An Interview With Lori Michelin, CEO & President of the World Environment Center (WEC), and Francisco Suarez, Former Chair of the Board of WEC, on Fostering Solutions With Business to Address Sustainable Development
Ms. Michelin and Mr. Suarez discuss the global sustainability work of WEC and its mission to advance sustainability in partnership with WEC member companies, governments, multilateral and academic institutions, and other NGOs. Mr. Suarez shares how member companies such as Coca Cola-FEMSA, of which he is the Director of Business Development, participate in WEC’s forefront activities and projects, and the importance of having a membership comprised of global corporate sustainability leaders. Mr. Suarez also details the great value he encountered as former Chair of WEC’s Board, supporting WEC projects that are creating positive impact around the world, and the opportunity to strengthen his relationships with other corporate leaders in global sustainability.
The article highlights WEC’s impactful corporate sustainability project work in Latin America, in particular WEC’s Private Sector Clean Production Partnerships in the priority industry sectors and specific supply chains in countries throughout the hemisphere; a network of innovate solutions in the region that support the sustainable growth of local Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and a collaboration with national Universities in the region to strengthen student sustainability education through both curriculum development and on-site training with participating MSMEs. Mr. Suarez discusses his observations on the general response of government and the private sector to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, noting WEC’s current study on Sustainability Management Frameworks in Mexico and Chile, funded by the German government and he highlights the importance of WEC’s diverse membership of global companies whose shared commitment to international sustainability is their common thread.
Ganar-Ganar also profles the sustainability practices, of WEC member Fresnillo.
About the World Environment Center
WEC is an independent, global non-profit, non-advocacy organization that advances sustainable development through the business practices and operations of its member companies and in partnership with governments, multi-lateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and other stakeholders. WEC’s mission is to accelerate sustainability solutions through innovation, thought leadership and public-private collaboration. It manages projects for companies across their global operations, builds executive-level learning and competency in applying sustainable development across a number of business sectors, and recognizes performance excellence through an annual awards program. WEC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in China, El Salvador and Germany.
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