FSB’s Deputy CEO speaks with the United Nations Global Compact about a united response to the COVID-19 outbreak
By Kunal Chan Mehta Article Date: 24th march 2020
Mr Mohammed Zaidi, FSB’s Deputy CEO, and the United Nations Global Compact urge for a united response from businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The UN Global Compact has also urged companies to take a collective and collaborative stance to stem the volatile COVID-19 outbreak by using its 10 Principles.
Watch the interview (recorded on 19 March) here:
As the virus continues its spread across the world, FSB praises the global effort taken by the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, Governments, health authorities, healthcare staff and its partners to prevent, detect and manage the pandemic.
The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact
The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact are derived from: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Human Rights
Principle 1:
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2:
make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour
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:
Anti-Corruption
encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Principle 10:
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Source: UN Global Compact (2020)
Join the conversation and comment below. What did you learn from United Nations’ responses about addressing business challenges post-COVID-19?
Please email kunal.mehta@fairfield.ac for any questions or comments or to find out more about the UN Global Compact.