The FINANCIAL — The UN Global Compact has expelled 372 companies in the second half of 2014 for failure to communicate progress for at least two consecutive years, bringing the total number of expelled companies in 2014 to 657, according to UN Global Compact.
These expelled companies represent 10 percent of the 3,760 participants due to submit a Communication on Progress (COP) within the second half of 2014. A total of 197 companies achieved the GC Advanced level, reflecting an increased commitment to transparency and accountability.
The number of companies joining the UN Global Compact continues to exceed the number of expulsions, with 729 companies from around the world joining the initiative from July through December 2014.
Business participants in the Global Compact commit to make the ten principles part of their business strategies and day-to-day operations. As an integral part of their commitment, companies must issue an annual COP, a public disclosure to stakeholders (investors, consumers, civil society, Governments) on progress made in implementing the ten principles, and in supporting broader UN goals and issues.
Companies that fail to submit a COP for two consecutive years have not fulfilled their commitment to the Global Compact and face expulsion from the initiative, according to UN Global Compact.
A Communication on Engagement (COE) policy, introduced in October 2013, also requires non-business participants to disclose specific activities in support of the initiative to stakeholders every two years, as well as results. Non-business participants that fail to submit a COE every two years will also face expulsion from the initiative as of 31 October, 2015.
The Global Compact offers customized and direct support to participants through its Relationship Management and Reporting teams, as well as through Local Networks in 86 countries. Companies of all types and in all regions are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable support to maximize their participation in the initiative.
The Global Compact welcomes the international community to utilize this information to encourage more companies and other organizations to make a serious and enduring commitment to universal sustainability principles, according to UN Global Compact.
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