THE TEN PRINCIPLES
of the UN Global Compact

Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence, and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. By incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success.

The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact are derived from: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

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

Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

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

Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and

Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

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

Resources on the Ten Principles

Click on the tabs to access the relevant resources.

Virtual Open House

Gives an overview on the UN Global Compact’s principles, methods and instruments.

How to Develop a Sustainability Strategy

This introductory webinar shows how to develop a future-oriented sustainability strategy compatible with the UNGC requirements. Slides can be accessed here.

OECD e-Learning Academy on Responsible Business Conduct

Provides an opportunity to advance you knowledge of responsible business conduct and OECD risk-based due diligence.

CSR Risk Check

Tool that provides a short check for companies to find out which international CSR risks their business activities are exposed to and how to manage them.

UN Global Compact Management Model

A practical guide, comprised of six management steps helping companies of all sizes to evolve their sustainability efforts.

SME Compass

This online portal offers two tools specifically targeted at SMEs showing how to respect the environment and human rights in your company and along the supply chain.

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct

Recommendations by governments to enhance the business contribution to sustainable development and address adverse impacts associated with business activities.

OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct

Provides practical support to organizations on the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by providing plain-language explanations of its due diligence recommendations.