Strengthening value chains and their contribution to the SDGs

Introduction

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative, supported through the ADELANTE Window, brought together business networks and public institutions from Latin America and Europe to strengthen capacities for integrating sustainability into corporate value chains. It aimed to equip companies in Paraguay, Argentina, and beyond with tools to implement responsible business practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Initiative built on the strong leadership of Pacto Global Argentina, a long-standing member of the United Nations Global Compact, and designed to enhance the influence and capabilities of Pacto Global Paraguay. It also benefited from the expertise of ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, whose work in inclusive markets added valuable insights into impact investment and social inclusion.

By fostering collaboration, the Initiative advanced sustainability strategy design, encouraged cross-sector engagement, and produced practical tools applicable across various industries. It laid the groundwork for future large-scale efforts and contributed knowledge to support policy advocacy and business transformation.

Objectives

The Initiative built capacity among partner entities and business professionals in participating countries, enabling them to design and implement strategies for integrating sustainability into corporate value chains. The approach developed is replicable across other companies and business networks in the region.

Project activities

• A 50-hour self-paced virtual course certified by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on sustainable value chains, covering topics such as:
  • Value chain analysis and impact management
  • Circularity, eco-design, and life cycle optimisation
  • Carbon footprint and resource efficiency
  • Purpose-driven leadership and governance
  • SDG contribution and stakeholder engagement
• Customised consultancy focused on the agri-food and textile sectors in Argentina and Paraguay.
• Four thematic seminars to support course content and expand outreach:
  • Business trust and strategy
  • Human rights and business principles for SMEs
  • Partnerships and localisation of the 2030 Agenda
• Dissemination of best practices and final definition of integration plans by participating companies.

Expected results

The Initiative significantly strengthened the institutional and technical capacities of Pacto Global Paraguay, while enabling participating companies to embed sustainability into their core strategies. Training and seminars engaged over 75 business professionals across Paraguay, Argentina, Spain, and other European countries, building a shared knowledge base and fostering collaboration.

Through the UNITAR-certified course and sector-specific consultations, companies gained practical tools to evaluate and improve their value chains. These efforts resulted in new sustainability strategies, enhanced reporting practices, and greater alignment with the 2030 Agenda.

The Initiative also provided critical insights for advocacy, contributing to the development of Country Sustainability Reports and informing dialogue with private sector and government stakeholders. While the formal partnership structure was not sustained, bilateral relationships and institutional momentum have continued.

ICEX, Pacto Global Argentina, and Pacto Global Paraguay have since explored further collaboration to scale up this model across the Global Compact network and support more inclusive and sustainable value chain development across the region

Implementing partners

Pacto Global Paraguay – Beneficiary

Pacto Global Argentina – First Provider

ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones – Second Provider