A Vision for Sustainability: Adopting the UN Global Compact

We are thrilled to share that Narratives Inc. has been accepted to join the United Nations Global Compact alongside 17,000 organizations globally! This means an annual commitment to report on our company’s progress on the Ten Principles of the Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as encouraging other businesses to do the same. The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact take into account the fundamental responsibilities of business in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

By becoming a member, our organization has aligned itself with global goals. Rooted in UN Declarations and Conventions, the Global Compact’s universal principles embody the core values that businesses should integrate into their everyday strategies and operations. This goes beyond environmental stewardship and allows us to align with principles related to human rights, labour, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption, all while actively contributing to societal progress.

We discovered engaging with the UN Global Compact is a powerful commitment to managing fair and sustainable business practices. By becoming a part of the UN Global Compact, we are making a significant public declaration to drive positive change through ethical business practices. This involvement enables businesses to weave ethical practices into their fundamental operations, fostering a more sustainable and fair work environment.

By joining the UN Global Compact, an organization is required, like all other participating organizations worldwide, to publish an annual public report called the Communication on Progress (CoP). This report showcases the strides our organization has taken in the realm of sustainable development.

This year, we plan to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims for Gender Equality. SDG 5 is centered on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. Gender inequality remains a widespread issue, hindering social advancement. We are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls and promoting their representation in leadership roles. We have been supporting initiatives that support the goal of SDG 5 such as the Clan Mothers which focuses on mid to long-term assistance/healing to women, girls, two-spirit individuals, and transgender persons who have experienced multi-generational trauma, sexual violence, exploitation, and human trafficking.

One of the key goals that our company is focusing on is Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, which is interrelated with all 17 goals. Studies indicate that achieving the target of keeping global warming below 1.5°C is unlikely unless we implement immediate, and extensive climate measures. Indeed, global temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C target for over twelve months. From international conferences to grassroots initiatives, there is a strong dedication to tackle this issue. Additionally, the spotlight has turned to businesses today, which now face unprecedented pressure to adopt sustainable practices and move towards equitable and environmentally friendly operations.

Based on the insights gathered during last year's Holiday party, it became clear that employees at Narratives are eager to take collective action towards minimizing our carbon footprints. The commitment from our company’s leadership and employees inspired us to join the UN Global Compact. Our approach to climate issues focuses on individuals and their stories. We understand that climate change is intertwined with our shared identities, and we respect diverse knowledge systems while supporting Indigenous sovereignty to create a sustainable future for all. Together, we strive to prepare, adapt, and lessen our collective impact in empowering ways.

SDG 13 emphasizes the necessity for immediate action to address climate change and its consequences. It's clear that we need more than just promises; we require tangible measures. Our office is dedicated to reducing emissions and embracing a thorough strategy to achieve net-zero.

We are moving to a new location in 2025 and with our dedication to sustainability, we are hoping to partner with Efficiency Manitoba to optimize our energy usage, aiming to create a positive impact not only on the energy costs but also on the environment as a whole.

We also understand that Indigenous communities are often the first to experience the harsh realities of climate change, given their deep-rooted connection to the land and its resources. We are working collaboratively in partnerships with:

Furthermore, the UN Global Compact Academy serves as a valuable resource for deepening our knowledge on corporate sustainability issues while also offering hands-on training. This exclusive platform is available only to UN Global Compact participants where businesses can gain essential knowledge and skills to meet their sustainability goals and promote sustainable growth over the long term. This builds capacity at the workplace along while creating awareness on major issues.

Participation in the UN Global Compact is one step closer to achieving equitable and sustainable future and solidifying our commitment to the fundamental responsibilities in four core areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Embracing the Global Compact isn’t just about doing business the right way; it’s about paving the path to a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

We invite others to join us on this journey and share in the collective effort to create a sustainable and just world for future generations.