Bertelsmann signs up to UN Global Compact

Writing to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, Bertelsmann AG’s Chairman & CEO Hartmut Ostrowski committed the company to abiding by these core principles, stating: “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.”

In response, George Kell, Executive Director of the UN’s Global Compact Office, declared: “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.”

Along with 8,200 other companies from more than 130 nations, Bertelsmann divisions now have the chance to get involved in local networks in 80 countries worldwide. For example, almost 300 businesses are currently participating in the Global Compact’s “Caring for Climate” initiative.

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.” Through the Global Compact, entrepreneurial action is being harnessed to develop solutions to global problems and managers are being better prepared for a sustainable economy.

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.