Local Networks in over 80 countries perform increasingly important roles in rooting the UN Global Compact within different national and cultural contexts. As self-governed multi-stakeholder bodies led by business, they support companies in their efforts in implementing the Global Compact (both local firms and subsidiaries of foreign corporations), while also creating opportunities for further engagement and collective action. They also play a key role in facilitating participants’ Communications on Progress and safeguarding the overall integrity and brand of the Global Compact.

The national network of the GC was formally launched on February 9, 2004 with the Chief of Staff of the UN EOSG representing the UN Secretary General. Some 200 participants from government, private sector, chambers of commerce, academia and civil society attended the event. The launch was preceded by a series of workshops and a mega event held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, commemorating one year of compact and CSR in Egypt, organized by the Office of the Resident Coordinator with a view to popularize the Compact and the concept of corporate social responsibility.

With the purpose of influencing policy and ensuring the initiative's sustainability, the GC focal point was institutionalized, as part of the Egyptian Corporate Responsibility Centre (ECRC)-supported by the Ministry of Investment and Mansour group, in the year 2008. The transfer of the focal point from the UNDP to the ECRC was seen as the best way forward.