As from 23 January 2023 we joined the UN Global Compact’s social initiatives (UNGC) and its 10 principles related to the topics of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
But first of all, what is the UN Global Compact?
The United Nations Global Compact is the world's leading voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. It originates from the desire to promote a sustainable global economy: respect for human and labour rights, safeguarding the environment and the fight against corruption.
It was proposed for the first time in 1999 by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who officially invited the leaders of the world economy to sign a “Global Pact” to tackle the most critical aspects of globalization.
Goal of UN Global Compact
The Global Compact encourages businesses from around the world to create an economic, social and environmental framework aimed at promoting a healthy and sustainable global economy that guarantees everyone the opportunity to share the benefits.
The Principles
1.
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
2.
make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
3.
Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
4.
the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
5.
the effective abolition of child labour; and
6.
the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
7.
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
8.
undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
9.
encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
10.
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery
Role of businesses
The UN Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption.
The UN Global Compact's Ten Principles are derived from: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Our role is to incorporate and make the Ten Principles an integral part of our corporate strategy and organizational culture.
In addition, our commitment will be aimed at creating new business solutions to support the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as implementing the use of responsible business practises through advocacy and awareness raising within our sphere of influence to employees, partners, and consumers.