! A special thank you goes to our host Zühlke for sponsoring the venue, lunch and for their invaluable logistical support. Thank you also to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA for sponsoring the apéro. We look forward to witnessing how the insights, connections, and discussions gained from this event will contribute to the collective effort to create a sustainable future. All photo credits: Fabio Endrich / Endrich Media Agency

There are significant benefits for businesses incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations, including new business opportunities, increased attractivity for employees, customers, and investors, better employee retention, supply chain resilience, and reduced costs. Although 96% of business leaders agree that the private sector plays a crucial role in achieving the SDGs, companies report difficulties in integrating the SDGs into their core strategies and in understanding, reporting, and managing their impact on the Goals. Together with European networks of the UN Global Compact we are carrying out a study and comparative analysis on where European companies stand in regards to the implementation of the SDGs. In order to accurately and effectively represent the Swiss and Liechtenstein private sector, we are inviting local companies, of all sizes and industries, to take part in this study, also businesses that are not part of the UN Global Compact. The survey is open until 15 May 2024, and will take 15min to complete. The results will be unveiled at the end of September at the Private Sector Forum, organized during the week of the United Nations General Assembly. All answers provided will be treated in strict confidence. If you have any questions or encounter challenges in completing the survey, please send an email to info@globalcompact.ch.

In the context of ongoing regulatory developments and the expected vote on the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the UN Global Compact reaffirms its support for mandatory human rights due diligence. Legislation and regulations at national or regional levels provide enforceable mechanisms to raise corporate responsibility and accountability, protect victims and level the playing field for corporations and other actors by clarifying responsibility. The UN Global Compact has consistently expressed strong support for mandatory due diligence, noting the limitations of voluntary due diligence measures in failing to hold companies accountable for human rights abuses. Voluntary ambitious action, coupled with mandatory measures aligned with international guiding frameworks will drive corporate responsibility at this crucial time when collective action is needed more than ever. Laudably, over the last decade, momentum for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence has grown worldwide. When these laws align with international human rights and environmental policies, they enable a coherent and collectively measurable approach to responsible business conduct. As the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, the UN Global Compact continues to support businesses in becoming future-proofed for ever-emerging laws and regulations by aligning voluntary, ambitious human rights actions with internationally accepted human rights and environmental standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Conventions. Aligned with the ambition of the UN Global Compact to accelerate and scale the collective impact of businesses by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals, we stand ready to support business on their due diligence journeys. Find the original Statement on the UN Global Compact website.

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable practices including environmental and human rights; the European Union's forthcoming regulation on deforestation, set to be enforced as of January 1st, 2025, marks a pivotal shift. Covering commodities like coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy, timber, and rubber, as well as their derivatives, this regulation signals a fundamental change in the way businesses approach sustainability, particularly concerning deforestation. 1. Sustainability as a Must-Have Requirement, Deforestation is just the First Step Multiple new regulations are propelling sustainability from a mere differentiation factor to an indispensable pre-competitive necessity. Compliance is not just about staying ahead; it is about meeting baseline requirements. Converting sustainable practices from a choice or a differentiator to a prerequisite for conducting business, with penalties associated with merely maintaining the status quo becoming substantial. For example, foreseen fines in case of non-compliance specifically for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), go up to 4% of company turnover within the EU, a serious business risk. 2. Disaggregated flows and the data reality The commodities selected by the EU for EUDR have been done so for good reason. Simply put, these products are significant contributors to non-sustainable activities. What’s concerning for many operators and brands in their rushed compliance is that substantial amounts of these products come from smallholder subsistence farmers in highly fragmented value chains. These farmers produce limited quantities, resulting in vast volumes of granular data. Disaggregation and data often present compatibility challenges! Beyond a tier 1 or 'direct supplier' relationship, ensuring quality information becomes significantly challenging. As you approach the origin, profit margins shrink, discouraging investment in additional overheads or complexity without commensurate rewards. To compound the challenge, education and technical expertise often decline at the start of agricultural supply chains, leading to a lack of governance and control. 3. Need for Robust Traceability Solutions This shift in perspective leads to a need for greater transparency in procurement practices, transparency that drives decisions to ensure compliance; and that can be justified. Robust traceability is demanded like it has never been before to both prove compliance with all laws and regulations at a local origin level and ensure that products imported into the EU are not grown on deforested land. To assure supply chain flexibility and resilience, processes easy to follow and add value to the actors upstream, systems need to be simple, scalable, and interoperable. The challenge lies in developing systems capable of handling the complexities of first-mile farm reality, often offline and in remote environment, while also integrating seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure on client side. Technological processes need to be auditable and dependable so more focus can be on analysis, quickly identifying risks and fixing root causes before they manifest into issues. In essence, it requires dedicating additional time to refining people and processes to uphold data quality and ensure reliable reporting. 4. Addressing Compliance and Beyond The Swiss based company farmer connect has developed an extensive traceability solution for risk and due diligence monitoring of disaggregated supply chains, it has been specially tailored to the European Union Deforestation Regulation compliance requirements but goes well beyond. It efficiently allows first-mile data intake, including polygon data, satellite-based deforestation assessments and provides the necessary data stipulated by the regulation – assuring use of already existing data. Moreover, the solution isn't limited to deforestation. It can encompass various sustainability data, covering aspects like child labor, living income, or farm practice certifications, thereby ensuring compliance with additional regulations like the German Supply Chain Act or the European Green Deal. 5. Leveraging Data for Broader Goals While compliance is crucial, the data gathered in a traceability system can serve multiple purposes beyond regulatory demands. It can be instrumental in annual sustainability reporting, offering transparency and accountability to shareholders or financial institutions. Furthermore, this data can facilitate consumer engagement, allowing consumers to make informed choices aligned with their values. In conclusion, the European regulation on deforestation is not merely a burden; it's an opportunity to foster visibility, drive tangible improvements, and propel the industry towards a more sustainable future. Farmer connect's auditable traceability is a great example of how regulatory requirements can be turned into avenues for positive change. Authors Susanne Emonet, CEO, farmer connect Kristian Doolan, Partnership and Innovation, farmer connect Source farmer connect About farmer connect Farmer connect is a traceability software for trusted and auditable data on sustainability to address your compliance and reporting needs. They are a pioneer in developing auditable traceability solutions that bridge the gap between regulatory demands and practical implementation. Their solution stands out for its interoperability and integration capabilities, seamlessly incorporating third-party data such as satellite assessments or existing certifications.

On 25 September 2023, more than 200 organisations located in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria raised an SDG flag to show their support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). September 2023 marked eight years since the world embraced the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, reflect a shared objective and ambition across all countries to end poverty and hunger everywhere, to combat inequalities within and among countries, to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, to protect human rights and promote gender equality and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources by 2030. What began with a few flags in the Netherlands in 2020 has grown to more than 1'000 flags being raised worldwide in the past years by businesses, NGOs, municipalities, universities, libraries, and other civil society organisations. In 2023, more UN Global Compact Local Networks than ever joined the global movement. With great pleasure, we also invited organisations in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria to participate this year in the SDG Flag campaign. During the week the 25th of September, the SDG flag was displayed on many organisational premises and also had a strong presence on LinkedIn and Twitter (check the hashtag #togetherfortheSDGs). It was inspiring to witness the diverse approaches taken by these organisations to leverage this opportunity for conveying their sustainability goals, coordinating staff engagement activities, or hosting community events aimed at raising awareness about the SDGs and the Agenda 2030. Here are some impressions of the SDG Flag Day from our participants and partners in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We would like to thank everyone who supported this initiative. We look forward to the next year! Would you like to include your images? Please email us and we will gladly add it to our gallery: info@globalcompact.ch What's next? Raising a flag is not enough. Only 18% of the SDGs are on track or have been achieved, while 15% of the goals are seeing a reversal in progress and over two-thirds of the goals are currently seeing “limited or no progress.” Despite this alarming development, none of the objectives are beyond our reach but we need to intensify the efforts. This section provides you with an overview of the programmes and resources that the UN Global Compact offers you, if you would like to learn more and continue raising awareness on the SDGs: Join the Forward Faster initiative where companies are guided on where to make the biggest, fastest impact before 2030 Embed SDG-aligned practices into your business operations and across the value chain by joining one of our six-month Accelerator programmes (only for participating companies of the UN Global Compact) Visit our SDG Focus Area for more guidance and resources to further align and scale up action for the SDGs Find out more about joining the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein for further opportunities and to connect with peers and experts

In 2023 a dedicated project team in Schaan, Liechtenstein, decided on a unique way to educate the public on sustainability and raise awareness on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): they built a 35-meter tower with an interactive exhibition that explains how everyone can contribute to a better and more sustainable future. The tower project "Ich, die Zukunft” (in English: “I, the Future") is an exhibition, dialogue platform, and meeting place where various events are held over the course of 17 weeks (standing for the 17 SDGs) to address relevant sustainability topics. In addition, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains from the observation deck at the top of the tower on the 10th floor. During the exhibition, visitors experience insights and food for thought on biodiversity, society and generations, economy and growth, regionality, food and agriculture, as well as Liechtenstein's sustainability goals. Almost daily, additional events take place where various organisations, associations, and companies host discussions, lectures, and social events to facilitate the exchange of information. The UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein had the pleasure of hosting several events on the importance of sustainability in the private sector. On Friday, June 24 we explored how businesses, both SMEs and large companies, can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to foster a more sustainable and inclusive economy. The event was an open dialogue, where attendees had the opportunity to delve into the topic, ask critical questions, and gain valuable insights. The session featured representatives from the UNGC participants LGT and Liebherr, who shared their sustainability journeys, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences and the challenges they encountered while implementing responsible business practices. On Saturday we organized an interactive event where the public was invited to learn more about sustainability and the SDGs. Visitors of all ages were welcomed to immerse themselves in various activities, games, quizzes, and even a friendly competition. The event provided an enjoyable platform for people to learn more about sustainability in an approachable and engaging way. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and the role that individuals can play in achieving the SDGs. The activities showcased the interconnectedness of the SDGs and how their achievement can positively impact our planet and society. The event served as a reminder that sustainability is not just an abstract concept but something that can be integrated into our daily lives. Watch our Instagram reel for more insights. It was a pleasure and an honour for our network to be part of "Ich, die Zukunft'. Projects and events like this not only raise awareness of the importance of sustainability, but also serve as catalysts for collaboration and knowledge sharing between companies, associations, and society. We are excited to be back at the Liechtenstein tower on July 19, 2023 for another evening session targeted at businesses. Let us all be inspired by this tower and continue to work together to create a more sustainable and inclusive world for the benefit of present and future generations. Together, we can make a difference!

The coming years will be decisive for the path to Green Growth which means to foster economic growth and development in a sustainable way. The potential of digital technology and the cloud as the innovation platform of the 21st century will be crucial for green transformation. This applies to the corporate sector as well as to the public sector and society at large. The Tech for Sustainability Circle - a collaboration between Microsoft Switzerland, EY Switzerland and the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland and Liechtenstein - published a white paper focusing on the three defined themes in scope “Green Growth”, “Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)” and “Impact Measurement” and is intended to trigger further discussions and actions for a sustainable Switzerland enabled by technology. Switzerland's success in the global economy increasingly depends on its ability to drive datadriven value creation and unlock new revenue streams from digital products and services. However, data and computing power will not only accelerate digital transformation to create sustainable economic and social growth, but also provide the critical infrastructure for green transformation. This is a unique opportunity for Switzerland, as it can build on a strong corporate sector with many technological and digital pioneers, and sustainability is anchored in the country. The white paper highlights how technology plays a pivotal role in achieving the sustainable development goals and summarizes key takeaways and calls for actions in regards to the current and future state of Green Growth in Switzerland, responsible AI and the importance of impact measurement. Some of the calls for actions include: Switzerland to define policies, frameworks and support for relevant actors from the public, private and academic sectors that focus on the role of technology to achieve the defined 2030 and 2050 sustainability goals for Green Growth. Technology and the Sustainability are bound together, and as such, sustainability impacts of AI solutions and technological progress should be considered. To survive and thrive, organizations will have to put sustainability at the heart of their tech strategy, and tech at the heart of their sustainability journey. Standardized impact measurement processes and common sustainability reporting standards must be developed as soon as possible to allow for dedicated action and comparison across different sectors and companies. About the Tech for Sustainability Circle Seizing green opportunities requires collaboration between industries, the private and the public sectors. For this reason, Microsoft Switzerland, EY Switzerland and UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein founded in 2021 the Tech for Sustainability Circle - an initiative to bring together organizations, boost transparency and measurement, and nurture dialogue between the private and public sectors, academia, and governmental organizations. Learn more: Tech for Sustainability (microsoft.com)

On June 6, 2023 many participants joined our General Assembly 2023 in Bern. The event served as a platform to reflect on our past achievements, vote on our new board members, and share our planned future activities. It was also a great opportunity to network and meet longstanding and new participants of our local network. Annual Report: Highlighting Past Activities and Events The assembly started off with the presentation of the Annual Report, which summarized our many activities and events of the previous year. The report showcased the dedication of our network in offering various insightful programmes and events for our participants: from interactive Accelerator Programmes, insightful Academy e-learnings and event series to different peer learning groups and numberous fruitful collaborations. Revision of Statutes: Shaping Our Governance and Voting on Membership Fees As a responsible organisation, we recognized the need to adapt to the changing landscape. Therefore, the revision of our statutes was a significant point on the agenda to ensure that our governance structure remains sustainable and capable of meeting the evolving needs of our network. In addition, the general assembly also discussed and voted on the revised membership fee structure. The adjustment of fees was a result of the merger of the two engagement levels (signatory and participant) and the expanded access to all programmes and will support global strategic investments in programmes and initiatives and fund the UN Global Compact more equitably. Financial Statements 2022 and Budget 2023: Presentation and Voting During the assembly we closely reviewed the financial statements for 2022, taking into account the income, expenses, and overall financial health of our organisation. Transparency and accountability are crucial to our organisation which is why an additional financial audit conducted by PwC Switzerland was shared. Following the presentation of the numbers, all participants were given the chance to ask questions or express concerns before voting on the financial statements and budget. Board Election: New Faces and Sad Goodbyes As part of the general assembly our participants conducted elections to form our local network's board of directors. This moment marked a significant transition, as five new leaders joined our board to guide our organisation in the future. Their commitmment, expertise, and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in promoting sustainability and driving positive change in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and beyond. We would like to warmly welcome the following people to the board of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein: Adrienne Williams | Group Vice President, Head of Corporate Responsibility | ABB Carrie Scott | Head, Sustainability and ESG Office | Novartis Florian Strasser | Group CEO & Chairman | GWF AG Nadia Kaddouri | Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer | Swissport Stefania Lallai | Vice President Sustainability Cargo Division | MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company We also had to say goodbye to three longstanding board members who made the difficult decision to step down. Their dedication, impactful contributions, and tireless efforts played a vital role in shaping our organisation and our initiatives. A big thank you to: Caroline Portmann | Head Sustainability Public Policy | Credit Suisse | appointed 2015 Marina Prada | Head Sustainability Performance | Syngenta Crop Protection AG | appointed 2018 Matthew Kilgarriff | Director of Corporate Social Responsibility | Richemont International SA | appointed 2014 Outlook: Planned Activities and Events 2023 The last point of the agenda was an outlook of the current and planned activities for 2023. The Secretariat team shared the latest information on the global strategy of the UN Global Compact and gave insights on different activites and events happening on a global level such as the new Communication on Progress (CoP) and the Leader Summit. Furthermore, the team gave a quick overview of the current focus areas and an outlook of the current and upcoming events. Some of the highlighted events and initiatives are listed in the slider below. For the full event list, please visit our event page. Exchange and Reception: Participant Stories and Inspiration After the official part of the General Assembly, the participants were invited to engage in an interactive session where Florian Klingel from Skat Consulting, Nadia Kaddouri from Swissport and Franics Froborg from Zühlke Group shared insights on challenges companies face when it comes to their sustainability transition. It was a thought-provoking discussion with many valuable inputs and questions from the audience that also helped the board and secretariat team to better understand where we can adjust our offerings to meet the needs of our participants. The General Assembly concluded on a joyous note with an apéro riche, where participants had the opportunity to connect and network. Sharing stories with like-minded people, exchanging ideas, and reaffirming our commitment inspired everyone to continue their mission of pursuiting a more sustainable and inclusive future. We would like to thank everyone who attended our General Assembly! We look forward to continue working with all of you.

Solar Appreciation Day is celebrated every March. This is a good opportunity to learn more about solar technology. Solar energy is a leading source of green energy and helps to mitigate climate change. According to the International Energy Agency, solar energy from photovoltaic cells (PV) accounted for ~3.6% of global electricity generation and remains the third-largest source of renewable energy, behind hydropower and wind The multinational construction company Hilti, shares how they use their recently created solar park to reduce CO2 and create more benefits for employees. Hilti takes the climate change challenge seriously Head of Corporate Sustainability at Hilti, Peter Rupp shares: “Why are we investing our resources in solar energy? Simply because it is good for the environment, highly motivating for our employees, and it typically comes with a good business case. This will benefit both the environment and our team members. Hence, we highly appreciate the abundant solar resource and plan to increase the usage of green energy in a future.” Hilti takes the challenge of climate change seriously, supporting a secure and sustainable future for all. Recently, we elevated our climate ambitions to an even higher level, committing to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). We made this significant promise because we want to contribute to the construction industry’s transformation to net zero and to support our customers in the race to decrease their carbon footprint. Pledging to set both, short- and long-term targets, our commitment dovetails with our efforts as a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, which we joined more than 15 years ago. Operating in construction, Hilti has provided solutions and tools for construction professionals in more than 120 countries around the globe for over 80 years. We serve society through our industry, which provides people with the very basic need of a roof over their head. But construction is also known to generate around 40 percent of the world’s carbon footprint. We recognize this problem and we are actively working to decrease our carbon emissions. CO2 reduction and green energy at Hilti It's a tall order, to be sure. How do we resolve this need in our energy consumption strategy while also serving our employees? Easy. It’s very much in line with Hilti’s environmental values, a fact that attracts professionals who share our sustainability values, making them direct participants in our efforts to make construction better. We continuously reduce our direct CO2-emissions through efficiency measures, by using green electricity and, where possible, climate-friendly heating alternatives. Over the last two years, we have doubled our installed worldwide solar capacity every year, and we will continue to do so in the future. In areas where reducing energy consumption is not feasible, we aim to replace current energy sources with greener alternatives. Since 2020 we have been in the process of converting our global vehicle fleet to run on more environmentally friendly technologies, such as electricity, and we are constantly increasing the quantity of our PV systems. Solar energy to engage in sustainability and offer eco-friendly employee benefits With an eye towards both the environment and our employees, Hilti recently installed 88 new charging stations for electric vehicles, fueled by the sun, at corporate headquarters in Schaan, Liechtenstein. Since January 2023, our colleagues have been able to charge their e-vehicles at no cost. At any one time, the charging stations situated in Hilti’s HQ parking garage are generally two-thirds full. We have also created a local Microsoft Teams-based internal community of electrical vehicles users to make charging station usage even more efficient. This community helps to prevent charging bottlenecks, shares user insights and increases the engagement rate of our employees in sustainability, giving them an additional benefit. 100% green electricity for local needs Our new solar park is the largest in Liechtenstein. More than 4600 solar modules are installed on an area the size of 1.5 football fields. The system is installed on the roofs of the Hilti parking garage and the Hilti Innovation Center (IC), as well as on an open area next to the IC. With a total output of around 1.7 MWp, the generated electricity corresponds to the electricity consumed by approximately 700 households. All of this green energy is used by the company and covers about 10% of the total energy demand at headquarters. The remaining amount is exclusively covered by certified green electricity, which we have sourced for all Hilti locations worldwide since 2020. This PV initiative is part of the green mobility concept that offers environmentally friendly alternatives for our employees to commute to work, for example by using bicycles, electric bikes, public transportation or carpooling. Author Olga Zharkova Corporate Communications Hilti Group | olga.zharkova@hilti.com About Hilti The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction and energy industries with technologically leading products, systems, software and services. With about 32,000 team members in over 120 countries the company stands for direct customer relationships, quality and innovation. Hilti generated annual sales of more than CHF 6.3 billion in 2022. The headquarters of the Hilti Group have been located in Schaan, Liechtenstein, since its founding in 1941. The company is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, which ensures its long-term continuity. The Hilti Group’s strategic orientation is based on a caring and performance-oriented culture and the goals of creating enthusiastic customers and building a better future.

As we enter 2023, we are propelled by the positivity from the landmark deal and key targets agreed as part of the COP15 Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal. Discussions and panels at The World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted the need for corporate biodiversity risk disclosure frameworks pinning hope on the emergence of the TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures). There is no question that financial markets recognise the nature dependency of the global economy. The World Economic Forum estimates that roughly half of the global GDP, or about $44 trillion of economic value, depends on the natural world in some shape or form, an awakening to the financial markets, meaning its demise carries a huge financial toll. The new targets set at COP15 declared for financial firms to disclose their biodiversity footprint and most significantly Target 15 of the GBF (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework) states that financial institutions should "Regularly monitor, assess, and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts (...) along their operations, supply and value chains and portfolios". With the emergence of these new frameworks and nature markets, what are the opportunities for the private sector? There is huge demand from financial institutions and investors who don’t have an auditable way to invest in nature. What’s required is the emergence of nature-based solutions focusing on alleviating the risk, that can’t be eliminated, using a standardised metric framework. Increasing transparency on supply chain impact on nature loss will give investors and corporations the opportunity to accurately target opportunities to increase biodiversity, and mitigate the risk. Technological advances allow us to easily declare climate and nature risk through asset-based geolocation, from emerging startups such as Quantifying Nature and other financial risk frameworks such as the TNFD. Advances in geo spatial data allow us to accurately identify critical landscapes in need of urgent funding and channel it at scale. According to Juha Siikamäki, Chief Economist at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “we need to figure out how to scale up the projects and drive down the transaction costs.”(Environmental Finance, 2023). THE ARK is one solution for the public and private sector to accurately target and mitigate business supply chain risk at scale. THE ARK’s access to the conservation industry makes it a portal to a multitude of conservation engagements categorised by sector, geography, SDG, ESG and more. Biodiversity engagements and their metrics vary depending on the landscape and environment, however the framework enables baselines and targets to be set by conservationists and investors to construct their global project portfolio and track their performance. Accurate and verified real time data allows corporations and organisations to account for biodiversity gain, adjust corporate operations and contribute before the harm occurs. Using various temporal, numeric and spatial data feeds THE ARK can take areas such as palm oil plantations and evaluate its nature impact over time and propose opportunities to mitigate or adapt. At the recent launch of the GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative in Davos, Per Heggenes, Chief Executive Officer, IKEA Foundation, said ‘The global figure of philanthropic capital for climate mitigation currently stands under 2% and that is not acceptable. But this is also a massive opportunity to leverage philanthropic giving for climate action.' THE ARK provides a solution by offering investments in philanthropy but also different asset classes such as blended finance. In order for the financial sector to actively and positively engage in reducing biodiversity loss, tackle climate change and reach net zero by 2050, it will require the collaboration of major philanthropists, public and private sector organisations to mobilise mainstream finance direct to grass roots, credible conservationists at scale.The issue of biodiversity loss is immediate and devastating with species being wiped out daily, the reduction in loss requires the private sector and philanthropists to act now. Author Qasim Abbas Co-Founder THE ARK | LinkedIn More about THE ARK Website: www.theark.co Video: www.theark.co/video

ZURICH, Switzerland, December 8, 2022 – The UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein is a legally independent business association and only official platform of the New York-based United Nations Global Compact in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In regard to the recent public discussions around Migros’ participation in the UN Global Compact, we would like to confirm that Migros has been a participant of the UN Global Compact Switzerland & Liechtenstein in the past. However, in 2019 Migros decided to not renew their participation due to cost reasons. Ever since Migros has not been a participating member of the UN Global Compact. 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 (SDGs). Contact Antonio Hautle Executive Director UN Global Compact Switzerland & Liechtenstein antonio.hautle@globalcompact.ch