The
UK has an influential role in international action on Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) and is recognised as one of its
leading advocates. UK Ministers have promoted our approach
to CSR to international audiences, including through the Conference
on CSR and the financial sector held in London as part of the UK
Presidency of the EU in December 2005.
Europe
In March 2006 the European Commission published its latest
Communication on CSR
The Communication states that CSR can make a significant contribution to
the competitiveness of the European economy and the Lisbon strategy for
growth and jobs. The Communication aims to make Europe a 'pole of excellence'
on CSR. A new approach that inspires more enterprises to become involved in the agenda.
The Communication also launched the European Business Alliance - you can find out more here
The UK Government welcomes and supports the European
Commission’s emphasis on positive voluntary action. We look
forward to continuing the debate with other member states and
the Commission on ways to spread and deepen responsible business practice.
Presidency conference on CSR -2006
During its Presidency of the EU in 2006, Finland held a conference 'Corporate Social Responsibility
Policies Promoting Innovation and Competitiveness'. You can find reports from that event here
This event followed on from the UK Presidency conference of 2005 -
more information here
Background
The latest Communication reflects the Commission's engagement with CSR over
several years. Its 2002 Communication set out its aspiration for CSR to contribute
to making Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge- based economy in the world by 2010.
The 2002 Communication followed up the 2001 EC Green Paper on CSR which developed the European strategy
to promote CSR. One of the outcomes was the establishment of a Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF)
on CSR in October 2002.
The MSF reported to the Enterprise and Employment Commissioners on 29 June 2004. You can
access that report here.
The MSF met again in December 2006 to review progress; you can find out more here
International
Our aim is to encourage the development and dissemination
of best CSR practice so that business can improve its contribution to sustainable development.
This contribution can take many forms, reflecting the various challenges and opportunities
around the world. We have much to learn from experiences in different countries and the
perspectives of different stakeholders.
International instruments are useful in establishing globally agreed minimum standards. Where
intervention is justified it needs to be well designed and targeted. We support the development
and promotion of existing international instruments and initiatives.
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg
in September 2002, governments committed to "Actively promote corporate responsibility and accountability".
With UK businesses and other stakeholders we will continue to contribute to a wide range of
intergovernmental and other initiatives at EU and wider international levels. These include broad based
initiatives such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinationals, the UN Global Compact and Global Reporting
Initiative, as well as more targeted projects directed at business action on poverty reduction.
To help determine the best way to take forward the WSSD outcomes on CSR, the UK Government commissioned
a study by the Chatham House to explore the options. The final report, "Following up the World Summit
on Sustainable Development commitments on Corporate Social Responsibility" launched in February
2005 set out a number of recommendations which would bring governments, businesses and civil society
groups together to work towards the overall goal of minimizing the negative and maximizing the positive
impact of the private sector on sustainable development.
International Strategic Framework
We have also set our approach to CSR internationally in the International
Strategic Framework which was published in March 2005.
The framework sets out the overall objectives, priorities, and main lines of the UK Government's
approach towards the international dimension of CSR. To read the press notice click here.
To download the framework click here
Background
BERR hosted a Multi- Stakeholder seminar on the Draft International Strategic Framework on the
7th October 2004 to present the conclusions of work done so far on gathering views on the
framework. The seminar provided an opportunity for open and full discussion from government,
business and civil society organisations. To read the note of the event together with the
summary of the responses please click here.
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