Provides an overview of the current and potential role of institutional investors, companies, banks and foundations in the design and implementation of a financing strategy for global sustainability.

On 12 December 2016, António Guterres was sworn in as the next United Nations Secretary-General. In his vision for the post, Mr. Guterres - a former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN High Commissioner for Refugees - has said that the world body is uniquely placed to connect the dots to overcome global challenges and further strengthen the nexus between peace and security, sustainable development and human rights policies.

The key elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, and a effective investment and operating environment for business, are closely intertwined. Human rights and environmental defenders, journalists, lawyers, and anti-corruption campaigners are key agents of change, and they contribute greatly to safeguard human rights and the rule of law. As such, both companies and human rights defenders have a shared interest in an environment which respects the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and is characterised by non-discrimination, transparent and accountable government, freedom from corruption, and respect for the rule of law. Regrettably, the operating environment for defenders is becoming increasingly restrictive and dangerous in many countries. These countries include those in which corporations, with policies on human rights, increasingly operate and invest. Jointly hosted by the UN Global Compact, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), this webinar will provide an overview of the increasing restrictions faced by civil society and human rights defenders, explore some of the drivers and benefits of business action in their support and protection, and discuss emerging good practices related to business and human rights defenders.

The UN Global Compact, in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), launched the Business Action Pledge in Response to the Refugee Crisis. The pledge is a call to companies and other stakeholders to take action to diminish the suffering of people forced to flee conflict and support solutions for the resulting widespread societal disruption. Companies with operations or supply chains in countries that are producing, transiting and receiving refugees are called upon to demonstrate leadership by taking action – as an individual company or in partnership with others. This webinar explores the ways that companies can best support efforts, based on their own assets and capabilities.

Lawyers are increasingly expected to raise ethical and moral—as well as legal— considerations faced by their client transnational corporations as a matter of professional responsibility. In turn, they often serve a “moral leadership” role. Leadership involves perceiving challenges and opportunities just over the horizon. This Good Practice Note aims: (1) to illustrate how transnational corporations' in- house corporate counsel are perfectly situated to propel their corporations to adopt practices that ensure respect for human rights; and (2) to encourage this positive role by concisely highlighting key lessons learned and good practices.

Demonstrates how companies can help to advance the SDGs by operating responsibly in alignment with universal principles and finding opportunities to innovate to address societal challenges. Through a commitment to the UN Global Compact, companies are taking the first step to contribute to achieving the SDGs and have access to a range of tools to scale up their efforts.

This working paper introduces the Supply Chain Leadership Ladder, a maturity model for supply chain sustainability programs, which companies can use to develop their program toward deeper impact.

Presents case study examples of how companies, investors and Global Compact Local Networks have used the "Guidance on Responsible Business in Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas: A Resource for Companies and Investors" as a tool to align their policies, to engage with investee companies and to advance the implementation of responsible business practices in difficult operating environments around the world.

Businesses are increasingly being called upon to raise human rights concerns with the governments of countries in which they operate, most often by local or international civil society organisations. Businesses leaders may wonder whether and how they might address such human rights concerns, as an increasing number of companies accept the business case for integrating human rights into their core operations and into their engagement with stakeholders, including with governments. This Good Practice Note aims to bring greater clarity to this sensitive topic and provides an initial orientation to an under-explored, but increasingly pressing topic in responsible business practice.

The retention of worker identity documents is a common practice among employers and recruitment agencies in many countries and sectors around the world. The practice infringes on international human rights and can make workers vulnerable to forced labour. This note calls on business to take action to address the practice and its associated risk of labour abuse. References to relevant international standards and links to additional resources provide further guidance to business.

This report identifies ways that can help companies address the cross-cultural issues facing their business and contribute to intercultural understanding in ways that benefit business and society.

Provides an overview of UN-Business partnership services, developed as a collaborative effort by Global Compact LEAD Task Force members together with UN colleagues from across the system.