Catherine Gichungu of Kenya has been named the 2023 SDG Pioneer by the United Nations Global Compact.
As the CEO of Caly Flora, Catherine is one of the 12 global Pioneers and the only one from the Africa region representing the SME sector honored at the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit, which took place during the UN General Assembly in New York.
Officiated by Sanda Ojiambo, the Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, the award ceremony acknowledged Catherine and fellow business leaders for their remarkable efforts in using their business as a positive influence, advancing all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their business practices.
Her company Caly Flora which is a Small Medium Enterprise (SME) based in Kenya, has been spearheading education initiatives and community engagement in promoting a sustainable way of life for Kenyans.
Caly Flora is the first flower company in Kenya to use and create broader awareness of eco-friendly flower wraps to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2022, the Company sold 692 bouquets in eco-friendly biodegradable wraps, saving an equal number of polythene floral wraps.
Through her company, Catherine is also addressing the Kenyan Ecosystem's rapid decline of indigenous tree species that play a vital role in curbing soil erosion, protecting water catchment areas, providing food, livelihoods, and promoting biodiversity in general.
Caly flora has been a participant of the UN Global Compact since 2020 which Catherine states has enabled her company to not only learn but also build partnerships.
Each year the United Nations Global Compact celebrates a group of SDG Pioneers- business leaders who are doing an exceptional job to advance the Global Goals through the implementation of the Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
Through her business, Catherine hopes to safeguard the environment for future generations while influencing more consumers to make responsible and sustainable choices in their purchasing decisions.
Click here to learn more about Catherine's efforts to advance the SDGs.