Armenia 

Preparing for GC Launch
UNDP Armenia has undertaken a number of awareness-raising and outreach activities leading up to the Global Compact launch in November. One of the Armenian participants - VivaCell – is partnering with the Armenian Association for the Disabled “Pyunic”, other businesses and UNDP on a project which will establish art and craft training centers for the disabled. The centers will offer training and job opportunities to the disabled and will also market and distribute their products.

For more information, please contact Mr. Armen Matosyan and Mr. Arman Valesyan, tel: 374 10 566 073, armen.matosyan@undp.org, arman.valesyan@undp.org

Bulgaria

COP Training

COP Training
The Global Compact Network in Bulgaria, in cooperation with Charities Aid Foundation, organized a COP training for its participants on 10 October 2006. Participants received practical guidance on how to prepare a COP, how to collect information and what indicators to use to measure progress in implementing the ten principles. The importance of having appropriate monitoring systems was highlighted. Participants concluded that often information for COPs already exists in a company’s reports and public materials.

Social Responsibility Survey
The GC Network, Charities Aid Foundation and Alpha Research Agency are finalizing a survey which examines the level of understanding, attitudes, practices and challenges in implementing socially responsible initiatives by Bulgarian business. Results are expected in November 2006.

For more information, please contact Ms. Ralitza Germanova, UN Global Compact focal point, tel.: 359 2 96 96 162, ralitza.germanova@undp.org 

Cyprus

Global Compact launched for the Turkish-Cypriot Community
The Global Compact for the Turkish-Cypriot business community was launched on 27 July 2006 in Nicosia. Mr. Michael Møller, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Chief of Mission in Cyprus, and the representatives of the local business community were present. “I am confident that with your commitment, the Global Compact will stimulate responsible corporate citizenship and act as a truly positive force for change in Cyprus,” said Mr. Møller.

Eighteen Turkish-Cypriot companies and organizations submitted letters to Mr. Møller announcing their commitment to implement the Global Compact principles. The launch was facilitated by the UNDP Programme “Partnership for the Future” within the framework of its initiative in support of Corporate Social Responsibility in Cyprus.

For more information, please contact Mr.  Giuseppe Belsito, tel. +357 22 445 060, giuseppe.belsito@undp.org

France

Network Meeting and Partnership Agreement
On 20 September 2006, Forum des Amis du Pacte Mondial en France organized a meeting of 45 Global Compact participants with the Managing Director of Electricité de France (EDF) and a trade union representative to present the Corporate Social agreement signed at the international level by Groupe EDF.

Konrad Eckenschwiller participated in a meeting in Paris on 21 – 22 September 2006 organized by UNDP. It focused on the selection of cases studies of enterprises from “the North” contributing to achievement of MDGs in “the South” through innovative business models.

On 6 October 2006, Forum des Amis du Pacte Mondial en France signed a partnership agreement with the “Conférence des Grandes Ecoles”.

For more information, please contact Ms. Isabelle Guyot tel. +33 1 5323 8720, pacte-mondial@idep.net

India

Vision for the Global Compact in India
A discussion about the vision for Global Compact in India was held by Global Compact Society in New Delhi on 1 September 2006. Mr. Arun Maira, Chairman of Boston Consulting Group, stated that CSR in India must be turned into a movement and stressed the need for integration of CSR into corporate business models. Endorsing Mr. Maira’s views, Dr. Uddesh Kohli, Chairman of CDC and the Global Compact India focal point, stressed the need for greater interaction and synergy in CSR activities in India. Presiding over the session, Dr A.K. Balyan, Director of ONGC, emphasized the need for integrating moral, ethical and social responsibility in the school curricula.

The second AGM

Second Annual General Meeting
The Second Annual General Meeting of the Global Compact Society was held on 1 September 2006 in New Delhi. Dr. Uddesh Kohli, welcomed the new President of the Society, Mr. R.S. Sharma, CMD of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation. Dr. Kohli reminded GC participants to submit Communications on Progress and Mr. Sharma called on participants to initiate more collective activities in support of the ten principles. 

With a view to better co-ordinate GC activities in India and to expand the network, four additional regional centers (beyond Delhi) will be established in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. 

For more information, please contact Mr. Uddesh Kohli, tel: +91 11 24643082, uddeshkohli@gmail.com

Indonesia 

IBL Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility 
On 7 - 8 September 2006, Indonesia Business Links (IBL) hosted its first national CSR conference attended by over 300 participants from business, government, academia, donors, civil society and media. The conference raised awareness about corporate responsibility, encouraging business to be socially responsible and to create an environment conducive to building multi-stakeholder partnerships. In his opening speech, Dr. Boediono, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs said that “good corporate citizens must be willing to take an active part in building the [country’s] environment”. Business had the opportunity to participate in the post-conference workshop “Private Sector Roles in Combating Avian Flu in Indonesia.”

Relief efforts for earthquake victims
On 27 May 2006, Yogyakarta and Central Java were hit by a powerful earthquake leading to 4000 deaths and forcing tens of thousands out of their homes. Indonesian Global Compact Network members organized immediate relief efforts to help ease the suffering of the earthquake victims.

PT. Rajawali Corp, Dunamis Organization Services, PT. Excelcomindo Pratama, PT. Express Transindo Utama, PT. Supra Boga Lestari, and PT. Metropolitan Retailmart jointly delivered medical supplies to RS Dr Sarjito Hospital. Food, clothes, blankets, and mineral water reached the affected areas. Additionally, PT. Excelcomindo set up a media communication center and free telecommunication base camps for earthquake victims and their families. PT. Smart Corporation set up a semi-permanent Medical Center. PT. Martina Bertho conducted training programs to help victims restore their livelihoods. PT. Rajawali Corp set up a health camp in Yogyakarta with a medical team to offer immediate medical assistance to the victims. Bina Nusantara University has initiated education recovery programs. 

New Members Join Indonesian Network
In June 2006, 16 companies and organizations from Palembang, South Sumatra pledged their support and commitment to Global Compact. The event was organized by Indonesian Marketing Association (IMA) and hosted by the Governor of South Sumatra.

For more information, please contact Mr. Angger Wibowo, angger.wibowo@undp.org

Jordan

Preparing for 2007 GC Launch
A report by the National Labour Committee on labour violations in Jordan has put the garment sector under scrutiny. As a result, the garment industry, which employs mainly migrant workers, and the government have taken steps to examine and eliminate labour violations in Jordan.  Jordan Garments, Accessories and Textiles Exporters’ Association (JGATE) has taken the lead and begun a series of awareness and training sessions on labour issues for their members. UNDP was invited to speak about Corporate Social Responsibility and the UN Global Compact at the Social Compliance Awareness Seminar organized by JGATE in mid-September.

UNDP also held a series of discussions to gauge interest in corporate responsibility and raise awareness about the GC with companies, as well as with the key ministries – the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Labour and the National Centre for Human Rights. A Steering Committee will be established at the end of 2006 which will prepare the GC launch in Jordan – planned for April/May 2007. Thus far, Fastlink mobile company, Coca-Cola Middle East Division, and Aramex have committed to sit on the steering committee. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Priya Sood, tel: 962-6-566-8171, priya.sood@undp.org

Kazakhstan

Government to Encourage Responsible Business Practices
UNDP in Kazakhstan has undertaken a number of awareness-raising and outreach activities with companies, government and NGOs. In addition to meetings and consultations, two conferences have been held: "Public and Private Sectors and Civil Society: Opportunities for Cooperation" in March 2006 and "Kazakhstan in the Global Economy" in May 2006. Partnership with the largest national business association, Atameken, enriched the impact of outreach activities. As a result, responsible business practices were specifically emphasized by the President of Kazakhstan among the country's priorities for the coming period. The national government refers to the Global Compact as a set of guiding principles on corporate responsibility and the Government of Kazakhstan’s 2006-2008 program includes activities on development of national standards on social reporting by business and a set of measures to develop legislative framework to stimulate social responsibility of business.

GC Participants: Activities and Awareness-Raising
Global Compact participants in Kazakhstan, including London-Almaty Insurance Company, KazkommertsBank, Alliance Bank, KazPost, KazMunaigas and Eurasian Industrial Group, have publicly expressed interest in forming a local network and agreed to establish a small fund to support selected network activities. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan Business Council for Sustainable Development (KBCSD) organised a training for GC participants on "Introduction of CSR Principles in Business Strategy and Standards of Social Reporting" developed jointly by UNDP and KBCSD. The training included a session on COP preparation and implementation of principles. A further training for journalists and a CSR module for students are under preparation.

For more information, please contact Ms. Natalia Maximchuk, tel: 7 3272 582643, natalia.maximchuk@undp.org

Kenya

Networking Event

Ms Helen Too, Business Development manager  of Tetrapak, Kenya

In August 2006, the Global Compact in Kenya and the Growing Sustainable Business initiative (GSB) held a networking event for 60 companies participating in both initiatives. Introductory speeches were made by Mr. Mutua Kilaka, Financial Secretary (Treasury) and Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, UNDP Officer in Charge. Ms. Helen Too, Business Development Manager of Tetrapak Kenya, described how the company is bringing the Global Compact principles to life, while Dr. Nelson Kuria, Managing Director of the Co-Operative Insurance Company of Kenya, presented the GSB project to provide micro-insurance products to informal traders. The event also provided an opportunity to inform interested companies of the upcoming launch of the Global Compact Network in Kenya, which is scheduled for November 2006.

For more information, please contact Ms. Anna Chilzuk, tel: 254 20 62 44 46, anna.chilczuk@undp.org

Macedonia 

Employment Partnership Project
On Net, a Global Compact participant has agreed to partner with UNDP Macedonia on a project entitled "Employment Mediation" which will target young people with secondary school and university education. The project will offer work experience to 600 young, unemployed people in over 200 private companies so that they may gain skills and raise their marketability on the labour market. The overall aim of the project is to enhance the economic environment on a local level, improve the conditions for economic regeneration and environmental protection, and promote public-private partnerships leading to sustainable job creation.

For more information, please contact Zlatka Stamboliska-Popovska, UNDP Macedonia, zlatka.popovska@undp.org.

Mozambique

South-South Local Network Cooperation
The local network focal point for Mozambique, Ms. Marilia Bene, visited Instituto Ethos in Brazil for two weeks where she participated in their CSR training course. Financed by GTZ, the opportunity allowed Ms. Bene to spend several days at Instituto Ethos learning from their experiences related to vision, structure, services, financial sustainability and concrete activities. The trip was intended to strengthen the cooperation between these two networks, both operating in a Portuguese speaking country.

COP Workshop
In August 2006, a workshop on COPs was organized in Maputo, Mozambique. The objective of this workshop was to share experiences on the development of COPs, to present different models to be used and to underscore the importance of communicating on progress. James Duncan, Managing Director of Motorcare, the first company in Mozambique to develop a COP, presented his company's report. Rui Fernandes, President of Mcel, presented additional information on the Global Compact, as well as formats available for the COP. Each company was requested to provide simple examples of their activities on one of the principles. Since the meeting, additional organizations have produced COPs (BCI and Etica).

For more information, please contact Ms. Marilia Bene, GC Coordinator, FEMA, marilia.gc@tvcabo.co.mz.

Pakistan

Steering Committee Elected
The GC Local Network in Pakistan has been operating formally since convening the first meeting of the general membership in June 2006. During the event, a 25-member Steering Committee was elected, comprised of one president, two vice presidents, one secretary, 15 members from among the general membership, two academic representatives, two business associations and two Civil Society representatives.  Mr. Ashraf W. Tabani, President of the Employers Federation of Pakistan and a member of the ILO Governing Body, has been elected as President. Mr. Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Director of Hinopak Motors Limited, has been elected as the Secretary of Local Network. A comprehensive Action Plan has been determined for 2006 – 2007 which includes promotional workshops with employers, SMEs and workers federations; training sessions on COPs; and the compilation of best practices related to the GC by enterprises in Pakistan. The Network has nearly 60 members.

For more information, please contact Mr. Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Employers' Federation of Pakistan (efpak@cyber.net.pk)

Russia

Social Investment Conference
UNDP and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs co-organized the conference “Social Investments in the Economic Development of the Regions of Russia” on 26 October 2006.  Over 200 participants took part in the conference, including representatives of key ministries and agencies of the Russian Federation, major national and foreign businesses, civil society, international organizations, United Nations agencies and media. Participants adopted a resolution defining the activities of Russian and international partners in promoting corporate responsibility, providing assistance to socio-economic development of Russian regions.

The decision was made to form a Global Compact Network in Russia by the end of the year, in cooperation with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

For more information, please contact Ms. Asel Abdurahmanova, tel:  7 495 787 77 17, asel.abdurahmanova@undp.org

South Africa

Seminar Promotes Responsible Investment
On 30 August 2006, Unisa's Centre for Corporate Citizenship (CCC) in co-operation with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Regional Learning Forum began its drive to educate the South African market about responsible investment with an interactive seminar. CCC director, Derick de Jongh said that responsible investment is becoming an increasingly important issue globally, and was particularly relevant for South Africa. He said the Centre would continue to raise awareness of responsible investment by hosting seminars related to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues, and offering courses relating to ESG.

Martin Kuscus, Chief Executive of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the single largest investor in South Africa with over R600bn in JSE-listed assets and a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment, participated in the seminar. As an investor owning almost 30 percent of the local share market, Kuscus said the GEPF would become a far more active investor and could greatly influence South Africa's social development agenda due to its size. The seminar was sponsored by Sasol, a member of the Global Compact.

For more information, please contact Samuel Payne, UNISA Centre for Corporate Citizenship Paynesp@unisa.ac.za.

Switzerland

First Public Event Held
On 28 August 2006, the UNGC Network Switzerland hosted a panel discussion on the question: "The UN Global Compact -- the solution to all new and old issues in the field of corporate responsibility?" for representatives from business, government and civil society. “All around the world we observe a growing interest in the Global Compact, as its widely accepted set of values helps companies a lot to define their responsibilities regarding the effects of their global business activities on society” said Prof. Klaus M. Leisinger, the president of the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, speaking in his role as Special Advisor for the Global Compact. Panellists from companies including ABB, Holcim and Migros shared various experiences on benefits from participating in the Global Compact and triggered a lively debate with the invited guests.

Please view www.unglobalcompact.ch for more information.

Tunisia

Development of the Network
Global Compact activities in Tunisia have been spearheaded under a Project “Sustainable Development through the Global Compact” which is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by the International Labour Organization. During the period February 2005 - September 2006, many activities have been carried out by the project. The first step was to publish communication materials in both French and Arabic, and the creation of a website: www.pactemondialtunisie.org. In addition to organising many meetings, the project also undertook a survey of CSR in Tunisia, the results of which are being used to define the future activities of the Network. In May 2006, the Project also organized a fieldtrip to Italy for the members of its Tunisian steering committee. The mission aimed at providing an opportunity to Tunisian project partners to share experiences and exchange knowledge with Italian and Moroccan project partners.

Moving forward, the project will organize a meeting with all participating companies in November 2006 to provide needed information, in particular with regard to the communications on progress and GC principle implementation. The meeting will also provide the coordinator an opportunity to gather more examples of CSR good practice in these companies.

For more information, please contact Mohamed Ennaceur, GC Focal Point in Tunisia, social.consult@planet.tn.

Turkey

Summit Highlights Role of Global Compact Principles in Partnerships
International organizations, leading representatives of the public sector, national and foreign investors and financiers met in Ankara, Turkey on 15-16 September 2006 for the “International Public-Private Partnerships Summit”. The event offered participants the opportunity to share their experiences on sustainable development in the area of public-private sector partnerships, and to discuss possible cooperation in the future. The Summit was organized within the context the Global Compact and its ten universal principles. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on the Global Compact, Prof. Dr. Klaus M. Leisinger was among the Summit’s keynote speakers. Leisinger stressed that the Global Compact’s principles can serve as a solid foundation for partnerships and that partnerships between business, civil society and government can be most productive when driven by universal values.

Turkey - PPP Summit

Growing Sustainable Business Project Launched in Turkey
The Growing Sustainable Business (GSB) initiative was launched in Turkey on 4 September 2006. The GSB initiative implements the recommendations of the UN Commission of the Private Sector and Development, recognizing the critical contribution of the private sector to poverty reduction. The strategy in Turkey consists of engaging the private sector in innovative partnerships grounded in market-based incentives to accelerate progress towards the needs identified in different regions and sectors in Turkey. In addition to creating solutions to specific problems related to Turkey’s development challenges, GSB will also support the UNDP Turkey country office development targets – focused on democratic governance, regional development and poverty reduction, as well as environment and sustainable development – by working in close cooperation with other ongoing projects/programmes in Turkey. The initiative is currently concentrating on fair trade, telemedicine, recycling and microfinance projects.

For more information, please contact Hansin Dogan, UNDP Turkey, hansin.dogan@undp.org.

United Kingdom

Work has begun on a new website for the UK Network.  Funding has generously been made available by the UK Foreign Office and a launch is scheduled for December.  It aims to be a useful tool for existing members, prospective signatories and other country networks.

The UK Network has also agreed to support an application from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to the European Commission to carry out the special project:  "Accelerating CSR practices in the new EU member states and candidate countries as a vehicle for harmonisation, competitiveness and social cohesion in the EU". The UK Network has agreed to be a project partner along with the Spanish and German Networks.

During 2006, the Network also established a mentor program for the COP, linking new signatories with more experienced peers. COP reviews by UK Network members are taking place at regular intervals and feedback is conveyed to the reporting company and the UNGC office.   

For more information on the activities of the UK Network contact secretariat@ungc-uk.net.