UN Global Compact and Global Governance

Research and Event Summaries

Overview

As globalization reaches ever-more rapidly to even the most remote corners of the globe, sustainable development practices become more critical than ever before. Global governance of human and labour rights and environmental protection is a topic of continual discussion. The UN Global Compact was first conceived by Kofi Annan in 1999 to bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support nine principles in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment.

"Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to advance responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization."

The discussion examined the UN Global Compact, and other global governance issues, seeking to provide some insight into:

• What is the Global Compact and why was it formed?
• How has the Global Compact functioned since its initiation?
• How can the Global Compact be supported and improved?
• How does the Global Compact compare to other global governance approaches?
• How can the Global Compact learn from its own and other programs' experiences?

Agenda

Registration
Welcome and Introductions: Mark Starik and John Forrer
Panel Presentation:

• Gavin Power, Lead Panelist, UN Global Compact
• Assheton Carter, CELB
• Charles Di Leva, World Bank
• Alya Kayal, Calvert Group
• William Mansfield, UNEP

Question and Answer
Research Workshops
Reception at the Art's Club of Washington

Sponsoring Organizations

The GW Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative was created to study, advance, and critique the integration of environmental, social, and economic issues and responses, in international and domestic businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations, through research, teaching, and service, both on- and off-campus. Call Mark Starik for more information: 202-994-5621.

The GW Center for the Study of Globalization was established to promote research and public education on the various forces that are driving globalization, the implications of globalization for business strategy and government policy, and the effects of globalization on people's day-to-day lives. Contact John Forrer for more information: (202) 994-5248.

Many Thanks to Our Program Coordinators

Dr. Mark Starik, Associate Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy
Dr. John Forrer, Assistant Research Professor of International Business
Ritu Saxena, MBA Candidate
Miranda Anderson, MBA Candidate

The GW Center for the Study of Globalization
2033 K Street, NW, Suite 230 • Washington, DC 20052 • Phone: (202) 994-5206 • Fax: (202) 994-5284
Email: gwcsg@gwu.edu • http://gstudynet.org/