The UN Global Compact is a leadership initiative, requiring a commitment signed by the company’s chief executive, and, where applicable, endorsed by the highest-level governance body. Any company joining the initiative is expected to:
• make the UN Global Compact and its principles an integral part of business strategy, day- to-day operations, and organizational culture;
• incorporate the UN Global Compact and its principles in the decision-making processes of the highest-level governance body;
• engage in partnerships to advance broader development objectives (such as the MDGs);
• integrate in its annual report (or in a similar public document, such as a sustainability report) a description of the ways in which it implements the principles and supports broader development objectives (also known as the Communication on Progress); and
• advance the UN Global Compact and the case for responsible business practices through advocacy and outreach to peers, partners, clients, consumers and the public at large.