UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT OFFICE LAUNCHES INTERNET PORTAL FROM SAP CORPORATION

UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT OFFICE LAUNCHES INTERNET PORTAL FROM SAP CORPORATION

Powerful Technology Tool Is First of Its Kind for UN System

NEW YORK, 15 October -– The Global Compact Office today announced the launch of a powerful Internet portal designed to promote online learning, dialogue and collaboration among global actors dedicated to advancing good corporate citizenship and responsible globalization.

“This is the first portal of its kind for the United Nations,” said George Kell of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.  “This establishes a powerful technology infrastructure to encourage the creation and sharing of critical content and information that is decentralized, thereby offering Global Compact participants from all over the world an opportunity to share activities and learn from others.  For the national and local Global Compact networks that are springing up around the globe, this technology will give them a window on the world.”

The Global Compact portal (www.unglobalcompact.org) provides a common user interface and an easily navigable framework for organizing, publishing and quickly locating relevant information.  With the new technology, Global Compact participants can openly share experiences and case studies, while inviting comment and feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement.  The technology will also give national and local networks of Global Compact participants, in the developed and developing world, a tool to showcase their actions, initiatives and learning.

The portal was made possible thanks to the generous donation of services by SAP AG, a leading provider of e-business software solutions.

“We expect this new portal to foster more efficient communication among business leaders and other global stakeholders, in both developed and developing countries, in the promotion of responsible business practices and sustainable development,” said Mokhethi Moshoeshoe, Director of the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship, based in South Africa, an active participant in the Global Compact.  “This sort of communication is critical to encourage collaboration, dialogue and the dissemination of good practices.”

The Global Compact, launched by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in July 2000, is a corporate-citizenship initiative that brings companies together with United Nations agencies, governments, labour and civil society to foster action and partnerships in support of nine principles in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment.

For additional information, please contact the Global Compact Office at globalcompact@un.org; fax: 212-963-1207.