African enterprises and the UN Global Compact: adding value through human relationships

Murphy, David F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8416-5627 (2001) African enterprises and the UN Global Compact: adding value through human relationships. In: High Level Symposium on the Global Compact, 10-12 May 2001, Tunis, Tunisia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

A paper by Dr David F. Murphy prepared for the High Level Symposium on the Global Compact organised by International Labour Organization, International Organization of Employers, Pan-African Employers Confederation and Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Artisans (UTICA), Tunis, Tunisia, 10-12 May 2001.

When the Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan invited the international business community in January 1999 to enter into a global compact with the UN and civil society, he articulated a vision of a more sustainable and just world with partnership as its cornerstone. More than two years later, some 300 enterprises worldwide have lent their support to the UN Global Compact and the core values embodied in its nine principles covering human rights, labour standards and environmental practices. Together with the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Environment Programme, more than 10 leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and labour groups are actively supporting the Global Compact process internationally.1 The purpose of this paper is to stimulate discussion with African employers about the role and relevance of the Global Compact for African enterprises, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector. Furthermore, the paper will explore specific strategies and initiatives that individual African enterprises can undertake within their spheres of influence to lend support to the Global Compact. Consistent with the partnership principles embodied in the Global Compact, this paper has been prepared by the New Academy of Business in association with the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC). The New Academy works with entrepreneurs, managers, educators, activists and policy makers to produce educational activities and resources on the social, ethical and environmental dimensions of business practice. AICC is committed to leading Africa’s corporate citizenship practice and debate through its work with African companies and by stimulating and supporting public debate. The New Academy and AICC are currently collaborating with UN Volunteers (UNV) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on a new initiative aimed at enhancing business-community relations in eight countries, including Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Departments:	Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership > Business
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2023 15:02
Last Modified:	11 Jan 2024 18:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7411

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