Abstract

The United Nations Global Compact has operated with some success and some criticism since its inception in 2000. The Global Compact has been criticised by some observers, who feel the United Nations loses some of its independence through alliances with corporate entities. This chapter discusses the significance of the Global Compact within a number of contexts, including an examination of the Global Compact’s origins, key participants and its principal signatories. The details of the UN Global Compact Governance structures will be outlined to allow a better understanding of how the agency operates regionally and internationally. In addition, the extent of the Global Compact members’ engagement with corporate social responsibility, and related issues such as environmental protection, human rights and social issues, will be detailed. In addition to presenting a discussion of the United Nation’s role in developing the Compact, the interaction between the UN and engaged participants, from both business and non-business sectors, will be outlined. This will be supplemented by an account of the 10 Principles which lie at the heart of this endeavour. Finally, the connectivity between the UN Global Compact and the global market will be discussed.