5.30.2007 - 06:10pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK- May 30, 2007 – The United Nations Global Compact has launched a new initiative called the "COP Review Project", inviting individuals and organizations from around the world to participate in a global vetting effort intended to create one of the largest fully catalogued repositories of corporate reports on sustainability issues.

The more than 3,000 companies participating in the initiative are required to produce an annual Communication on Progress (COP), detailing efforts made in implementing the Global Compact’s ten universal principles in business strategy and operations. This COP requirement was introduced in 2005 to promote transparency and accountability, identify and share responsible corporate practices, and protect the integrity of the initiative and the United Nations. The Global Compact’s online database now includes more than 2,000 COPs from around 100 countries, and further strong growth is expected.

Because the current database of communications has not been fully catalogued yet, the Global Compact Office has developed a separate platform that facilitates the systematic review and indexing of each COP. The objective is to eventually establish a searchable database that will greatly facilitate both academic and professional research of sustainable business practices. The project also aims to stimulate further dialogue and learning – both fundamental components of the Global Compact’s voluntary approach.

"We are seeking the support of individuals and organizations in academia, civil society and business from around the globe to help strengthen this important integrity measure", said Georg Kell, Executive Director of the Global Compact.

Individuals participating in the COP Review Project will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights on corporate citizenship in business practice. All participants will also receive a Certificate of Participation after submitting a minimum of ten reviews. Each review takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

An online platform with further information and detailed instructions can be found at: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/CommunicatingProgress/Wiki

About the United Nations Global Compact

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact brings business together with UN agencies, labor, civil society and governments to advance ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to mainstream these ten principles in business activities around the world and to catalyze actions in support of broader UN goals. With over 3000 participating companies and hundreds of other stakeholders from more than 100 countries, it is the world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. For more information, please visit www.unglobalcompact.org.

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Commitment to Transparency: This organization is committed to transparency and stakeholder dialogue and encourages your comments and feedback.

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