Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading association for project professionals and changemakers, has called for decisive and unified action to overcome pressing global challenges. Underlining its commitment as a “for purpose” organization, PMI urged global leaders at this year’s UN Global Compact Leaders Summit (UNGC) to tackle a range of urgent issues.
Last year, the annual Leaders Summit brought over 25,000 leaders from business, government, the UN, and Civil Society together — virtually — to address the climate crisis, the global pandemic, economic disparities, and social inequalities. PMI participated in the gathering to emphasise the importance of collaboration, working closely with other participants to drive collective action and affect lasting change.
Grace Najjar, Managing Director of PMI MENA, said: “It was an honour to participate in and moderate this year’s UNGC Leaders Summit. The annual gathering, which is geared towards uniting business for a better world, speaks to the values that inspire all of us at PMI to affect change. We believe that empowering changemakers through capacity building is vital to delivering integrated social impact and consistent value. UNGC 2021 served as a refreshing and timely reminder of just how aligned our vision for the world is with the UN’s 2030 agenda — one that very much represents a fundamental shift in thinking, acknowledging the interconnectedness of a prosperous and thriving business sector, society, and a healthy environment.”
Grace Najjar led discussions on capacity building, sustainability, technology, and systemic issues. She reiterated the growing importance of sustainability and its role in safeguarding the future while calling attention to the need for more successful cross-sector partnerships.
The event was attended by some of the most respected and experienced industry experts, project managers and changemakers from a wide range of sectors. It provided a unique opportunity and platform for these thought-leaders to network, exchange ideas and advance all-important causes, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. The UNGC Summit showcased the seminal role project management continues to play in driving sustainable progress and encouraging international collaboration.
PMI occupies a unique leadership position; being well-placed to help address some of the world’s most significant challenges —such as sustainability and climate change — due to its global network of practitioners and changemakers in virtually every country in the world. With supporting products and offerings to enable talent, PMI’s ecosystem of members, volunteers, and chapter leaders bring extensive skill sets and insights on how to lead and implement complex projects, enhancing the organization’s work.
With the 2019 Global Celebration of Service, the PMI® international community contributed over 150,000 hours of service towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year — in 2021 — PMI is calling on its community of partners, supporters, and stakeholders to pledge 75,000 to 100,000 hours of service towards the SDGs to drive change and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
PMI is looking to create change, advance the SDGs, and launch a more extensive global brand campaign in 2021.
