The United Nations Global Compact has honoured a Kenyan entrepreneur for demonstrating progress and commitment toward advancing Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
Catherine Gichungu was feted for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of the 17 SDGs after beating stiff competition from individuals from over 100 countries.
Gichungu has implemented the ten principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, environment, labor, and anti-corruption.
The florist, through her company Caly Flora and its subsequent brands Greenit Decors and Mizizi Eco Circle, has been spearheading education initiatives and community engagement in promoting a sustainable way of life for Kenyans.
Caly Flora is the first in Kenya to use and create broader awareness of eco-friendly flower wraps to reduce its carbon footprint.
“We have grown at least 45 species of indigenous tree seedlings, kept a minimum of 100,000 trees Garden Centre, setting standards on the sizes of trees to sell at 1.5 meters and above to ensure their survival in the environments they are transplanted to,” she said.
On receiving the award, Gichungu said her recognition is a morale booster and validation for the work that she does passionately.
“I am grateful for this global recognition and I am happy that Carly Flora has been put on the global map for the work we do in sustainability here in Kenya,” she said.
“Our work involves the production of indigenous tree seedlings, Eco-friendly packaging of flowers, vermiculture, advocacy for indigenous trees, teaching children about environmental conservation, and composting, among others which is significant in the conservation of nature and biodiversity.”
She also noted that the award is a confirmation that Small to Medium Enterprises have a significant role to play in carrying out their operations in a sustainable manner.
“Matters sustainability is not just for the big players but for everyone and we all have a role to play in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The award ceremony was held at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York., with a search focusing on professionals working at any level in a company.
The UN Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo said the programme recognizes dedicated professionals who drive and innovate solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models that can enable us to reach the SDGs by 2030.
“We hope their work will inspire others to advance the Global Goals by implementing our ten principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption,” she said.
On her part, the Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino said the team is proud of Gichungu’s achievement, saying it is a true statement of the work the local chapter is doing in building the sustainability capacity of its members.
“This is the third global win the KenyaNetwork has attained through its participants and we are happy to see companies and organisations embrace sustainability in their operations,” Njino said.
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