News from the April/May edition of Corporate Citizenship Briefing, issue 105
UN research draws links between business activity and human trafficking
Although business activity can both perpetuate human trafficking and contribute to its eradication, most companies are unaware of the linkages. This is one of the conclusions of the Private Sector Survey on Human Trafficking, conducted jointly by the UN Global Compact, UN.GIFT, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The research also states that businesses must realise that by failing to address human trafficking they risk violating international standards and laws, tarnishing their reputation, and ruining stakeholder relationships. Using the results of the report as a basis for further action, the UN Global Compact, UN.GIFT and the ILO will continue to work together to better meet the needs of businesses in their efforts to address human trafficking. Contact: United Nations Global Compact www.unglobalcompact.org
Ethisphere lists the 2009 world’s most ethical firms
The Ethisphere Institute, an international think tank, has announced its annual selection of the world’s most ethical companies, recognising organisations that promote ethical business standards and practices by going beyond legal minimums, introducing innovative ideas benefiting the public and forcing their competitors to follow suit. Across 35 industries, 99 companies have demonstrated sustained real leadership necessary to earn this distinction. Five UK companies have made the list of “good corporate citizens” this year – Marks & Spencer, HSBC, Vodafone, AstraZeneca Standard Chartered Bank. Contact: Ethisphere www.ethisphere.com
Wal-Mart Foundation and CARE empower young women
The Wal-Mart Foundation announced on May a $1 million grant to CARE, a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. Projects funded by this grant will focus on empowering impoverished young women around the world through education, job-training and entrepreneurial support programs. The funding from the Wal-Mart Foundation represents the first step toward long-term partnership. Contact: Wal-Mart www.walmartstores.com
Call for greater adherence to anti-corruption convention
Chief executives from some of the world’s leading companies have called on governments to more effectively and robustly implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption. In a letter send on 1 May to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the CEOs expressed support for the world’s only universal anti-corruption instrument, but emphasized the need to establish an implementation review mechanism at the next Conference of States Parties to be held in November 2009. The CEOs provided ideas on how the mechanism should work, highlighting three factors: adequate and dependable long-term funding; country visits with peer reviewers from other countries; and a transparent process, with inputs from the private sector and other stakeholders, and with published reports. The letter was written at the invitation of four groups; the International Chamber of Commerce, Transparency International, the United Nations Global Compact, and the World Economic Forum Partnering Against Corruption Initiative. Signatories included the CEOs of Shell, Anglo American, Tata Sons and Zurich Financial Group. Contact: Transparency International www.transparency.org
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