The local network of the United Nations Global Compact in Turkey (Global Compact Türkiye), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO) launched the “Business for Peace” in Mersin, Turkey on April 1, 2014.

The Mediterranean regional event focused on upgrading and strengthening sustainable development efforts to advance peace in the region, with the Mersin Chamber being the first of the Chambers of Commerce in the region to promote the “Business for Peace” initiative. The event not only enabled businesses to join the platform but also highlighted private sector opportunities, collaborative actions and contributions to advancing peace through responsible business approaches and community stakeholder engagement.

As a member of the Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Mediterranean (ASCAME), ICC Mersin delivered a message to the audience from the President, Mr Mohamed Choucair, on behalf of the organization. In this message, the President mentioned the role of ASCAME in strengthening dialogue and cooperation among its members in order to achieve the objectives of peace in the Mediterranean, particularly through the promotion of social and economic activities as instruments of peace, collaboration and reconciliation. Reference was also made to the need to unite efforts in favour of progress; to continue to strive for a prosperous and peaceful area but also for an active economic dialogue in which the Union for the Mediterranean can play a key role.

Since peace can mean different things in different contexts, the local networks of the UN Global Compact play a key role in establishing the B4P platform in localities and encouraging businesses to contribute to the advancement of peace. Melissa Powell, Head of Strategy and Partnership for Peace of the UN Global Compact, said the platform is the fastest growing platform with around 100 companies to date.