Participation in the UN Global Compact
The "United Nations Global Compact" is a voluntary initiative initially proposed by Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, at the World Economic Forum at Davos in 1999. On that occasion, Mr. Annan called for business corporations and organizations worldwide to embrace and promote a set of principles, now ten in number, within their respective capacities. The Global Compact principles address four issues: human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.
Today (as of December 2007), more than 4,800 companies and organizations are party to the compact. MHI became an active participant in 2004. In keeping with the compact's principles, the company is contributing in myriad ways that include the development and dissemination of technologies to protect the environment, support to areas that suffer natural disasters, and promoting the awareness of human rights.
The Ten Principles of the Global Compact
Human Rights
- Principle 1
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and - Principle 2
make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour Standards
- Principle 3
Businesses 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 labour; - Principle 5
the effective abolition of child labour; and - Principle 6
the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
- Principle 7
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges; - Principle 8
undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and - Principle 9
encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
- Principle 10
Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.
