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The UN Global Compact and Rotary International, a humanitarian service organization of more than 1.2 million professional and community leaders in 200 countries, have agreed to deepen their collaboration and encourage Global Compact Local Networks and the more than 33,000 local Rotary Clubs to seek stronger alignment through joint activities and programs.
The announcement was made on the occasion of Rotary International UN Day, hosted at UN Headquarters today. The event, held annually to celebrate Rotary’s longstanding relationship with the United Nations, brought together more than 1,300 Rotary members from around the world, as well as representatives of various UN organizations and departments.
In a joint letter to be sent to Rotary District Governors and Global Compact Local Network focal points, Rotary International General Secretary Edwin H. Futa and UN Global Compact Executive Director Georg Kell encourage a set of joint activities to advance the shared ideals of “high ethical business practices, sustainable humanitarian action, and world peace and understanding”. More specifically, the letters ask Global Compact networks and Rotary clubs and districts to engage in education and information sharing; local project implementation or collaboration (particularly those addressing the Millennium Development Goals); and coordinating a collaborative effort promoting the best of corporate social responsibility practices and volunteer leadership and action at the local, district or national level.
“Through discussion, collaboration and joint cooperation, Rotary clubs and the United Nations Global Compact can foster high ethical standards, universal principles, and tangible humanitarian successes,” said Futa. “Together, we can work for the benefit of all.”
In addition, Rotary members are encouraged to facilitate further business participation in the Global Compact, and invite Global Compact network participants to join local Rotary clubs.
“Both Rotary International and the Global Compact are rooted in a shared vision of responsible leadership to address global challenges,” said Georg Kell. “Seeking stronger collaboration between our local networks and Rotary clubs makes much sense, and I am confident that working together will make a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable development in the spirit of universal values.”