UN Global Compact Announces Steering Group to Mobilize International Business Support for the Rule of Law

(New York, 2 June 2014) —The United Nations Global Compact today announced the Steering Group members for Business for the Rule of Law, a new initiative to mobilize the global business community in support of the rule of law.

Business for the Rule of Law was introduced in September 2013 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the “Rule of Law Now” event co-sponsored by LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional — a Reed Elsevier business and a leading global provider of content and technology solutions — and the Atlantic Council — a non-partisan institution devoted to promoting transatlantic cooperation and international security.

“The philosophy underpinning Business for the Rule of Law is to provide business with practical guidance on how to respect and support the rule of law, and encourage collaboration between business and Governments in advancing the rule of law as the universal standard for economic and social development,” said Dr. Huguette Labelle, Chair of the Board at Transparency International, member of the UN Global Compact Board, and Co-Chair of the Business for the Rule of Law Steering Group.

“From a global business perspective, companies cannot properly function in environments where legal norms are not guaranteed to be carried out with impartiality, fairness, predictability, or indeed, at all. I am delighted to be working with the UN Global Compact and other esteemed partners to drive this important initiative forward,” said Prof. Pierre Sane, President of Imagine Africa International, member of the UN Global Compact Board, and Co-Chair of the Business for the Rule of Law Steering Group.

Led by the UN Global Compact, the Business for the Rule of Law Steering Group comprises individuals with expertise from business, the legal profession and civil society committed to advancing the role of business in supporting the rule of law. Inaugural Steering Group members include the following:

• Judit Arenas, Director of External Affairs, International Development Law Organization
• Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, Director, Thailand Institute of Justice
• Stefan Barriga, UN Member State Representative for Liechtenstein
• Dr. Isabella Bunn, Affiliate, Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford
• Frances Burwell, Vice President and Director of Transatlantic Relations, Atlantic Council (founding member)
• Dr. Huguette Labelle, Member of UN Global Compact Board and Chair of the Board, Transparency International (co-chair)
• Ian McDougall, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, LexisNexis (founding member)
• Lelia Mooney, Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, Partners for Democratic Change
• William Neukom, Founder, President and CEO, World Justice Project (WJP)
• Emily O’Connor, Secretary of the Commission on Commercial Law and Practice, International Chamber of Commerce
• Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, President, Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre
• David W. Rivkin, Vice President, International Bar Association
• Rule of Law Unit, Executive Office of the Secretary-General (advisory capacity)
• Prof. Pierre Sane, Member of UN Global Compact Board and President, Imagine Africa International (co-chair)
• Stephanie Sommese, Vice President of Global Communications, LexisNexis (founding member)
• Ursula Wynhoven, General Counsel and Chief, Governance and Social Sustainability, UN Global Compact (secretariat)

“The rule of law is essential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” said Ursula Wynhoven, General Counsel and Chief, Governance and Social Sustainability, UN Global Compact.  “The rule of law fosters economic investment by increasing the security of contracts, lowering levels of corruption, and allowing for fair, timely, transparent and predictable resolution of disputes. It provides the foundation for respecting and supporting human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption considerations — consistent with the UN Global Compact’s ten principles.”

The Business for the Rule of Law Steering Group will provide guidance, leverage their networks, and facilitate consultation sessions to arrive at a formal framework that is expected to be released in late 2015.

Business for the Rule of Law is expected to include a framework on the business case, business actions and examples, and an interactive technology platform to promote how companies from diverse regions and sectors can take action – independently or collectively – to support the rule of law in their business operations and relationships, serving as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, Government action.

To learn more about Business for the Rule of Law, please contact rol@unglobalcompact.org.

About the United Nations Global Compact
Launched in 2000, the United Nations Global Compact is both a policy platform and a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. As a multi-stakeholder leadership initiative, it seeks to align business operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to catalyze actions in support of broader UN goals. With 8,000 corporate signatories in 145 countries, it is the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. www.unglobalcompact.org 

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis® Legal & Professional is a leading global provider of content and technology solutions that enable professionals in legal, corporate, tax, government, academic and non-profit organizations to make informed decisions and achieve better business outcomes. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis®services. Today, LexisNexis harnesses leading-edge technology and world-class content to help professionals work in faster, easier and more effective ways. Through close collaboration with its customers, the company ensures organizations can leverage its solutions to reduce risk, improve productivity, increase profitability and grow their business. Part of Reed Elsevier, Inc. LexisNexis Legal & Professional serves customers in more than 100 countries with 10,000 employees worldwide. www.lexisnexis.com

About the Atlantic Council
The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic Community in meeting global challenges. www.AtlanticCouncil.org

Contacts 

Ursula Wynhoven
General Counsel and Chief, Governance and Social Sustainability
United Nations Global Compact
wynhoven@un.org
 
Stephanie Sommese
Vice President, Global Communications
LexisNexis | Legal & Professional
stephanie.sommese@lexisnexis.com
 
Frances G. Burwell
Vice President and Director, Transatlantic Relations
Atlantic Council
fburwell@atlanticcouncil.org