DGCN | GC +15 Europe | Impulse speaker Kurt Bock (BASF SE)

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure to be here. Sir Mark, dear Lise, I feel honored to be invited to your meeting in Berlin. Fifteen years of the Global Compact Network in Europe also means 15 years of BASF collaboration with the UN Global Compact. We are a very proud member. Today I want to share my views on the Global Compact. These local networks are crucial because they are where the rubber hits the road. I'm quite engaged, and as Mr. Froman already said, he is very busy with the Global Compact. For me, it's not a full-time job, but cooperating with the Global Compact gives an amazing view of what's happening worldwide. I'll briefly look back and then look ahead. In 2000, it started with a vision of a platform for collaboration between the UN, civil society, and business. Many were skeptical, but today it's a great success story. The UN Global Compact has become the most important sustainability-focused network globally, growing from 44 member companies to over 8,300 companies and about 4,000 non-business members. That reflects an average growth rate of about 40 percent, which we would call a startup-type growth rate. But we also need growth in quality. BASF is proud to be a founding member and has actively supported the initiative globally and locally. I congratulate the German Global Compact Network for hosting this forum. The Global Compact has prepared the ground for numerous trustful partnerships. One example from BASF is our food fortification initiative, where we partner with UN agencies to fight malnutrition. This was acknowledged by the Secretary General at a meeting in Davos. The Global Compact incubated multi-stakeholder cooperation and triggered a mindset shift that business has a vital role in providing solutions for societal challenges. As Lise said in her welcome message, together we can deliver on the potential of sustainable corporate practices. A growing number of companies recognize sustainability as a driver for business. At BASF, sustainability based on responsible business conduct is a significant driver of growth. Our purpose is 'We create chemistry for a sustainable future'—about science, relationships, and sustainability in all three dimensions. This purpose matches the UN Global Compact agenda. The LEAD platform in 2011 was another milestone. We participated in developing the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted just days ago. Another milestone was my appointment to the board in New York. The board is strict about attendance, which keeps people on their toes. It's interesting because it includes people from all parts of society. I always take lessons home on how we can do better. I also try to contribute my business experience. From the global to the local level, I emphasize the importance of local networks. We are engaged in several, especially in Africa and China. These activities help us establish reliable stakeholder relationships. Let me sum up three lessons: First, we need to focus on key challenges and prioritize. Second, we need to leverage the potential of different entities more effectively. Third, we should welcome more collective actions with other major networks like WBCSD or GRI. A good example was the development of the SDG Compass. Looking ahead, the success story of the UN Global Compact continues. Challenges like social inequalities, climate change, and migration show we cannot rest. We need renewed global cooperation. At COP21 in Paris, politicians have a chance to set a global regulatory framework. BASF is committed to the business proposals for COP21 and is a member of UN Caring for Climate. The approved SDGs provide reasons for optimism. Three things we welcome: the collaborative approach, addressing all countries, and acknowledging the role of economic development. More people recognize that business is part of the solution. We support the UN goals and are willing to contribute. Looking back and ahead, sustainable development is driven by people. The UN Global Compact recently saw a change in leadership with Lise Kingo taking over from Georg Kell. I congratulate her. We will also see a change in the Secretary General position. I rely on the same commitment from Ban Ki-moon as we saw from Kofi Annan. I promise that BASF will continue to support the UN Global Compact at the local and global levels. I wish you all success. You play a crucial role in society, and we must bring together all parts to tackle the big challenges. I don't know any better organization than the UN Global Compact to achieve this. Thank you very much.