The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a both a policy platform and a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. It seeks to align business operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
It is the world's largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative, with over 6000 signatories based in more than 130 countries and CPA Australia's membership of the UNGC is a tangible commitment to the highest levels of sustainable business practice in the global markets in which our members operate.
CPA Australia CEO Alex Malley participated in the UNGC Leader’s Summit held in New York in June. A key discussion roundtable during the summit considered how best to incorporate accounting for sustainability within professional education and training.
CPA Australia has embedded sustainability principles and practice in the CPA Program. We have also contributed to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts project 'Living sustainably' and have called on the government to provide ongoing support for initiatives critical to improving the skills of professionals and embedding sustainability in business and society more widely.
In the UNGC Leader’s Summit closing session, Global Compact participants adopted a 'New York declaration by business'.The declaration called on governments to 'cultivate enabling environments for entrepreneurship and innovation' and to set clear regulatory signals, especially on climate change.
The Global Compact Australia Network provides a national and international platform for dialogue, learning and influence, that aims to be inclusive, practical and leading edge. Its primary purpose is to offer practical help for organisations to integrate and operationalise the 10 principles into their core business practices.
There are a number of events organized in order to fulfill the goal of facilitation and engagement, and businesses can sign up for webinars that provide an introduction to the UNGC. You can also visit the UNCG website which offers information for prospective signatories — the basics of what the UNCG is, case studies, and links to relevant information.