VP Launches Global Compact Today

The Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama will formally launch the Global Compact at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra this morning.
Global Compact-Ghana, an initiative of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, encompasses principles from the area of human rights to labour and the environment. It was established in July 2000, with a call on businesses worldwide to help build the social and environmental framework to support and ensure the continuation of open and free markets.
It has the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), as the leading UN agencies involved in it, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assisting the agencies in developing countries.
Dr. Berangere Megarinos, Project Officer, United Nations System Staff College said it is the duty of the UN to close the gap between developed business communities and developing ones.
She said so far only Volta River Authority (VRA) and Ashanti Goldfields Company Ltd. have given signed to join the Global Compact, but said she hoped more companies would understand the principles and join the Global Compact family. She added that the "quality of business co-operation is what is needed rather than the number of companies".
500 companies worldwide have signed their commitment to it, promising to improve and support human rights in their countries, she said. These companies would also make sure their operations do not degrade the environment.
Dr. Magarinos said a website would be provided for member companies to share ideas and also show to the world their contributions to the country in which they operate.