The approximately 2 billion adults that make up the world’s poor and often marginalised struggle to get by without access to formal financial services and tools. Through digital technology and innovation, new business models are being developed with the power to draw underbanked citizens into the formal economy, creating economic opportunities for the poor. As a result, digital solutions such as mobile banking, user interface systems and online impact investing are expanding the customer base and creating new markets for both new and traditional financial service providers. Jointly hosted by the UN Global Compact, Accenture and CARE International UK, this webinar provides an overview of financial inclusion and the digital opportunities available for serving a large untapped market, it offers guidance on how to leverage digital solutions to be more financially inclusive and raises awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, including encouraging action in support of Goal 1 on ending poverty and Goal 10 on reducing inequality.

The key elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, and a effective investment and operating environment for business, are closely intertwined. Human rights and environmental defenders, journalists, lawyers, and anti-corruption campaigners are key agents of change, and they contribute greatly to safeguard human rights and the rule of law. As such, both companies and human rights defenders have a shared interest in an environment which respects the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and is characterised by non-discrimination, transparent and accountable government, freedom from corruption, and respect for the rule of law. Regrettably, the operating environment for defenders is becoming increasingly restrictive and dangerous in many countries. These countries include those in which corporations, with policies on human rights, increasingly operate and invest. Jointly hosted by the UN Global Compact, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), this webinar will provide an overview of the increasing restrictions faced by civil society and human rights defenders, explore some of the drivers and benefits of business action in their support and protection, and discuss emerging good practices related to business and human rights defenders.

Gathering leaders from business, civil society, Government, the UN and academia, the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2016 highlighted how the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs) provide a tremendous market opportunity for business and other stakeholders to innovate, invest and collaborate to create a more sustainable future for all.

Outlines common supply chain corruption scenarios and provides a framework and set of tools for addressing them. This resource was updated in 2016.

This summary table highlights the human rights dimension of each Sustainable Development Goal, by indicating the relevant international human rights instrument that applies.

The Lawyers as Leaders series raises awareness of the legal issues associated with corporate sustainability and responds to the evolving role of business in society and of the lawyers that advise companies. The four separate training modules focus on human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption, and feature prominent legal experts as well as general counsel who are leaders within their companies on sustainability issues.

Provides practical guidance and examples to in-house counsel in their emerging role as key change agents in advancing corporate sustainability issues within their respective organizations. The Guide seeks to raise the profile of General Counsel regarding the efforts they are making, and to inspire and encourage other General Counsel and Boards, senior executives and management of their respective organizations to take action and deliver long-term value.

Strong rule of law is essential as a foundation for economic and social development. The Framework seeks to advance the rule of law by engaging responsible business to support the building and strengthening of legal frameworks and accountable institutions – serving as a complement to, not substitute for, government action.

This webinar conducted by an ILO expert examines principle 3 of the UN Global Compact's principles in detail. The webinar addresses challenges companies may face in their workplaces and in their operations to realize freedom of association, a human right at the core of ILO values, which also underpins and supports the other nine UN Global Compact principles.

revised in 2018, this self-guided 40 minute E-learning module provides an introduction to the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration). The Declaration provides recommendations to governments, enterprises, and employers’ and workers’ organizations on how to maximize – each with different roles and responsibilities - the positive contribution of multinational enterprises to socioeconomic development and decent work, more specifically in the areas of employment, training, conditions of work and life and industrial relations. The module includes an overview of the principles of the MNE Declaration and real cases of how it can be put into practice and address a range of labour and employment issues in different contexts. It also provides a description of how the MNE Declaration relates to other international instruments which can also guide business behaviour, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Global Compact, the UN Business and Human Rights Framework and Guiding Principles, and ISO 26000.

Illustrates how companies can implement the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact throughout their supply chains and integrate sustainability into procurement strategies. In 2015, the guide was revised to ensure the inclusion of and alignment with relevant standards and initiatives, and also to reflect current and emerging trends within this area. It includes several updated and new company examples. The second edition is available in English. The original Guide, launched in 2010, is available below in the indicated languages.

Migrant workers are often susceptible to unfair recruitment and hiring practices, leaving them highly vulnerable to exploitation. For many, the debt burden they carry from excessive recruitment fees and migration costs exacerbates this vulnerability and can lead to debt bondage and forced labour. This note calls on business to take action to address such exploitative practices and their associated risk to labour abuse. References to relevant international standards and links to multi-stakeholder initiatives and additional resources are included to provide further guidance.