1 ungc module 1 – intro the un global compact module 1 environmental principles

1UNGC Module 1 – Intro

THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT

MODULE 1ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES


INTRODUCTIONS AND

ICE BREAKER


The Global Compact

Course Objectives

1. To introduce the Global Compact and its three environmental principles – for existing and new members to the Compact, as well as for prospective signatories

2. To convince managers that it is in their company’s interests to undertake activities in support of the Global Compact

3. To help companies to develop strategies and programmes that support the three principles


The Global Compact

Course Structure

Module 1 – Introducing the Global Compact (GC)

Module 2 – Business Case for the GC Environmental Principles

Module 3 – Understanding the GC Environmental Principles

Module 4 – From Principle to Practice

Module 5 – Business and Sustainability Initiatives: An Overview


The Global Compact

Background to the GC

Announced in a speech by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 1999

“I propose that you, the business leaders, and we, the United Nations, initiate a global compact of shared values and principles, which will give a human face to the global market.”


The Global Compact

Understanding the UN Global Compact

– An international initiative designed to bring companies together with UN agencies, labour, NGOs, and other civil society actors with the aim of fostering action and partnerships for a more sustainable and inclusive global economy

– Relies on the enlightened self-interest of companies, labour organisations and civil society bodies to initiate and share substantive action in pursuing the principles

– Seeks to provide a contextual framework to encourage innovation, creative solutions, and good practices among participants


The Global Compact

Benefits of participating in the Global Compact

– Provides access to practical solutions to globalisation, sustainable development and CSR problems

– By engaging, business leaders demonstrate leadership with regards to responsible corporate citizenship

– Provides companies with access to UN expertise

– Offers simple framework for engagement without expensive certification and intrusive monitoring


The Global Compact

Ten principles – based on inter-governmental agreements

– Human Rights • Universal Declaration of Human Rights

– Labour• ILO Declaration of Fundamental Principles & Rights at Work

– Environment• Rio Declaration on the Environment

– Anti-corruption• UN Convention Against Corruption


The Global Compact

The Environmental Principles

Business should:

7. Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges

8. Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility

9. Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies


The Global Compact

Key characteristics of the Global Compact

– A learning approach

– A diversity of actors and approaches

– A decentralised network


The Global Compact: Key Characteristics

A Learning Approach

– Learning focus on how business can respect universal values

– Many ways to achieve goals

– Underlying objective of encouraging innovation and creative solutions



Diversity of Actors and Approaches

– Companies

– Business organisations

– Workers’ organisations

– NGOs (Human Rights, Environment, Development)

– Academic Institutions

– United Nations and the ILO



A Decentralised Network

– The UN Global Compact Office (in New York) and various agency focal points

– Not a large bureaucracy

– The Global Compact relies on the actions of those involved


The Global Compact

The UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics

Key activity areas of the UNEP DTIE:

Chemicals management http://www.chem.unep.ch/

Ozone management http://www.uneptie.org/ozonaction/

Energy and transport http://www.uneptie.org/energy/

Environmentally sound technologies http://www.unep.or.jp/

Economics, finance and trade http://www.unep.ch/etu/index.htm

Sustainable production & consumption http://www.uneptie.org/pc/home.htm

Industry outreach partnerships http://www.uneptie.org/outreach/business/business.htm



The Global Compact is not:

– A code of conduct

– A mechanism to check compliance

– A mandatory set of guidelines

– A regulatory system

– An attempt to shift governmental responsibilities to business


The Global Compact

Useful Additional References:

– UN Global Compact Resource Package • www.uneptie.org/pc/pc/tools/globalcompact.htm

– Raising the Bar (edited by Fussler, C; 2004)

– Employer’s Guide to the Global Compact • Developed by International Organisation of Employers (2001)• www.ioe-emp.org/ioe_emp/pdf/

– Global Compact Self-assessment Tool • Developed by Business for Social Responsibility (2004) • www.bsr.org

1 ungc module 1 – intro the un global compact module 1 environmental principles

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