Description
"The Global Compact was launched seven years ago as a call to action to the business community to join forces with the United Nations and other stakeholders to create a more sustainable and inclusive global marketplace. From its inception, the Global Compact has consistently asked its participants to embrace two complementary objectives which together define responsible corporate citizenship. First, internalize the ten principles by integrating them in strategy and operations. Second, undertake partnerships with other stakeholders to advance UN goals. Over the years, the idea and practice of responsible business has evolved significantly. Many lessons have been learned. Overall, participants have made good progress. A commitment to the Global Compact is no longer seen as a defensive approach to avoid damage to brand and reputation. Increasingly it is understood as a strategic framework to manage risks and to create value for business and society at large. Aspiring responsible corporate citizenship requires sustainable efforts, leadership commitment and a willingness to embark on a process of continuous organizational change. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to its implementation. Instead, companies are encouraged to develop policies and practices that are best suited to their specific operating environment. All around the world, companies undertake hundreds, if not thousands, of activities in support of the Global Compact. Not all of them can be given the recognition they deserve. For this Inspirational Guide to Implementing the Global Compact, twenty-one companies from all continents, representing a wide range of industry sectors, have been invited to share their experiences and the concrete activities they have developed to address key challenges in the areas of human rights and labour rights, the environment, anti-corruption and partnerships for development. The cases that are presented in this guide illustrate the richness and diversity of practices that companies are engaged in. Together, they truly define corporate citizenship in the spirit of the Global Compact's universal values."--Publisher's description
ISBN 9789211045802
