Third Regional Launch of Global Compact Initiative was Conducted in Odessa

Odessa, 6 December, 2007 The Global Compact (GC) regional launch was conducted on Thursday in Odessa at the conference hall of Odessa Oblast State Administration. The launch was organised by the United Nations in Ukraine with the support of Odessa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The main objective of the event was to introduce the Global Compact initiative as the largest corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative worldwide to local businesses in Odessa, and to provide information about the development of the initiative in Ukraine.

The event was attended by representatives of leading local companies, civil society organizations and was high on focus of regional media as well as senior representatives of Government, proving the fact that many companies and labour organizations of Odessa region now recognize that the adoption of socially responsible business practices is an evitable element of the successfull business performance.

The Global Compact promotes corporate social responsibility by focusing on the achievement of UN goals in four key areas: human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Participants of the initiative are expected to implement a set of 10 universal principles which set out best practice in the achievement of these goals.

"It's more important then ever before for the business community to understand why it makes sound business sense to contribute towards implementing the Global Compact principles", stated Ms. Joanna KAZANA-WISNIOWIECKA, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Office in Ukraine. "Socially responsible businesses respond to the expectations of the society and build the trust, which is the necessary "licence to operate", that is crucial to business to succeed by receiving public recognition and enhanced reputation", she added.

Following up her speech, Ms. KAZANA-WISNIOWIECKA handed-over the membership certificates to the new GC signatories from Odessa on behalf of UN. During the ceremony new signatories, namely Vitmark-Ukraine, Plaske JSC, Sea Agency NIKI, Private Company "Honor and Right" and First Realtor Company, stated their continued commitment to the Global Compact principles as well as commitment to participate in the activities of the Global Compact network in Ukraine aimed at promotion of corporate social responsibility.

"Odessa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has already signed Global Compact and we were the first signatory of this initiative in Odessa. We co-organize this launch being committed to facilitate further promotion of Global Compact principles", said Mr. Vladimir SHPYRKO, First Vice-President of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Without engaging in social dialogue businesses will not be able to succeed", he added.    

Representative of Odessa City Administration, Vice Mayor Ms. Tetyana FEDIRKO in her speech expressed hope that the elite of Odessa business community will realize the importance of the socially responsible initiatives: "Companies should not only react to existing social issues, but also think about coming generations", she stated.

The addresses of key-note speakers were followed by the presentation of the GC overview in Ukraine delivered by Ms. Elena PANOVA, UN Global Compact coordinator. Later, two more presentations were carried out by representatives of new GC signatory companies on topic "Corporate Social responsibility in practice: examples from Odessa companies". The presentations were delivered by Mr. Victor STANISLAVSKY, Vice-President of "Vitmark Ukraine"company and Mr. Denis GLAGOLEV, Deputy Director General of "Plaske" company.

Closing the event, Mr. Andriy TKACHUK, Deputy Head of Odessa Oblast State Administration, noted: "Today's event is an example of readiness of Ukrainian business to take the lead on resolving social issues and once again empasised how crucial social partnership is in this respect".