Kicking Off 2025 - Upcoming Events at CERB

As we begin another year of meaningful work, we are excited to share updates on the initiatives and events that will shape our first quarter. Our focus remains on fostering sustainable business practices, promoting inclusion, and ensuring responsible business conduct. We look forward to working together to strengthen the private sector and drive sustainable development.

We are thrilled to announce that Creating Livelihoods is back! Mark your calendars for February 11-12, 2025, and stay tuned for updates on how to register your teams for this transformative 2-day summit. Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s summit will continue to explore innovative ways to drive inclusion, upskilling, and sustainable supply chains while advancing progress on SDGs 3, 4, 8, and 10. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, engage in dynamic workshops, and contribute to meaningful change.

Register here

?We are thrilled to announce the new cycle of Climate2Equal in Pakistan, a peer-learning initiative by the IFC and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC). Building on last year’s success, we look forward to more companies joining this effort to champion gender-inclusive climate action. This initiative aims to empower businesses to integrate gender and climate considerations into their operations, creating sustainable solutions that address critical challenges. By participating, companies can benefit from peer learning, capacity building, and practical tools to make meaningful pledges toward climate resilience and inclusion. Together, we can drive impactful change and position Pakistan’s private sector as a leader in gender-inclusive sustainability.?

Nominate your company here

The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) is proud to be a UN WEPs Ally to champion the adoption of UN Women's Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) within Pakistan's business community. CERB has been a long-standing collaborator with UN Women, focusing on fostering dialogue, building awareness, and supporting companies in integrating WEPs into their organizational frameworks. By promoting sustainable and inclusive business practices, CERB acts as a catalyst for cultural and structural transformation, advancing gender equality and empowering women across all levels of the corporate hierarchy. Under this allyship, CERB is hosting an introductory online workshop on 9th January 2025.

Register here

The CERB Sustainability Directory is Pakistan's premier platform for showcasing businesses committed to sustainable and responsible practices. By joining, your company will gain visibility among industry leaders, foster collaboration, and share best practices that advance sustainability goals. Companies including Artistic Milliners, MG Apparel, and Atlas Honda have already filled out their profiles, emphasizing their dedication to sustainability and inclusion. Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your efforts, connect with like-minded organizations, and lead the way toward a greener and more inclusive future.

Register your company here

Partnerships?

1. Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Five-Year Strategic Plan with the Danish Industries (DI) CERB is the local partner for Danish Industries in executing their five-year strategic plan for RBC. This comprehensive initiative involves conducting baseline analyses for selected companies, identifying challenges and gaps, and developing a five-year roadmap to improve target achievements. This partnership is crucial in enhancing the ethical, sustainable, and responsible business practices within the companies engaged, aligning their operations with international RBC standards and expectations.

2. Nutritious Fruit Bars Project Supported by Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and leveraging expertise from Arla Food Ingredients through the SUN Business Network

This project addresses significant post-harvest fruit losses in Pakistan's agricultural sector. CERB's role involves implementing RBC activities with local partner companies to ensure the production of Nutritious Fruit Bars adheres to responsible and sustainable practices. The initiative includes gap identification, targeted training, and action plan development, ultimately aiming to revolutionize the fruit value chain by reducing losses and enhancing food security through innovative, sustainable business models.

3. Family-Friendly Policies Research with UNICEF and UN WOMEN

The project's aim is to conduct a landscape analysis of childcare practices in major cities like Karachi to develop a Guidance Note for employers. This initiative seeks to provide support in creating a supportive work environment for working parents, thus potentially increasing female labor force participation. It highlights best practices in flexible work arrangements, affordable childcare, and afterschool options, addressing barriers that often prevent women from continuing work after marriage and childbirth.