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u n i t e d n a t i o n s

G l o b a l C o m p a C t

Launched in July 2000, the

UN Gll Cmpct

is a both a policy platform and a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustain-ability and responsible business practices. As aleadership initiative endorsed by chief executives,it seeks to align business operations and strategieseverywhere with ten universally accepted princi-ples in the areas of human rights, labour, environ-ment and anti-corruption.Through a wide spectrum of specialized work-streams, management tools, resources, and topicalprograms, the UN Global Compact aims to advancetwo complementary objectives:•Mainstream the ten principles in businessactivities around the world•Catalyze actions in support of broader UNgoals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)By doing so, business, as the primary agent driving globalization, can help ensure that markets, com-

merce, technology and nance advance in waysthat benet economies and societies everywhere

and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusiveglobal economy.The UN Global Compact is not a regulatory instru-ment, but rather a voluntary initiative that relieson public accountability, transparency and disclo-sure to complement regulation and to provide aspace for innovation.

Wht is the UN Gll Cmpct?

Never before in history has there been a greater alignment between the objectives of theinternational community and those of the business world. Common goals, such as building markets, combating corruption, safeguarding the environment and ensuring social inclu-sion, have resulted in unprecedented partnerships and openness between business, govern-ments, civil society, labour and the United Nations.

•Adopting an established and globally recognizedpolicy framework for the development, imple-mentation, and disclosure of environmental,social, and governance policies and practices.•Sharing best and emerging practices to advancepractical solutions and strategies to commonchallenges.•Advancing sustainability solutions in partner-ship with a range of stakeholders, including UNagencies, governments, civil society, labour, andother non-business interests.•Linking business units and subsidiaries acrossthe value chain with the UN Global Compact’sLocal Networks around the world – many of these in developing and emerging markets.•Accessing the United Nations’ extensive knowl-edge of and experience with sustainability anddevelopment issues.•Utilizing UN Global Compact management toolsand resources, and the opportunity to engage inspecialized workstreams in the environmental,social and governance realms.

Why Cmpnes Ptcpte

The UN Global Compact seeks to combine the best properties of the UN, such as moral

authority and convening power, with the private sector’s solution-nding strengths and

resources, and the expertise and capacities of other key stakeholders. The initiative isglobal and local; private and public; voluntary, yet accountable.

Participation in the UN Global Compact offers a wide array of practical benets: