2023 - 2028 ARISE-U.S. Network Terms of Reference (ToR)

Context

ARISE, the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies, is a global network of private sector entities, led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). ARISE consists of national and regional networks. ARISE-U.S. is a national network, (website: https://www.arise-us.org/) formally established in 2017, reporting to the UNDRR Regional Office of the Americas and the Caribbean located in Panama (UNDRR-Panama). This ARISE-U.S. Terms of Reference (ToR) replaces the ARISE-U.S. 2017 Draft Charter . The ARISE-U.S. ToR materially aligns with the UNDRR ARISE Terms of Reference 2019 – 2021 and endeavors to follow its guidance.

Purpose

The ARISE-U.S. Network purpose is to advocate for risk-informed development, disaster risk reduction and preparedness action by encouraging and supporting the private and public sectors to put in place policies and practices to reduce disaster risk and related human and economic losses. In joining ARISE-U.S., private sector companies voluntarily commit to support and implement the Sendai Framework, in coherence with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda and Agenda for Humanity.

Mission

The ARISE-U.S. Network operates consistent with the ARISE Mission which is “to create risk-resilient societies by promoting and supporting the integration of disaster risk and disaster preparation into business management strategies and investment decisions.” ARISE and, therefore, its Networks also “aim at unleashing the potential of private sector know-how, innovation and convening powers in partnership with Governments and other stakeholders to deliver measurable changes in business practices towards resilience at the community level.”

Objectives

The objective of the ARISE-U.S. Network is the implementation of the Sendai Framework by:

• Engaging its members in specific activities, programs and projects that make a clear difference to DRR in the U.S. and globally; and

• Building a network that provides value to ARISE members as they undertake their DRR activities, consistently with UNDRR and ARISE strategic priorities, policies, guidance, directives, and commitments.

Principles, Commitments, & Priorities

ARISE-U.S. is established as a partnership under the UNDRR Partnership Strategy, including the following guiding principles:

• Build resilient socio-economic growth and development;

• Establish relationships between public and private sectors;

• Secure impact and a coherent approach to climate- and disaster resilient sustainable development at the national and local level, in particular for the most vulnerable and socially marginalized groups;

• Promote valued propositions for DRR that produce tangible results for all;

• Be guided by common values, professionalism and UN principles, including respect for human rights and dignity, equity and regional balance (as referenced in the ARISE-US' Equity Statement -– ANNEX I);

• Follow good governance rules, notably maintaining integrity and independence of each partner, commitment to partnership obligations, transparency, accountability and sound financial management.

ARISE has five overarching commitments. These are:

a) Raise Awareness: Awareness raising with respect to disaster risk and mobilization of the private sector;

b) Influence: Exercising influence in respective spheres of expertise;

c) Share Knowledge: Share knowledge, experience and good practices amongst governments and the private sector;

d) Catalyze: Be a catalyst to generate innovation and collaboration in developing risk-informed business strategies;

e) Implement: Implement projects and activities to achieve the targets of the Sendai Framework.

ARISE-U.S. also pursues the strategic priorities 2021-2025 set by the UNDRR and the ARISE Global Board of Directors. These are:

• SMEs: enhancing the resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises.

• Investors: integrating disaster and climate risk into investment decisions by the financial sector.

• Insurance: incentivizing disaster risk reduction and enhanced data for risk-informed decision-making through engagement with the insurance industry as global risk manager.

• Infrastructure: supporting resilient infrastructure development.

It is expected that ARISE-U.S. actions, initiatives and projects on behalf of ARISE-U.S. are aligned with, and in direct support of these Commitments and Priorities alongside the KPIs that may be issued annually as guidance and directives for ARISE Networks.

Operating Structure and The Board

The ARISE-U.S. Network reports to, and is facilitated and supported by, the UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean and, in turn, UNDRR in Geneva.

The U.S. Network Community is voluntary and consists of a Board of Directors, ARISE Members, ARISE Associate Members and non-members categorized as ARISE-U.S. Strategic Allies, and ARISE-U.S. Friends. As of February 1, 2022, the ARISE-U.S. Network Board consists of 9 total positions (expanded from 5 positions in 2021). These are: ARISE-U.S. Chair (serves as Network Lead), Co-Chair, five (5) Directors – Dir., Communications; Dir., Non-Profit Organizations (NPO’s); Dir., Small & Medium Enterprises (SME’s); Dir., Universities; Dir., Government; and two (2) Directors-at-Large. The Board may add or remove Board positions, subject to approval from UNDRR-Panama (ANNEX II).

The Chair and the Network Board are responsible for preparing and submitting the required work plans and documents to UNDRR-Panama annually or as requested. These include plans and information on how activities/projects are aligned with commitments and priorities, how they will be led, how they will be supported -- financially or in-kind, and how they will be deployed. The Co-Chair supports the Chair in this effort and serves, along with the Chair as Liaisons to the ARISE Global Board.

The ARISE U.S. Network generally convenes monthly. These meetings are open to everyone in the ARISE-U.S. Community, UNDRR-Panama, and invited guests. Network Board Meetings are held every six weeks to focus on Network management, planning, governance, administration, and deliverables. The timing of board meetings and the agendas are shared with ARISE voting Members. Notes or minutes of Board meetings are also made available to ARISE voting members.

Projects and initiatives are proposed, broadly shared, and led by ARISE-U.S. Members and generally managed through Working Groups and must be coordinated and reported with the members of the ARISE-U.S. Board. ARISE-U.S. Members can reach out to other ARISE Networks, Partners, and Friends to constitute their Working Groups in order to satisfy the needs of the project, initiative or research. If needed, Board members can help broker outreach to ARISE Partners or other national networks.

The ARISE-U.S. Board should actively engage in outreach to other ARISE Networks on a regular basis with standing calls and open invitations for inclusion by other national and regional networks in their projects and initiatives. The Network regularly seeks the guidance and involvement of UNDRR-Panama in this outreach and is open to support and teaming with other networks on projects of mutual interest. ARISE-U.S. is open to collaboration and partnerships with other existing private sector networks such as (but not limited to) UN Global Compact Local Networks and networks of the UN Connecting Business Initiatives (CBI), Coalition for the Development of Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and national business and industry organizations. ARISE-U.S. Members are encouraged to share and engage broadly, helping to build innovative approaches and best practices as well as private-public partnerships.

Membership and Application Process

ARISE-U.S. is open to all private sector companies, other stakeholders and private networks independent from sector, company size or revenue, with the exception of companies that are:

• Subject to a UN sanction.

• Listed on the UN Ineligible Vendors List for ethical reasons.

• Derive revenue from controversial weapons, including the production, sale and/or transfer of antipersonnel landmines or cluster bombs.

• Derive revenue from the production and/or manufacturing of tobacco.

Any subsidiary, irrespective of their parent company’s participation, can apply individually to become a member of ARISE. Alternatively, subsidiaries may choose to participate through their parent company’s commitment (if located in the same country), which applies to all subsidiaries and country offices. Those offices wishing to join a network are required to apply to the national or regional network where they’re located, following the application steps below.

Membership accrues to the company/organization which assigns a representative or what is called a Lead. There are two types of ARISE-U.S. memberships: ARISE-U.S. Members and ARISE-U.S. Associate Members. ARISE-U.S. Members may serve on the U.S. Network’s Board and are afforded all voting rights with the understanding that each Member has one vote. Associate membership is assigned to non-private sector organizations. They have voting rights and may serve on the Board but should not comprise more than 20% of the Board in total. Associate membership should not exceed 40% of the total ARISE-U.S. Network membership on average. This is in order to maintain a healthy private sector majority, given UNDRR has other alliances to reach those outsides of the private sector. An updated network members list must be provided to UNDRR on an annual basis.

Network Friends are single contributors and often subject matter experts that are unable to formally join ARISE because they do not represent a company or other private or public sector entity. Friends can initiate projects given they have gained the support of at least one ARISE-U.S. Member and that of the Board. They can serve as a co-lead on projects and are able to attend and participate in Network meetings and contribute to other projects and initiatives by invitation. Network Friends do not have voting rights.

In 2023 ARISE U.S. began developing a Strategic Alliance Group (SAG) as a mechanism to include U.S. Government and other relevant stakeholder representatives that fall outside the global requirements for membership, but are deemed important voices and resources for meeting the Network’s priorities and commitments. These may include agencies such as FEMA or state agencies focused on equitable resilience, sustainability, climate and DRR, or academic or independent networks such as the Youth Resilience Network. SAG participants do not have voting rights. SAG’s purpose is primarily advisory and directional in nature, but they may initiate public-private initiatives, serve on work groups, and contribute to projects directly if approved and invited by the U.S. Network Board.

Applications for ARISE and ARISE Associate Membership are evaluated by UNDRR to safeguard integrity and the reputation of the United Nations and the values it upholds. They are completed online, https://www.ariseglobalnetwork.org/join, and involve the following steps:

a) Application: those interested are required to submit a completed Application Form, Proof of Legal Registration and a Statement of Commitment containing an authorized signature from the company´s legal representative.

b) All applicants are subject to UNDRR’s due diligence process. ARISE Networks are consulted for additional input and further information may be requested from the applicant. The due diligence process takes about 10 weeks and is conducted by UNDRR’s HQ office.

c) Following the review, applicants are issued a formal welcome letter with a copy to the local ARISE Network leader.

ARISE-U.S. Network Members must also adhere to the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact (ANNEX III). Applicants that are already members of the UN Global Compact are eligible to join ARISE through a shortened application process.

There are no membership fees for becoming an ARISE member. However, UNDRR encourages ARISE members to attend as they can and provide in-kind support to specific activities or events such as Regional and Global Platforms, ARISE in-person Annual Meetings, ARISE-U.S. projects, and network in-person meetings.

Network Activities and Contributions

The ARISE-U.S. Network operates as an active and engaged network and its members are involved in collaborating and advancing projects and initiatives in support of the Sendai Framework through the ARISE mission, objectives, commitments, commitments, and priorities. In accord with ARISE requirements, the Network and its Members work to meet the expectations outlined in the ARISE Network Terms of Reference (ToR). Principally, network activities include:

 Promotion of the integration of DRR into business strategies and management, product development, enterprise risk management and continuity plans and strategies;

 Developing public–private and private-private collaboration for targeted projects and initiatives to catalyze innovation, strategy development, collaboration and partnerships across private sector organizations and/or with national and local governments and other stakeholder groups for coherent solutions, policy development, and implementation;

 Leading and facilitating capacity building on disaster risk reduction for member companies, including for Small- and Medium Enterprises (SMEs);

 Facilitating public-private sector dialogue and collaboration on DRR;

 Registration of commitments and reporting on achievements of national and regional activities through the Sendai Voluntary Commitments Platform, ARISE website, PreventionWeb and other UNDRR communication platforms and events; and

 As possible and practical, advocacy, knowledge products, good practice sharing and guidance on disaster risk reduction and risk informed investment, including through engagement at Global and Regional Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction.

All activities in the network are initiated and managed through two levels of meetings. These are: Monthly Network Member Meetings open to the ARISE-U.S. Community, UNDRR-Panama, and invited guests and, an every six-week Network Board Meetings reserved for board governance and general administrative and management topics. These meetings are held virtually. Special meetings may also be requested by anyone and approved by the Chair. As possible and practical, an ARISE-U.S. Network Annual General Meeting will be held in person and virtually in conjunction with the ARISE General Meeting.

ARISE-U.S. Project and Collaboration Leaders recruit volunteers, manage their teams and meetings, and are responsible for providing verbal updates during Network meetings. They can also expect to provide written reports for the Board as well as for the ARISE Annual Report as requested by the Chair or Co-Chair.

Social media accounts on LinkedIn and Twitter are available for the network to contribute to and for those wishing to follow and engage with the ARISE-U.S. Network. In addition, an ARISE-U.S. website was established as of January 2023 and is open to everyone at https://www.arise-us.org/.

Procedures and Reports

The Chair/Network Lead, with Board involvement provides planning documents and reports as requested by UNDRR-Panama annually, or as requested. The Communications Director with support from other Directors oversees and guides the application and onboarding processes for new members and is responsible to ensure an annual membership and community member report is shared with UNDRR-Panama. This report may be shared more often to accommodate significant changes and increases in the number of applications and new memberships.

Project Work Group Leads are responsible for managing meetings, setting agendas and reporting on their projects. Progress reports and deliverables are shared during Network and Board Meetings. This information along with key project outputs and deliverables may also be archived by the Co-Chair in support of planning initiatives and the preparation of UNDRR ARISE annual reports.

Written highlights, action items, issues and decisions from Network and Board Meetings are provided by the Chair with support from the Co-Chair and other Directors as needed. These are shared with the U.S. Network Community and UNDRR-Panama. ARISE-U.S. also holds meetings with other Networks either on a regularly agreed to schedule or on an as needed basis relative to specific projects or initiatives. Where useful, the U.S. Network meeting reports may be shared with the Leads in those Networks or with ARISE Partners.

Accountability, Use of Information and Publications

At this time, ARISE-U.S. is without formal legal standing and may not enter into formal contractual or other legal arrangements with 3rd parties. It may enter into agreements to collaborate with others, provided that these are couched on a “best endeavors” basis and that no financial consideration is involved. On no account should ARISE-US members or Board members enter into any financial arrangement with any party on behalf of ARISE-US. (Further guidance on these topics is available in the section of the UNDRR ARISE Network ToR entitled Guidance on Financial Issues).

Information provided to or resulting from ARISE-U.S. actions or activities may contain UNDRR confidential, proprietary, privileged and/or private information intended for ARISE use. If labeled as such, this information remains the propriety property of UNDRR. The dissemination, distribution, or otherwise conveyance to any non-ARISE third parties without the express written permission of UNDRR is prohibited.

The U.S. Network shall not represent or make public statements on behalf of UNDRR or the United Nations, unless specifically authorized by UNDRR Chief of Partnerships Branch at Geneva.

Unless approved by UNDRR, the use of UNDRR’s and the United Nations name (including the words United Nations), structures or logo is not permitted, and shall not appear in front of or be associated with the ARISE-U.S. Network or member names in any material, including but not limited to events, publications, business cards or other stationary, or in any social media or sharing platform.

ARISE Board, Networks and Members may use the ARISE logo only for official ARISE’ purposes. The permitted uses of the ARISE logo include, without limitation: events organized, sponsored by, or involving ARISE members; business cards and digital signatures of ARISE Network Members and representatives; official ARISE Network websites; ARISE letters and emails and other communications among ARISE Members. These privileges do not accrue to non-members unless the Board seeks UNDRR agreement to assign a non-member as a representative as at an event, as a co-author, project lead or speaker, for instance.

Proprietary Information and Non-Disclosure

ARISE members acknowledge that the ARISE name and logo is exclusive property of UNDRR. The use of the ARISE logo related to financial transactions and fundraising is only allowed with prior written consent by UNDRR Chief of Partnerships Branch at Geneva. All publications generated by ARISE-U.S. are subject to review and approval by UNDRR and must contain legal disclaimers as provided by UNDRR. This same consent by UNDRR Chief of Partnerships pertains to any ARISE-U.S. operating principles, positions, or policies. Such items should also be reviewed and approved by a majority of ARISE-U.S. Members, understanding that it may create expectations or commitments that are not expressed in the commitments and statements signed and agreed to by ARISE Members.

Members will share, as appropriate, their organization’s work and results through the ARISE Portal and Workspace on PreventionWeb and the Voluntary Commitments Platform managed by UNDRR or other channels. ARISE members shall provide UNDRR prompt written notice with the inclusion of details of any event, any developments and any actions taken or the occurrence of breach of integrity as outlined above, filing of commencement of any action, suit or proceedings against or affecting ARISE or the respective ARISE network; any other development that, in the opinion of the ARISE-U.S. member, results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a material adverse effect on ARISE and/or UNDRR.

In the interests of transparency, ARISE-U.S. Board members must copy at least 2 other Board members on any correspondence (emails, letters) with ARISE members, community, or other organizations that they undertake in their capacity as Board members, at the time that correspondence is first sent.

ARISE-U.S. Board decisions that have a substantive impact on the business being carried out or scheduled to be carried out by the Network shall be shared and reported to ARISE-U.S. members and to UNDRR.

ANNEX I

ARISE-U.S. EQUITY STATEMENT – MARCH 2023

It is now well-established that disasters have a disproportionate impact on socially and historically marginalized populations , including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), rural, and low-income communities.~ In the United States, marginalized communities are more likely to live in areas that are vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as poorly connected rural areas, the wildland-urban interface, coastal regions, and areas prone to flooding and extreme weather events. Additionally, marginalized communities often have fewer resources and less access to financial assistance and insurance to recover from disaster impacts. These systemic disparities often result in exacerbated social and economic vulnerabilities, especially among older adults, people with disabilities, children, women, LGBTQQIA+, and unhoused people.

Guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)*, The Agenda 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, the ARISE-US network, the United Nations-led private sector alliance for disaster resilient societies, is committed to reduce systemic barriers to disaster resilience and increase opportunities for a sustainable and resilient future for all. We do this by:

1. Collaborating with research and program partners to understand root causes and systemic barriers to achieving equitable disaster risk reduction (DRR) outcomes.

2. Working to promote equity in DRR policy, programs, and practices, aligned with FEMA's 2022-26 Strategic Plan and Equity Action Plan.

3. Developing and/or supporting policies and programs that contribute to equitable outcomes in member operations and work.

4. Helping ARISE-US members and partners to understand the need and benefits of centering equity in their DRR work.

5. Ensuring that all ARISE US initiated activities follow core equity principles and cause no harm.

6. Using social media and outreach efforts to elevate the voices and experiences of socially and historically disadvantaged, underrepresented, and underserved people.

7. Co-creating events, discussions, symposia, and projects in ways that ensure an equitable representation of socially and historically marginalized perspectives and lived experiences.

* The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) outlines guiding principles for advancing inclusion, participation, and accessibility across its four Priorities for Action, highlighting that “disaster risk reduction practices need to be multi-hazard and multisectoral, inclusive and accessible in order to be efficient and effective... Governments should engage with relevant stakeholders, including women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, poor people, migrants, Indigenous peoples, volunteers, the community of practitioners and older persons in the design and implementation of policies, plans and standards” and that "women and persons with disabilities should publicly lead and promote gender-equitable and universally accessible approaches during the response and reconstruction phases". In 2023, the midterm review of the Sendai Framework recommended the need for advancing equity principles by highlighting "the importance of governing and managing risk in a manner that develops 'all-of-society engagement and partnership' for the effectiveness and equity of disaster risk reduction actions"; and that "disaster recovery plans at the national and local levels must systematically include build back better principles and be accompanied by legal frameworks that require and guide the application of principles of equity and inclusion of vulnerable populations."

~ In the US, the following are examples of systems that have contributed to marginalization of some communities over others:

· Redlining

· Segregation

· Housing in Hazard Areas/Flood Zones

· Urban Renewal Plans

· Use of Eminent Domain to Build Infrastructure (e.g. highways)

· Restrictive Covenants

· Exclusive Single-Family Zoning or Anti-Density

· Private Homeowner Associations Rules

· Rules, Regulations, Laws and Ordinances (such as Jim Crow Laws (until the 1960s), immigration restrictions and anti-LGBTQ+ laws)

· Lack of access to finance and legal services

· Uneven Code Enforcement

Historically marginalized communities are groups of people who have been systematically and consistently disadvantaged and oppressed by dominant societal structures and institutions throughout history. These communities have been subjected to discrimination, exclusion, and violence based on various aspects of their identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic status. Marginalized communities have been denied equal opportunities, resources, and representation, and have had to struggle to gain recognition and respect. Examples of historically marginalized communities include people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, refugees, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and low-income communities.

ANNEX II

BOARD COMPOSITION & ELECTION PROCESS

The ARISE-U.S. Board constitutes 9 ARISE members made up of private sector companies, business networks or organizations, and non-profits with directors that specifically represent small and medium enterprises, universities, non-profits/foundations, and U.S. national and local government agencies & operations.

Consistent with the U.S. Network ToR and ARISE`s Network Terms of Reference:

- ARISE-U.S. Members have U.S. operations and at least one designated U.S.-residing representative.

- Anyone from an ARISE U.S. Member Company/Organization may run for a Network Board position, but they must reside in the U.S. They must provide a U.S. Proof of Registration to UNDRR and the national ARISE U.S. Network. When a company/organization does not have a network in-country, an exception can be made for them to join the U.S. Network, however the company/organization must have at least one full-time employee who resides in the U.S. When these requirements are met, the Member is eligible to become a U.S. Network Board nominee.

- Board Members serving during another term may not run for an overlapping term’s Board position. If they wish to run for these positions in the future, they must vacate their board position at the end of their term and will be eligible for the next election cycle. (Each term runs from 01 February – 01 February). The election cycles begin in October with a call for nominees. Voting is completed by December 15.

- Only one individual from a member company can serve on the Board at a time. This means, for example, that should a second person from a company wish to serve in a position that is in an overlapping term (see below) they must wait until their colleague vacates their role before they can become a nominee.

In order for an individual to be accepted as a Member of the Board, the member company must have updated all of their documentation with UNDRR and the U.S Network and be in good standing -- defined as in compliance and actively participating and/or contributing.

ARISE-U.S. Members in good standing may be nominated or self-nominate for election and are eligible for a term of two years, renewable once for the same position. However, should a member wish, they may run for a total of three consecutive terms (6 years) serving in two or three different board positions.

To be in good standing members must be active and engaged by attending at least 35% of the scheduled ARISE-U.S. Member meetings and events annually and/or serving as a lead or key contributor to an ARISE project, event, or initiative. Board Members are required to attend at least 50% of the monthly board meetings annually. Members that miss 6 or more member meetings in a year and are not involved in ARISE projects are given notification that they will be moved to “Inactive status.” If this continues for a total of 24 months, the ability to become a nominee and vote may be revoked. This does not apply to health-related absences or other unforeseeable circumstances.

All ARISE-U.S. Members and Associate Members in good standing are eligible to vote and those nominees receiving the majority vote will be elected. A single nominee for a Board seat automatically assumes the position. In case of a tie vote for any position a run-off election will be held. In the event that no one seeks nomination for an open Board position during the formal elections, the Board can identify candidates. If they are successful in attracting someone to the position, they will be awarded the seat based on a consensus/non-object from the U.S. Network Members that will be coordinated by the Co-Chair and Communications Director.

If a Board Member needs to vacate their seat, the Board will open the seat up to all eligible U.S. Network Members. If more than one person nominates themselves, a vote will be taken. If no one nominates then, the seat can remain open, or the Board can identify someone to complete the term and the seat will be awarded based on Members’ consensus/non object (same as above).

To strengthen network continuity and succession, Board Term A (containing 4 positions) and Term B (containing 5 positions) overlap with annual elections. Board elections are opened by the ARISE-U.S. Chair through both a verbal and written ‘Call for Nominees.’ The Co-Chair and Communications Director coordinate the election process with UNDRR-Panama and together they ensure nominees and voters are in good standing with ARISE. Nominee Questionnaires are collected and submitted to the U.S. Network Co-Chair with copies to UNDRR-Panama. The U.S. Network manages the details of the election through an online voting process, with electees jointly announced by UNDRR-Panama and the ARISE-U.S. Network. Term A & Term B nominations occur in October and November with elections in December/January. Electees take their seats on February 1. Board terms and positions are as follows.

TERM A (2021 – 2023, et sequentia)

Chair (serves as Network Lead)

Co-Chair (stands in for the Lead as needed and shares UNDRR Liaison & Governance duties)

Director: Communications (shares membership responsibilities and is responsible for membership reports)

Director-at-Large (selects relevant focal areas, initiate and/or lead projects, contributes to governance)

TERM B (2022 – 2024, et sequentia)

Director-at-Large (selects relevant focal areas, supports membership goals and contributes to governance)

Director, Non-profit Organizations (recruit and guide NPO engagement and activities)

Director, Small & Medium Enterprises (SME outreach and programs)

Director, Universities (recruit and guide University engagement and activities)

Director, Government (recruit and guide government engagement, may lead or co-lead the Strategic Alliance Group - SAG)

Extending the Board (in 2022) to include Director, NPO’s; Director Universities; and Director Government is in direct support of the ARISE mission, commitments and priorities. These Directors are responsible to include, engage, and mobilize these sectors and focal areas in all network projects, initiatives and actions. Eligibility for these Board positions include a strong preference for those who are members of these communities and have the capacity and means to represent, reach, and influence them.

The Director, SME’s recognizes the needs of this subgroup and is responsible for its growth and representation in driving one of ARISE’s top priorities within the Network. The Directors-at-Large open up opportunities for members to bring specific skills and capacities in areas such as security, equity, adaptation, technology, or climate to the Network.

The ARISE-U.S. Board holds two forms of regular meetings. These are: Monthly Network Meetings open to the U.S. Network Community, UNDRR-Panama, and invited guests, and Board Meetings every 6 weeks, reserved for board governance and general administrative and management topics. These meetings are held online to accommodate distance and multiple time zones. As possible and practical, an ARISE-U.S. Network Annual General Meeting will be held in person in conjunction with the ARISE General Meeting (AGM) or virtually within 30 days of the AGM to share any outcomes. Any in-person meetings will endeavor to include virtual participation as well.

Board members serve voluntarily and are expected to contribute 6 - 8 hours per month on average, to meetings/calls, projects and initiatives, and overall governance and management of the Network. The ARISE-U.S. Board Chairs can call for deliberation and declare vacant the seat of a member who is considered to be inactive. A replacement(s) will be selected at the discretion of the ARISE-U.S. Board.

The U.S. Network Board status of “inactive” can be applied when the individual has missed 50% of combined Board and Network meetings (calls and/or in person) over a six-month period, and has not initiated, led, or contributed to ARISE-U.S. Network projects/initiatives, or overall board governance and management and, therefore, is likely not meeting the required minimum of 6 hours per month. Board notification of an extended absence from a Board Member can initiate a waiver for a period not to exceed 3 months. As possible, the Board member is encouraged to negotiate within their company or with ARISE members to fill in for them on any of their time sensitive projects or commitments during the waiver period.

UNDRR reserves the right to request a change of the Chair/Network Lead in case of inactivity, including failure to submit workplans, convene Board and Network meetings, or provide updated member lists and activity reports.

ANNEX III

UN Global Compact 10 Principles

By incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success.

The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact are derived from: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Human Rights

• Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and

• Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

• Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.

Labor

• Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

• Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and

• Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

• Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

• Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

• Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption

• Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.