Local Networks

In order to improve the effectiveness of the companies engaged in the Global Compact and to facilitate the respect of the 10 Principles, local networks have been established with the aim of promoting the GC at a local level: these networks, currently present in more than 80 countries, operate as a platform for information, providing support and coordination to companies and organisations participating in the Global Compact and promoting the initiative, ensuring a constant dialogue between all participants along the lines of multi-stakeholder engagement.

The Global Network Italian (GCNI) , established in 2002 and initially coordinated by the ILO, since 2006 has been coordinated by FONDACA (Fondazione per la Cittadinanza Attiva).
All of the Italian organizations that participate in the GC at a global level also have the right to participate in the local network. To date, there are 195 Italian participants in the Global Compact, 110 of which are companies. Some organisations provide annual support for the Network in the form of financial or technical resources. Such organisations are given the status of supporting member participants: also Eni features among the 31 supporting member participants. And Eni's commitment is not restricted to mere support; the company plays an active role in the Network and regularly hosts meetings and shares its experience through work groups (including those concerned with the protection and promotion of human rights and environmental protection). In 2011 Eni's role in Network Italia was further enhanced through the participation of the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.

Confirming its continued commitment, on 26 October 2011 Eni hosted at its Rome headquarters the Annual Meeting of the Italian Network, during which the new Steering Committee was elected. Eni's place was confirmed among the nine members elected. The other members of the Steering Committee are: Altran, Autostrade, Italcementi, Edison, Telecom and Terna, representing the private sector; with the Fondazione Sodalitas and the Università Ca' Foscari of Venice completing the roster.

On 27 October 2011 the Annual Meeting of the European Local Networks was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. Ahead of the United Nations conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro from 4-6 June 2012, the meeting brought together European representatives of institutions, business, the academic world and civil society, to discuss how to contribute to the future of sustainable development. Under the guidance of the Italian Network, that organised the event, participants discussed the role of public-private cooperation in the future of sustainable development and were able to exchange ideas about the most innovative solutions and most effective strategies.

Eni supported the meeting and invited the participants to a welcome dinner. Professor Carlo Carraro, the President of the Research Committee of the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, had the job of clarifying the scientific bases for the meeting, with a lecture during the opening session on "Rio+20: Setting the Sustainability Agenda for the Next Decade".