The Global Compact was the idea of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. It is a worldwide contract between private industry, institutions and other groups in society. Participating members join forces around the world to master the challenges of globalization. They commit themselves to promoting human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption measures. Since its launch in 2000, the Global Compact has become the world’s largest initiative for sustainable development – with over 4,700 companies involved and participants from over 130 countries.
In April 2006, WACKER’s Executive Board sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General confirming that we would join the Global Compact. Member companies commit themselves to implementing the Global Compact’s ten principles, which are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.
Human Rights
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Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights within their sphere of influence, and
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Principle 2: make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labor Standards
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Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining,
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Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor,
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Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labor, and
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Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environmental Protection
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Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges,
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Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility, and
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Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
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Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Every WACKER employee undertakes to observe societal and ethical standards, respect the law and assume responsibility for the environment as stated in our Code of Conduct. These commitments have always been fundamental to WACKER’s entrepreneurial approach.