Launched in July 2000 based on an idea of Kofi Annan, secretary general of the United Nations, the Global Compact is an international initiative involving several hundred companies, NGOs and civil society organisations (labour unions, schools, UN agencies, etc.) around ten universal principles in the fields of human rights, labour, environment and the fight against corruption. On the basis of this international network, the objective is to contribute together to the development of a humane and sustainable economy.

Saint-Gobain joined the Global Compact in July 2003, thus committing itself to integrating the ten principles in its strategy and operations. Information about the action undertaken by the Group in the framework of this commitment are available on the website of the Global Compact.

The ten principles of the Global Compact :

Human Rights
Businesses should
1 - support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights in their field of influence
2 - make sure that their own companies are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour standards
Businesses should uphold
3 - the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
4 - the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
5 - the effective abolition of child labour
6 - the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment
Businesses should
7 - support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
8 - undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
9 - encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-corruption
10 - Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.


Read our Communication on Progress