The Ten Principles account for the fundamental responsibilities of business in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. They are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. The Ten Principles are based on the premise that corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to doing business. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another.

By incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into strategies,
policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success.

The Ten Principles of the UNGC

Human Rights

• Principle 1: Business should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
• Principle 2: Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses

Labor

• Principle 3: Business should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• Principle 4: The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor
• Principle 5: The effective abolition of child labor
• Principle 6: The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation

Environment

• Principle 7: Business should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
• Principle 8: Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
• Principle 9: Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-corruption

• Principle 10: Business should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

The SDG Impact Standards link to the UNGC Ten Principles."

The Ten Principles | UN Global Compact. (2022, September 22). Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles