UN Global Compact and BSR Launch Project on Supply Chain Sustainability

(Oslo, 27 January 2010) – The United Nations Global Compact and BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) have launched a joint project to develop strategic guidance materials for business on the implementation of the Ten Principles in supply chain programmes and operations. This work was officially kicked off at a first meeting of the new Global Compact Advisory Group on Supply Chain Sustainability held in Oslo, Norway, on 26-27 January 2010.

Hosted by Telenor Group, the meeting of the Advisory Group on Supply Chain Sustainability brought together more than 20 representatives from business and civil society to explore a range of approaches for sustainable supply chain management. The group was established to ensure that guidance for UN Global Compact participants on the topic is robust and addresses their needs. At the meeting, practical experiences were shared by representatives from Telenor, Cemex, Volkswagen, Nestle, Inditex, Nokia Corporation and IKEA.

Three resources – to be launched in June at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2010 – are under development with the group’s oversight and input:

• Supply Chain Sustainability: Implementation Guidance, Inspiration and Examples 
• Sustainable Supply Chain Assessment and Learning Tool for Buyers
• Online platform to raise awareness and disseminate information about sustainable supply chain initiatives and resources

The Advisory Group on Supply Chain Sustainability consists of 26 Global Compact business participants – from 18 countries and 13 industry sectors – and four representatives from civil society. Mr. Mads Øvlisen, member of the UN Global Compact Board and former Chairman of LEGO and Novo Nordisk, serves as the group’s chair.

• Meeting agenda.
  
• Advisory group members. 
  
• More information about the supply chain work of the Global Compact.

Contacts:

Cecilie Hultmann
UN Global Compact Office
hultmann@un.org

Cody Sisco
Manager, Advisory Services, BSR
csisco@bsr.org