Africa: Global Compact Board And Foundation News

14 July 2006
UN Global Compact (New York)
document

The new Global Compact Board, the United Nation's high-level body involving business, civil society and labour, gathered at UN Headquarters in New York today for its inaugural meeting.

The 20-member board, appointed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in April, was established following a comprehensive governance review of the world's largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. It is composed of ten private sector representatives, four representatives of international labour unions and employer organizations, as well as four civil society representatives. Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, the Chairman of the Foundation for the Global Compact, and Georg Kell, Executive Director of the Global Compact Office, serve as ex-officio members.

Opening the meeting, the Secretary-General stressed the "enormous breadth of experience and reach" of the board members, which hail from Latin and North America, Africa, Europe and Asia. He expressed hope that the diversity of perspectives "will become a core strength" of the new body, enabling it "to find common ground, united in the shared objective of seeing the Compact succeed in its mission".

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The Global Compact Board will provide strategic advice to the initiative as a whole and will also play a role with respect to the implementation of the Global Compact's integrity measures, which were implemented in 2005. Board members are further encouraged to support the initiative's fundraising efforts, become advocates of responsible business practices around the world and help in the preparations for the next Global Compact Leaders Summit, to be held on 27-28 June 2007 in Geneva.

What is the Foundation for the Global Compact?

The Foundation for the Global Compact is a non profit organization launched on 19 April 2006 to help raise funds to support the work of the UN Global Compact Office and Global Compact-related activities. It is the official fundraising vehicle of the UN Global Compact Office with respect to the private sector. The Foundation is authorized by the UN Global Compact Office to fundraise on its behalf. Its relationship with the United Nations is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foundation and the UN. All fundraising efforts are conducted in a manner that respects the dignity, international character and status of the United Nations.

What are funds raised spent on?

Throughout the year, the UN Global Compact Office engages in a wide array of activities - including learning and dialogue events and publications - intended to promote awareness of the initiative, deepen the level of engagement by companies and other stakeholders, and help participants in the process of implementing the ten principles. For the year 2006, the Global Compact Office has identified a number of priority activities for which funding will be needed. More information is available at www.globalcompactfoundation.org.

Are contributions to the Foundation tax deductible?

Whether contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible will depend on the tax laws of your country. In many countries, contributions to charities, like the Foundation, are tax deductible as a business expense for companies. The Foundation is in the process of seeking 501(3)(c) status.

From whom does the Foundation accept donations?

The Foundation accepts donations from any donor (whether corporate, foundation or an individual) provided that acceptance of the donation would not threaten the integrity of the Foundation, the UN Global Compact Office or the initiative as a whole. In general, it is expected that contributors to the Foundation will be participants or other stakeholders of the Global Compact. Donors are recognized on the Foundation's website.

How do I donate?

Donations can be made by cheque or money order in United States dollars made payable to:

Foundation for the Global Compact

P.O Box is 4058

Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163

USA

If you wish to make a donation via bank transfer, we invite you to contact info@globalcompactfoundation.org for further details.

Donations to the Global Compact Foundation (as of 15 July)

The Foundation for the Global Compact gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following donors, who have all have made donations since the last Global Compact Quarterly was published:

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAGorg)

Brødrene Hartmann A/S

Wessex Water

Fidanque Panama

Centrica plc

William E. Connor and Associates

Pakistan Refinery Limited

Nexen Inc

Citizen Watch Co.Ltd., Tokyo, Japan

De Beers Group of Companies

Engro Chemical Pakistan Limited

Norsk Hydro ASA

Pranda Jewelry Public Company Limited

Novartis

Storebrand ASA

Banco General, S.A

Carey and Allende

Anglo American

Cosmo Oil

OMV

Alcan Inc.

Volvo

Diageo

Deutsche Bank

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