Social Engagement of Business in the Global Economy
united communications supports the UN Initiative Global Compact

The idea for Global Compact was first presented by the General Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, in a speech at the World Economic Forum on 31 January 1999. One year later, the idea was realised. The General Secretary invited companies to take part in an international initiative – the Global Compact – which would bring representatives of the private sector together with the infrastructures of the United Nations, jobholders and civil society, in order to cultivate the establishment of a set of universal social and environmental principles.

The goal of the Global Compact is to encourage the social engagement of companies through the power of negotiation – so that the economy can become a part of the solution when it comes to meeting the challenges of globalisation. In this way, the private sector can contribute to the General Secretary's vision of the realisation of a fair and sustainable world economy through cooperative collaboration with other social stakeholders.

Today, businesses from all regions of the world, international workers' unions and organisations of civil society alike are taking part in the Global Compact. united communications has been a part of the initiative since February 2008.

The principles of the Global Compact refer to a worldwide consensus with respect to:

  • the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
  • the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (Agenda 21) and
  • the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The UN Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-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.

Labour Standards

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

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.



More information: www.unglobalcompact.org