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Canada
(May 31, 2016) An intriguing collaboration between WEConnect International in Canada and the UN Global Compact Canada Network recently brought together in Toronto, global corporate leaders in supplier diversity and ethical supply chains with women business owners and their supporters. The event highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment as one of the critical factors in reaching the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. To support this theme the UN has launched the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Co-founder and CEO of WEConnect International Elizabeth A. Vazquez serves on the council along with the head of the World Bank, the IMF, the President of Costa Rica and high level representation from corporations such as IKEA.
Michael K. Robinson, Board Chair of WEConnect International and Head of Supplier Diversity at IBM, led the WEConnect International participation in the event and emphasized the growing contribution of women’s enterprises to efficient global supply chains. Rosemary Wepplar, EY, Cristina Falcone, UPS, John Coyne, Unilever, Patsy Thompson Reuters and Sue Rauth of Global Affairs Canada brought broad ranging experience and incisive comments in two panel discussions. A highlight of the morning was the presentation to Helle Jorgensen President of the UNGlobal Compact in Canada and CEO of B. Accountability of the WEConnect International Women Business Enterprise certification by Astrid Pregel, Executive Director and Global Advisor of WEConnect International in Canada. Helle will be joining the Canadian delegation and attending the WEConnect International Day at the WBENC conference in June.
