11.14.2003 ET

(CSRwire) UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Global Compact reports the following initiatives:

Global Compact Introduces "Resource Package"

To aid in the understanding and implementation of the Global Compact and its principles, the Global Compact Office -- in partnership with its "core" UN agencies -- has developed "The Global Compact Resource Package". The interactive CD-ROM is a tool to help organizations integrate the Global Compact's principles into their daily operations. It covers the three main areas of the Compact -- human rights, labour, and the environment -- and includes several sections, including presentations and case studies. The Resource Package was developed by the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme at the request of the Global Compact Office. The Global Compact's three other "core" agencies also provided input and assistance: the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme. (See http://www.unglobalcompact.org)


Conference Takes Stock of Global Compact in Germany

On 24 October, some 200 representatives from business, civil society, government and academia gathered in Berlin to take stock of German Global Compact activities. The event, titled "Global Partnerships: from theory to practice", was organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Federal Foreign Office, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) and the German United Nations Association (DGVN). It quickly emerged that the Global Compact has proven to be a versatile learning platform. There was also broad agreement that the Global Compact as a voluntary initiative has played a very useful role as a complement to existing regulatory approaches. (See http://www.unglobalcompact.org)


Spanish Network Convenes First Meeting

Representatives from more than 200 companies gathered in Madrid on 22 October during the "Week of Corporate Social Responsibility" for the first meeting of the Spanish Global Compact Network. Georg Kell, Executive Head of the Global Compact, delivered a message from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, highlighting the commitment of Spain's business community to corporate citizenship and social responsibility. He also congratulated the Spanish Network on its pioneering work, and hoped that many more will follow their example. During the event, the Spanish network also announced plans for the first Congress of the Global Compact in Spain, to be held in March/April of next year. Network representatives also launched the official website of the Global Compact in Spain, which can be accessed at http: www.pactomundial.org. (See http://www.unglobalcompact.org)

Global Compact and EFQM Sign Memorandum of Understanding

On 21 October, Georg Kell, Executive Head of the Global Compact, and Alain de Dommartin, Chief Executive Officer of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), signed a memorandum of understanding between their organizations, aiming to promote corporate citizenship through the effective use of leading-edge management practices. The memorandum follows an earlier commitment by EFQM to integrate the Global Compact's nine principles into the CSR guidelines of its EFQM Excellence Model, a non-prescriptive management framework currently used by over 20,000 organisations across Europe. (See http://www.unglobalcompact.org)

Global Compact and EFMD to Partner on Education

On 21 October, the Global Compact and the European Foundation for Management Development (efmd) announced the signing of a partnership agreement aimed at promoting more responsible business practices through learning and education. Under the agreement, efmd will be European partner to the Global Compact in relation to learning and education. The European Foundation for Management Development is an international, membership-driven organization, based in Brussels. With more than 470 member organizations from academia, business, public service and consultancy in 45 countries across the world, efmd plays a central role in shaping an international approach to management education. (See http://www.unglobalcompact.org)

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