Queen Rania supports UNDP launch of the UN Global Compact in Jordan
Amman, 28 October 2007 - In the race to advance human development and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) will launch the UN Global Compact, Monday, October 29, 2007, in Jordan, under the patronage Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah.
The event is organized by the UNDP with the belief that private sector companies could benefit from an international framework which would assist them in building their capacities to implement corporate social responsibility principles in their work environment. This would improve their business processes, enhance their reputation and build their competitive edge in the international arena.
Jordan’s event will include statements by H.E. Suhair Al Ali, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation; Mr. Luc Stevens, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative; and Mr. Talal Abu Ghazaleh, who has been appointed in April 2007 by the UN Secretary General as the Deputy Chairman of the UN Global Compact.
In addition to Talal Abu Ghazaleh Int. (TAGI), another seven Jordanian companies Nuqul Group, Aramex, Primus, Razorview, Schema, Taxtic and City of Salt Jordanian companies are now registered signatories in the Global Compact,
Queen Rania, who has been a strong supporter of public-private partnerships, has lent her name to this launch to reemphasize the need to embrace civic duties and create a culture of volunteerism in Jordan and beyond.
It is hoped that with the official launch, more Jordanian companies become members of the Global Compact which will not only involve them in the processes of economic and social development in the country but will also improve their image and will provide them with a platform to exchange experiences on issue of importance that will enhance their competitiveness and will open new business opportunities for them. Jordan is one of the first few Arab countries to sign on to the Global Compact.
The Global Compact was launched by then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2000. Through the power of collective action, it seeks to promote the concept of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization. In this way, the private sector – by signing the Global Compact - commit to making the ten Global Compact principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption part of business strategy and operations.
For further information, please contact: Ms. Priya Sood, Programme Analyst, UNDP Poverty Programme, at tel. 566 8171 ext. 253