The Global Compact is the first of its kind. An international initiative in which the United Nations, private companies and civil-society organisations work together as part of a global network, the Global Compact aims to support ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.

Business responded very positively to this initiative: by autumn 2004 nearly 2000 companies the world over had pledged their allegiance. Together with six United Nations organisations as well as numerous civil-society organisations, unions and scientific institutions, they are helping translate the Global Compact into reality through partnerships and joint projects around the globe.

The German network also involves representatives from civil society, politics and industry, including a large number of Dax-30 companies and medium-sized companies. The network offers participants a forum where they can exchange ideas and views on the concrete implementation of the ten principles and forge new partnerships.

GTZ is a Global Compact participant

In a letter to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, GTZ's Managing Director Bernd Eisenblätter confirmed his company's commitment to the ten principles of the initiative: “We declare our intent to make the Global Compact and its principles part of our strategy, corporate culture and daily operations. We are firmly committed to these principles in dealings with our personnel, partners, clients and the public.” GTZ documents progress in implementation in the annual reports and environmental balance sheets. In-company we seek to abide by the principles in our procurement of goods and services, for example, and by applying a code of conduct and guidelines for gender equality.

www.unglobalcompact.org