Bertelsmann AG joins United Nations’ Global Compact

20/11/08

Bertelsmann AG joins United Nations’ Global Compact

Bertelsmann AG – parent group of arvato - has joined the United Nations Global Compact.  This worldwide initiative gives companies the opportunity to help shape responsible, sustainable business by implementing 10 principles in the area of human rights, working conditions, environmental protection and anti-corruption. 

The Global Compact was launched in 2000 by then secretary-general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan “to initiate a global compact of shared values and principles, and give a human face to the global market.” 

In a letter to UN secretary-general Ban Ki Moon, Bertelsmann AG’s chairman and CEO Hartmut Ostrowski said: “Social responsibility has traditionally been an important element in our corporate culture - towards our employees, the environment and within our business and social community.

 “The principles of the United Nations’ Global Compact stand for socially and ecologically sustainable business in a globalised world. So it is a matter of course for us to acknowledge and support these principles.”

George Kell, executive director of the UN’s Global Compact Office, said: “By committing to the ten principles of the Global Compact, Bertelsmann AG sends an important signal that responsible business conduct and sustainable success are two sides of the same coin. We are delighted at Bertelsmann’s decision to join and look forward to our future cooperation.” 

Joining the Global Compact gives all Bertelsmann companies access to the Global Compact  worldwide network. Alongside Bertelsmann, more than 8,200 companies and organisations in over 130 nations are now part of the worldwide initiative. 

The Global Compact offers participants the opportunity to work with UN agencies and civil society organisations on partnership projects in support of global development goals from which new business models may emerge.

 Ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact

 Human Rights

1. Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and

2. Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

 Labour Standards

3. Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

4. Elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

5. Effective abolition of child labour;

6. Elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation.

 Environmental Protection

7. Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

8. Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

9. Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

 Anti-corruption

10. Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.