UN Global Compact Network Tunisia Advances Corporate Decarbonization at the 2026 AABD Conference

On May 22, 2026, the UN Global Compact Network Tunisia convened business leaders and environmental experts in Tunis for a targeted side event on the tools and instruments of decarbonization. The session was a key component of the 26th Annual Conference of the African Academy of Business and Development (AABD) which took place from 19 to 23 May 2026. Themed “At the Crossroads of Local and Global Disruptions: Transforming Organisations for Africa's Future,” the week-long gathering featured research presentations, panels, and a Professional Development Research Workshop led by distinguished international scholars from across the globe.

While the broader conference focused on transforming organizations for the future of Africa amid local and global disruptions, the side event provided a collaborative space to explore how companies can navigate the practical challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Organized with support from Interdisciplinary University-Business Management Laboratory (LIGUE ), the UNESCO Chair, and ISCAE of the Université de la Manouba, the session moved beyond theoretical sustainability. Participants examined the specific mechanisms required to support corporate decarbonization. The expert panel detailed the technical realities of carbon measurement and environmental footprint assessments. They also outlined the critical role of carbon accounting in reshaping organizational operations. The dialogue grounded these technical tools in regional policy by analyzing Tunisia's 2030 carbon intensity reduction targets and the national strategy designed to assist companies in their climate efforts.

The discussions directly aligned  with the environmental pillar of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which challenges businesses to take a precautionary approach to environmental issues, take proactive steps to promote sustainability and accelerate the use of eco-friendly technologies and focus on actionable emission reduction strategies. The event also supported the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and, among others, the strengthening of Goal 13 for Climate Action, Goal 9 for Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 17 for Partnerships for the Goals.

Sami Marrouki, Board Chair of the UN Global Compact Network Tunisia, moderated the session and framed the strategic importance of the discussions.

“To meet our 2030 climate targets, the conversation around decarbonization must shift from high-level commitments to measurable operational realities. We cannot expect companies to transform their trajectories without the right mechanisms in place. Equipping businesses with practical tools for carbon accounting and reduction, we are ensuring that our private sector can translate climate ambition into tangible action that drives both environmental protection and long-term economic resilience," he stated.

The event featured practical feedback from a diverse panel of specialists. International expert Ezzedine Khalfallah and international energy and climate expert Dr. Samir Amous shared global perspectives on climate action frameworks. Andrea Salinelli, President of Les Ciments Artificiels Tunisiens (CAT-COLACEM), provided industry-level insights on reducing emissions in heavy manufacturing. Ahmed Chaouachi, national expert, contributed technical expertise on utilizing modern carbon measurement tools.

Through shared knowledge and collaborative problem-solving, the gathering reinforced the private sector’s commitment to take ownership of sustainable and resilient business models across Africa.