United Nations Global Compact - Latest News

UN Global Compact and Global Reporting Initiative Partner for New Areas of Cooperation

2013-05-23T22:49:42Z

(Amsterdam, 24 May 2013) – The UN Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) today announced the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Amsterdam at the biggest global conference on sustainability and reporting, convening 1600 attendees from over 80 countries. This happened at the historic launch of G4, the fourth generation of the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.

Global Compact Renews Drive for Responsible Business in Africa

2013-05-23T22:54:31Z

(Addis Ababa, 24 May 2013) – The United Nations Global Compact has redoubled efforts to scale up corporate sustainability in Africa and emphasize the private sector’s role in contributing to the continent’s full economic and social renaissance. Following more than a decade of unprecedented growth, Africa is poised to unleash a strong business sector, with Governments serving as a critical catalyst for change.

BPW and Local Networks from Iraq, Turkey and the Gulf States Convene in Support of Women’s Empowerment Principles

2013-05-20T20:50:41Z

(10 May 2013, Istanbul) – Recognizing the value of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) — a joint initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact – the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW) has made promotion and realization of the WEPs an organizational priority.

Secretary-General Urges Board Members to Champion Corporate Sustainability

2013-05-08T16:02:06Z

(7 May 2013, New York) – The UN Global Compact Board concluded its first meeting of the year today to provide guidance on the future direction of the initiative. Chaired by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the biannual meeting focused on key priorities including the ongoing Global Compact strategic review, the sustainable funding model, and opportunities to go to scale in order to achieve the stated goal of 20,000 participants by 2020.

Bangladesh Tragedy Reinforces Need for Corporate Action to Ensure Health and Safety in Supply Chains

2013-05-01T22:45:18Z

(New York, 1 May 2013) – Today, on International Workers’ Day, an international celebration of the labour movement, the UN Global Compact is urging companies to step up efforts and engage in the fight to improve occupational health and safety standards. Following the recent Rana Plaza building collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh claiming over 400 workers’ lives, there is a long way to go until companies everywhere put principles into practice, not just at headquarters but throughout the supply chain.

U.S. Companies Discuss Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

2013-05-02T16:14:31Z

(New York, 29 April 2013) – United States companies examined the challenges and opportunities of implementing the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at a roundtable convened today at UN Headquarters. The discussion was hosted jointly by the UN Global Compact and BSR as part of an information-gathering visit to the United States by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.

Advisory Group Established, Elections Held at Annual Local Network Forum

2013-04-26T17:43:00Z

(Geneva, 26 April 2013) – Today concluded the XI Annual Local Network Forum (ALNF), which provides an opportunity for Global Compact Local Networks from around the world to share best practices, explore synergies and determine a path forward for network management. Fifty-six Local Networks attended the three-day conference, of which 85 percent are Formal Networks.

UN Private Sector Focal Points Meet to Strengthen Local Partnership Synergies

2013-04-25T23:09:15Z

(Geneva, 25 April 2012) – Over 300 representatives from UN entities, private sector companies, civil society organizations and Global Compact Local Networks gathered for the United Nations System Private Sector Focal Points Meeting, which concluded today in Geneva. With the largest ever turnout of UN and private sector representatives, the meeting demonstrates the rapidly growing relevance of public-private partnerships across sectors.

Global Compact Local Network Achievements Underscored in New Report

2013-04-18T21:49:18Z

(New York, 18 April 2013) – Ahead of the Annual Local Networks Forum (ALNF) set for 24-26 April in Geneva, the Global Compact today released the 2012 Global Compact Local Network Report. This annual publication showcases the critical work of Local Networks to advance corporate sustainability around the world.