Global Compact Convenes China-Japan-Korea Roundtable

(Tokyo, 25 November 2011) – The Global Compact China-Japan-Korea Roundtable (CJK Roundtable), a joint platform that aims to promote collaboration among three Global Compact Networks through learning and dialogue, concluded its third conference today in Tokyo. The three Networks expressed their continued commitment to collaborating and deepening engagement of Global Compact participants from their respective countries in the UN Global Compact through the CJK Roundtable.

By bringing approximately 150 participants from business, academia, and civil society, the 3rd Roundtable reviewed common challenges facing these Local Networks in promoting the Global Compact. Participants discussed how these Networks could provide support to their participating companies in the areas of value chain management, social enterprise and corporate sustainability leadership.

Beginning with the Expert Research Meeting and High-Level Public Forum, the roundtable also provided an opportunity to foster discussion on how corporate sustainability practices contribute to companies’ engagement in disaster relief. In this context, Yukio Takasu, Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Japan, encouraged business participants and Global Compact Local Networks to integrate a human security approach to corporate sustainability for greater impact on disaster relief, as well as sustainable development activities.

During the Roundtable, “Being Responsible in East Asia: CSR Practices of Global Compact Members in China, Japan, and Korea", a joint study conducted by academic experts from the three countries, was issued. Developed in early 2010 as a result of the first roundtable outcome, the study examines corporate sustainability practices of 18 companies from these countries with a specific focus on their value chain management, gender empowerment, overseas corporate sustainability activities and stakeholder engagement.

Throughout the meeting, participants noted the challenge of integrating corporate sustainability into business strategies and operations of SMEs, and indicated that they would focus on how to increase support to SMEs. Given that corporate sustainability is a fast-growing field, the three Networks also emphasized the importance of engaging young business professionals in CSR debates, and outlined plans to reach young people more extensively.

Based upon common experiences of promoting the Global Compact values in the region, the three Global Compact Networks decided to support the introduction and launch of the Global Compact in Myanmar. In the lead-up to Rio+20, they will mobilize support and undertake common activities.

“It is very exciting to see the growth of the Global Compact CJK Roundtable, and it is our hope that the collaboration of our three Networks would contribute greatly to enhancing Global Compact values in the region,” said Toshio Arima, President, Global Compact Japan Network and Member of the Global Compact Board, who hosted this year’s CJK Roundtable.

• Agenda:  Being Responsible in East Asia:  CSR Practices of Global Compact Members in China, Japan, and Korea (24 November)
• Agenda:  CJK Roundtable (24 November)
• Agenda:  CJK Roundtable (25 November)

Media Contact

Matthias Stausberg
Spokesperson
UN Global Compact
stausberg@un.org
+1-917-367-3423