Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Compact

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Ukraine is now going through an important period of realizing its goal to elevate the social, economic and democratic life to a level set in the Ukrainian Millennium Development Goals and consistent with the European standards. This progress requires other actors' support and active involvement for its successful achievement. In this context, the private sector has a vital role to play in the achievements of these goals, through investment activity and implementation of socially responsible day-to-day business practices.

Results from a recently commissioned by UN survey of the business sector showed that there is significant awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Ukraine with companies undertaking a variety of CSR initiatives.

In response to growing interest in corporate social responsibility in Ukraine, the United Nations in Ukraine launched its Global Compact Initiative on 6 December 2005 with the Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Compact Forum which involved over 70 participants including leading figures from Ukrainian Government, the business community, the United Nations, international and local NGOs, media and academia. The Forum was aimed to take further the dialogue between these different groups on CSR and to mobilize a core group of companies to sign the Global Compact (GC) and establish a Ukrainian Global Compact network.

A special focus in the Forum agenda was given on the CSR and public policy, discussion of which gave valuable insights into how Ukrainian NGOs are already working with companies at the local level to tackle pressing social problems. Inputs from key senior and mid-level business figures indicated how CSR can enhance companies' reputation and improve competitiveness. Presentations from the Bulgarian and Nordic Global Compact offices demonstrated how successful GC local networks functioned providing opportunities for exchanging ideas on best business practice and effective partnerships with NGOs.

Participants stated their continued commitment to setting up a Global Compact network in Ukraine in 2006 as the framework with which to push forward and promote corporate social responsibility and the Global Compact principles in Ukraine.

The launch of the Global Compact in Ukraine took place on 25th April 2006 in Kyiv.

The list of the first signatories of the Global Compact in Ukraine is available here.

The full list of the Global Compact members in Ukraine is available here.

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