Message from the Secretary General

The Global Compact has now entered its second decade. What began as a rhetorical call for business engagement on global issues has evovled into the world's largest and most visible leadership platform to advance corporate responsibility. With nearly 6,000 participating businesses in more than 130 countries, the Compact has made a significant contribution to the diffusion of UN values across the Globe. 

Companies in all regions and sectors are demonstrating that a committment to human rights, decent workplace standards, environmental responsibility and the fight against corruption pays off. Some firms have saved money; others have minimized risks; still others have discovered new opportunities linked to the concept of sustainability. But a common thread runs through almost all companies' experiences in bringing the Compact's ten principles to life: expanding markets and advancing the economic and social well being of people and societies can two sides of the same coin. 

Just as the Global Compact has left its mark on business, so has business had an impact on the United Nations. UN agencies, funds and programmes are benefiting from partnerships with companies of all sizes that advocate our causes or bring expertise, resources and capacities to bear in support of our mission. The Compact has helped to prepare the Organization for these new forms of cooperation, while helping business develop a better understanding of the many ways in which they can contribute. 

One of the primary challenges ahead is to bring responsible business to true scale. The Global Compact is determined to continue doings its part to show the way toewards a more sustainable future for all. 

H.E Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General