Converge ICT Solutions Inc. officially joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact program, the world’s largest corporate social responsibility initiative, to develop responsible business practices aligned with world-class standards, CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy announced Friday, April 29.
Launched 22 years ago, the UN Global Compact has more than 15,000 companies and 3,800 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 69 Local Networks.
“We are proud to join thousands of other companies globally committed to taking responsible business action to create the world we all want,” says Benjamin B. Azada, Converge Chief Strategy Officer.
The UN Global Compact calls on companies to align their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles across the four areas include Human Rights.
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Second is Labor.
Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
They should eliminate all forms of forced and compulsory labor and child labor as well as discrimination in employment and occupation.
Third is Environment.
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges, undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility and encourage environmentally friendly technologies.
Fourth is Anti-Corruption.
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Moving forward, Converge’s corporate social responsibility strategy will adhere to these principles and incorporate them into its strategies and day-to-day operations, Uy pledged.
The underlying notion of the UN Global Compact is that corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to doing business.
It endeavors to integrate universal principles into the company’s identity, making it a globally-responsible institution.
Fulfilling the UN Global Compact is seen not just to deliver on broader socio-economic developments, but also to improve the company’s business performance.