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United Nations Global Compact
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2008 Engagement Opportunities

The Global Compact offer companies numerous opportunities to engage in activities that maximize the benefits and value of participation. On this page we list different engagement opportunities for 2008. We encourage participants to take full advantage of the areas below. Of course, all activities may not be applicable to every organization. However, given the range of areas, we hope you will find that there are multiple opportunities for organizations of all sizes, sectors and geographical locations.

"Caring for Climate: The Business Leadership Platform"  is for Global Compact participants wanting to demonstrate leadership on the climate issue. Companies that join are prepared to set goals, to change strategies and practices, and to publicly disclose emissions. Additionally, “Caring for Climate” provides a unique interface between business and governments at the global level. Join over 200 companies from around the world that have endorsed the initiative and are committed to finding solutions to this crucial issue. (Lila Karbassi, karbassi@un.org)

The “CEO Water Mandate” assists companies in developing a comprehensive approach to water management, covering six key areas: direct operations, supply chain and watershed management, collective action, public policy, community engagement, and transparency. The CEO Water Mandate seeks to build an international movement of committed companies, both leaders and learners. (Gavin Power, powerg@un.org)

Local Networks. Participants are encouraged to heighten engagement in Local Networks – or link up for the first time – where possible. Many of these are located in emerging and developing markets. Around the world, these networks are offering a range of value-add activities, including: holding workshops and dialogues on core issues; engaging in partnership projects; and providing guidance on Communication on Progress. In networks that are emerging or are in early stages after launching, you have the opportunity to help shape the agenda in important ways. Please join our Local Networks in every country where you do business. (Soren Petersen, petersens@un.org)

Subsidiary engagement. For multinational participants, the engagement of subsidiaries can generate significant business value and is one of the most important contributions that can be made to scale up corporate responsibility and strengthen the Global Compact around the world. To encourage greater involvement, we have clarified methods for subsidiary engagement, particularly related to submission of Communications on Progress. Many companies are already setting great examples of how to implement the Global Compact across complex, global organizations. We hope that more large companies will take comprehensive efforts to advance the ten principles wherever they operate and encourage their subsidiaries to participate in Local Networks. (Soren Petersen, petersens@un.org or Jeff Senne, senne@un.org)

Strategic tools & resources. Our offering of strategic resources grew significantly in 2007 and the menu of tools is considerable. At least a dozen new publications and online tools were developed this year – often in coordination with key partners and experts – to aid Global Compact participants in implementing the ten principles, engaging in partnerships and communicating progress on corporate responsibility actions. I encourage all participants to take advantage of these resources, which can be accessed on the “Tools and Resources” page of our website.

Notable Communications on Progress. The Communication on Progress (COP) programme remains a priority; it is the backbone of our accountability and quality efforts. On the Global Compact website, top-quality COPs are recognized through the Notable COP programme. Showcasing outstanding COPs – with respect to the quality and comprehensiveness of the information they provide – is proving to be a strong incentive for companies, particularly as efforts increase to link COPs with mainstream financial market analysis. All companies are encouraged to review the criteria for a Notable COP, and work to develop an illustrative and inspirational communication to your stakeholders on progress integrating the ten principles. (Oliver Johner, johner@un.org or Jeff Senne, senne@un.org)

Partnership projects.  All stakeholders are encouraged to take part in cross-sector partnerships that advance broad UN goals, particularly the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To help ensure effective and high-impact partnerships for all parties involved, the Global Compact Office has worked with key partners to develop improved guidance. Two examples include: Guide to Partnering with NGOs and the United Nations and Partnership Assessment Tool (PAT). In 2008, we encourage companies use the partnership tool to improve the value of partnerships. In addition, we encourage participants to be involved in our work to further improve the PAT. The Global Compact Office can also provide referral services for potential partnerships between our stakeholders and other UN Agencies, Funds or Programmes. (Cecilie Hultmann, hultmann@un.org or Melissa Powell, powell1@un.org)

Working groups. Continually developing information and practical guidance on our priority issues is critical. One way that this is accomplished is through issue-specific working groups that are made up of interested parties and experts across all stakeholder groups.

  • Human rights. In 2008 – the year of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the human rights working group will focus on increasing understanding and integration of human rights principles by Global Compact participants. (Ursula Wynhoven, wynhoven@un.org)
  • Anti-corruption. The anti-corruption working group will continue to focus on the needs of the business community in implementing the 10th principle, as well as advancing coherence among existing transparency initiatives. (Olajobi Makinwa, makinwa@un.org)
  • Labour. A working group focused on workplace standards will be established in 2008. Its objective will be increased understanding and integration of the Global Compact labour principles among participants. (Ursula Wynhoven, wynhoven@un.org)
  • Zones of Conflict. Also being established in 2008 is a working group that will seek to identify practical options for "responsible investment" in weak states. (Melissa Powell, powell1@un.org)

Implementation survey. In 2007, we conducted the “Global Compact Implementation Survey” – our first in-depth, quantitative look at the actions of business participants to implement the ten principles and advance the initiative. The survey provides critical information on the areas where companies are excelling and others where they lag – which we know can vary greatly by company size and region. The results of this annual survey help us to prioritize and guide the development of resources, dialogues and learning events. We ask that every participating company complete the upcoming 2008 survey, which will be sent via email to each designated company contact point in the first quarter of the year. (Carrie Hall, hallc@un.org)

Key corporate responsibility drivers. The Global Compact actively pursues several areas that we view as key drivers and leverage points for achieving truly global action on corporate citizenship: financial markets, business education, and the forthcoming Social Responsibility guidance to be issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

  • Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). PRI invites large institutional investors – both asset owners (e.g. pension funds, foundations, endowments) and asset managers – to commit to a set of six principles designed to put environmental, social and governance issues into the core of investment decision-making. The initiative has surpassed all expectations, with more than 200 institutions representing approximately $11 trillion in assets committed to the PRI. (Gavin Power, powerg@un.org)
  • Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME provides an engagement framework for academic institutions to advance corporate social responsibility through curricula and research. All business schools and management-related academic institutions are invited to endorse PRME and actively participate in adapting education, research and thought leadership to the new business environment. (Manuel Escudero, escuderom@un.org)
  • ISO 26000. The Global Compact has taken an active interest in the development of the forthcoming ISO Social Responsibility guidance (ISO 26000). An ISO 26000 standard that is built on existing expertise and consensus, and encourages voluntary commitment to social responsibility, could help provide widespread understanding and guidance on social responsibility concepts, definitions and methods of evaluation. Over 30 countries have formed national “mirror” committees to provide on-the-ground context and perspectives on the development of ISO 26000. Increasingly, Global Compact Local Networks provide an avenue for engagement with these ISO mirror committees. (Kola Badejo, badejo@un.org)

International and local events. Each year, the Global Compact Office and our Local Networks organize and support numerous events related to many of the areas listed above. These events allow stakeholders to exchange experiences, partake in learning and problem-solving exercises, engage in dialogue and identify organizations for partnership projects. Global Compact-related meetings will be taking place around the world every month in 2008. Examples include: “Africa's Industrial Drive: The Private Sector and Corporate Citizenship” in January; “Raising the Bar: Leading Sustainable Business in 2008” in February; “B4E – the Global Business Summit for the Environment” in April; and “Global Forum for Responsible Management Education” in December.

Additionally, several “Progress & Value Workshops” will be convened around the world in 2008. The workshops aim to deepen understanding of both implementation of the ten principles and methods for communicating progress. We encourage you to check the event calendar on our website for more detailed information and updates.

Awareness raising.“We Support the Global Compact” logo. As you may know, the Global Compact was proud to launch a new logo at the Leaders Summit. We hope that you will embrace the new logo and encourage participants to use the "We Support the Global Compact" logo as a way to further show commitment, for example on your corporate website and pertinent printed materials. Using the "We Support" logo in this way can help raise awareness and understanding of the Global Compact's mission. We ask that you become familiar with the policy regarding use of the UN Global Compact name and logo and request permission from our Office – including a sample of desired use – before using any Global Compact logo. Our office will respond quickly to all inquiries. (gclogo@un.org)

Funding. Through the Foundation for the Global Compact, business is able to financially support the initiative and help ensure that the Global Compact remains a truly global, voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. All companies participating in the Global Compact are asked to make an annual voluntary contribution to the Foundation. Companies that make a contribution to the Foundation will then be eligible to be recognized as a sponsor in the context of select Global Compact events, tools and publications. The cost of sponsorship ranges from US$ 10,000 to US$ 25,000 depending on the project. Further details can be found on the Foundation website.

(Last Update 20 February 2008)