Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As Central Asia’s leading producer of household appliances and electronics, Artel Electronics LLC (Artel) has long been committed to advancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) program. This week, Artel further solidified this commitment by joining the United Nations (UN) Global Compact initiative—a voluntary leadership platform launched in 2000 for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices. Artel joins nearly 14,000 businesses globally to support the global sustainable development ambitions.

On 28 November 2021, Artel became the first-ever Central Asian company in the household appliance and electronics sector to join the UN Global Compact. Artel is a producer of a wide range of household appliances, including air conditioners, gas and electric cookers, refrigerators, electric water boilers, and televisions, and will become the third Uzbek company to join the initiative.

As one of Uzbekistan’s most recognizable brands, Artel has been a staunch supporter of initiatives that help the society, with a specific focus on women, educational initiatives, and water projects. Artel has recently supported the promotion of the UN campaign on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in Uzbekistan and is opening a weekly women’s legal clinic internally to raise legal literacy. This year, the company also provided the infrastructure for access to water to a village in Jizzakh region, an initiative that they intend to replicate elsewhere next year. The company is also dedicated to increasing the energy efficiency of its products and has recently reviewed its corporate governance to align with international best practice.  

“Promoting a sustainable digital future has been front and center in our operations and strategy. Artel has long been contemplating how to scale its actions to support environmental protection and inclusivity, as well as sustainable production and consumption. Our membership of the UN Global Compact and the Coalition of Business Champions for the Sustainable Development demonstrates how earnestly Artel takes the responsibility of leading the way in reaching the national and global sustainability targets,” said Bektemir Murodov, Chief Financial Officer of Artel.

Mr. Yu Yu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, ad interim, for Uzbekistan noted that “the UN in Uzbekistan is delighted that Artel has taken the step to add their voice to the growing global group of businesses that support the global ambitions on environmental and social responsibility. In particular, the UN in Uzbekistan is keen to welcome Artel as one of the founding members of the Coalition of Business Champions for the Sustainable Development in Uzbekistan, joining a giant food retailer and an agro-industrial company promoting sustainably produced cotton from Uzbekistan.” The action taken by Artel comes at a very opportune moment, positioning Uzbekistan to be a regional and even global leader in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through partnership and collaboration.

The UN in Uzbekistan stands ready to partner with the private sector and businesses in incorporating sustainability principles and facilitate the dialogue between interested business organizations to drive change in business behavior and help drive the country’s sustainability agenda and national development goals. Mr. Yu Yu continued that, “together, the UN and the private sector can combine and capitalize on its comparative strengths and resources to deliver the much-needed and meaningful results to the present and future generations.”