About Deutsches global compact netzwerk
Deutsches Global Compact Netzwerk: Promoting Sustainable and Responsible Business Practices
Deutsches Global Compact Netzwerk (DGCN) is a German network of companies, organizations, and institutions committed to promoting sustainable and responsible business practices. As a local network of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), DGCN aims to advance the ten principles of the UNGC in Germany and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 12,000 signatories from more than 160 countries. The initiative was launched in 2000 by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable policies and practices that align with universal principles on human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption.
As a member of DGCN, companies can benefit from various resources and opportunities for learning, networking, collaboration, and advocacy on sustainability issues. DGCN offers its members access to expert knowledge on sustainability management through workshops, webinars, conferences, publications, best practice examples as well as peer-to-peer exchange.
Moreover,DGCN provides its members with an opportunity for dialogue with stakeholders such as NGOs or trade unions. This helps companies understand stakeholder expectations better while also providing them an opportunity for feedback on their own activities.
DGCN also supports its members in reporting their progress towards implementing the ten UNGC principles through various tools such as self-assessment questionnaires or benchmarking studies. This helps companies identify areas where they need improvement while also showcasing their achievements publicly.
In addition,DGCN advocates for policy changes at national level that support sustainable business practices. For example,DGNC has been actively involved in shaping Germany's National Action Plan on Business & Human Rights which was adopted by the German government in December 2016.
Overall,DGNC plays an important role in promoting sustainable and responsible business practices in Germany. By providing its members with access to expert knowledge, networking opportunities, and advocacy support, DGCN helps companies align their operations with universal principles on human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption. This not only benefits the companies themselves but also contributes to achieving the SDGs and creating a more sustainable future for all.