Codes and Principles
by and for the Business Sector

TITLE
Alternative Treaty on Transnational Corporations
Global NGO Forum, UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)
  The treaties prepared at the International NGO Forum (INGOF) in Rio de Janeiro dealt with issues ranging from environmental concerns and how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can better cooperate with one another to how to shape relations with other social sectors such as the youth and women's movements.

The treaty process was conceived of through the build-up to the Rio conference, as successive Preparatory Committee meetings of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) indicated that the government negotiating process, whilst far from closed to NGO participation, was nonetheless unlikely to deliver an agenda reflecting the serious need for immediate action to change our understanding of economic, material and ethical relations in the world. NGOs are increasingly gaining confidence in their legitimate claim to a voice in the global policy dialogue.


Full text: http://www.igc.apc.org/habitat/treaties/index.html
 
TITLE
Principles for Business:
The Caux Round Table
  The Caux Round Table (CRT) has increasingly focused its attention on issues of global corporate responsibility in the context of the fundamental social, political, economic and technological changes taking place in the world. Excessive imbalances of trade, economic disparities between developed and developing nations, extremes between rich and poor, and differences in priorities and expectations between current and future generations, pose threats to peace and stability, and hence to the prospects for success of business. In a framework of sound international practices, based on universally applied principles for business conduct, consistent values and standards, and responsible operation of business activity, has become imperative.

In 1994, the CRT published its Principles for Business, which seek to express a worldwide standard for ethical and responsible corporate behavior and is offered as a foundation for dialogue and action by business and leaders worldwide. The Financial Times stated that the Principles are "thought to be the first document of this kind to have attracted influential supporters from Europe, Japan and the United States."


Full text: http://www.cauxroundtable.org/ENGLISH.HTM
 
TITLE
Charter for Good Corporate Behaviour:
Keidanren (Japanese Federation of Economic Organizations)
  Since Japanese corporations have tremendous influence both at home and abroad, they also have great responsibilities with respect to their behavior. With this in mind, the recent series of incidents relating to the securities and financial industries have set the scene for the establishment of good corporate behavior which will, in turn, inspire public confidence and acceptance by the international arena.

The corporate social environment is changing through the need for corporations to co-exist with consumers and the public. Also corporate respect for individuals and consideration of stockholders' rights, as well as progressive globalization, must be met. We must not forget either the changing responsibilities that society expects the corporations to meet.


Full text: http://www.keidanren.or.jp/english/policy/
 
TITLE
Social Accountability 8000 (SA 8000)
Council on Economic Priorities Accreditation Agency
  This standard specifies requirements for social accountability to enable a company to (a) develop, maintain, and enforce policies and procedures in order to manage those issues which it can control or influence; and (b) demonstrate to interested parties that policies, procedures and practices are in conformity with the requirements of this standard. The requirements of this standard applies universally with regard to geographic location, industry sector and company size.

Full text: http://www.cepaa.org/SA8000/SA8000.htm
 
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Corporate Social Responsibility
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  Responsible behavior is not something new in business life. Yet, in our fast changing times, business is being challenged to operate with new levels of transparency and dialogue to secure the goodwill it needs to operate. How should corporations respond to calls to take wider responsibilities and demonstrate accountability in the social arena? Defining the ways companies should go about matching these expectations and defining their responsibilities is not an easy task—for there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

Although the rationale for the very existence of business is to generate acceptable returns for its shareholders and investors, business leaders also understand that they have to satisfy a broader group of interested stakeholders. These include not only shareholders, but also employees, customers/consumers, suppliers, communities and legislators. Such stakeholders have influence and rights.


Full text: http://www.wbcsd.ch/
 
TITLE
Code of Practice
International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT)
  The International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT) aims to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries by linking and strengthening organizations that offer just alternatives to unfair trade structures and practices. IFAT members come together in solidarity and mutual cooperation to create an alternative and fairer way of doing business. IFAT is a federation to promote fair trade and a forum for the exchange of information to help members increase benefit to producers.

Full text: http://www.ifat.org/dwr/code.html
 
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Contact: Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org