ABSTRACT
The UN Global Compact is an initiative of UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, 'to give a human face to globalisation'. Launched in 2000, the Compact addresses the environment, human rights and workers' rights. 'The Global Compact has legitimised discussions within corporations on issues such as human rights and corruption. The Global Compact was among the first initiatives to address the issues of violence and water'. The Compact has produced accessible handbooks for companies, available on its website. A Guide to the Global Compact is an excellent tool for all companies seeking to implement corporate responsibility (CR) policies, including useful definitions and examples. The flexible structure of the Compact is both a source of great strength and a source of weakness. As a series of 'nested networks', it is a flexible instrument for promoting corporate responsibility at a global level. Like many CR initiatives, the Global Compact faces the challenge of managing growth with very limited resources.
