UN Global Compact
Author/Source: United Nations
Year of adopting/publication: The initiative was launched by the UN in 2000
Link to the document on the internet: UN Global Compact website
Purpose: to mainstream a set of principles for environemntal, social and ethical responsibiliy in business activities around the world.
Summary: the UN Global Compact isa leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible and sustainable corporate policies and practices. Businesses embracing this iniative commit to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. With more than 8,500 signatories in over 135 countries, the UN Global Compact is the world?s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative.
The UN Global Compact core principles are:
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
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;
Principle 9: and 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. On the UN Global Compact website more information is available on the initiative, including instructions on how to join it.
(Source: UN Global Compact website)
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