Joint UN Global Compact-ILO learning plan for companies “Advancing decent work through the UN Global Compact Labour Principles”

To further support businesses in implementing the labour principles of the UN Global Compact, the UN Global Compact, the ILO and the ITC-ILO have developed a joint learning plan for companies based on the ILO standards, resources and tools, as well as the guidance offered by the international frameworks on responsible business conduct, including the MNE Declaration.

The UN Global Compact is an initiative of the UN Secretary General inviting business worldwide to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by committing to the Ten Principles. Four of these Ten principles of the UN Global Compact are Labour Principles, derived from the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. These are: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

The ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) is the only ILO instrument that provides direct guidance to enterprises on upholding the fundamental principles and rights at work as well as other principles derived from the international labour standards in areas of employment, training, conditions of work and life, industrial relations as well as general policies, with the overall aim of stimulating the business contribution to decent work.

The new joint UN Global Compact-ILO learning plan for companies “Advancing decent work through the UN Global Compact Labour Principles” explains how these principles can be integrated into the company’s own operations as well as in its engagement with business partners and in the supply chains. It will also be an important resource for companies preparing to demonstrate progress against the Ten Principles using the enhanced UN Global Compact’s Communication on Progress.

The learning plan contains six modules and can be accessed for free here.