Working With The United Nations
Valuing the United Nations – Our commitment to justice
EQUALS is a registered supplier with the United Nations Procurement Division. ID no. 14797.
Learn more about the Global Compact
The following statement has been taken from www.unglobalcompact.org
In an address to The World Economic Forum on 31 January 1999, United Nation Secretary-General Kofi Annan challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. The Global Compact’s operational phase was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on 26 July 2000.
Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to advance responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalisation. In this way, the private sector – in partnership with other social actors – can help realize the Secretary-General’s vision: a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.
Ten Principles
The ten principles are:
Human Rights
- Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights within their sphere of influence; and
- Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labor 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: eliminate 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 all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.
Want to learn more? Visit www.unglobalcompact.org
