It’s true. We’ve seen it. Principled business exists.

When we hear about companies polluting their local environments, employing people under horrific conditions or paying bribes, it can be hard to believe that companies are out to do more than simply make money.  

But the fact is: a growing number of companies are actually thinking about more than just profits when they make decisions about how to build their next factory, how to treat their employees or what types of products to develop.

We know because we’ve seen it. We are the United Nations Global Compact. We launched our initiative in 2000 with the mission “to give a human face to the global market”.  Today over 8,000 companies count themselves part of our movement. That’s right, THOUSANDS of companies (including a lot that you’ve heard of!) have committed to changing how they operate to better align with UN principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. These companies represent every sector, size and over 160 countries.

Why principles, you ask? 

Principles inspire, guide and support corporate leaders as they execute responsible business strategies and operations. They provide a universal language for corporate sustainability and they apply to everyone. 

Committing to principles means more than just abiding by a set of rules throughout a company’s operations and supply chain. That is only the beginning. Principles provide common ground for organizations to work together, a moral code for employees, an accountability measure for critics.

And on top of that, principled business makes financial sense. There is a clear connection between the bottom-line and a company’s environmental, social and governance practices. The well-being of workers, communities and the planet is inextricably tied to the health of a business. With business activity and investments reaching all corners of the earth, companies are choosing to be active stakeholders in societies for the long run, knowing that they cannot thrive when the world around them is deteriorating. 

Now, even though many companies are on board with principles, in reality, they make up only a fraction of the estimated 80,000 multinationals and millions of smaller enterprises worldwide.

That’s where you come in.

As a consumer, an employee or even an investor, you have the power to push business to go further. Spend your time and your money with companies that adhere to principles. Call on business to respect the human rights of all people inside and outside their walls, to use natural resources wisely, and to operate ethically.