Realizing the Global Compact

The Global Compact was formally launched in July 2000. As an initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the Compact aims at enhancing corporate responsibility by asking participants to advocate nine principles in the human rights, labour rights, and environmental protection areas. This study conceptualizes the Global Compact. It explores the basic premises upon which the initiative builds, assesses the Compact features, and discusses its relationship to states, the UN, and the international legal system.