Standards That Influence Procurement
Procurement personnel should be aware of the following globally recognized and accepted guidelines and certifications for their own organizations as well as for the selection and evaluation of their supply base.
United Nations Global Compact
The United Nations Global Compact is “a voluntary initiative whereby companies embrace, support, and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment, and anticorruption” (APICS Dictionary, 16th edition). It was initiated in 2000 in order to assist organizations in aligning their strategies and operations with sustainability-related standards. It promotes the upholding of appropriate human rights and labor practices, responsiveness to environmental issues, and incorporation of anticorruption policies.
It encourages organizations around the world to work collectively, including engaging with their suppliers, to implement the 10 principles below to develop more sustainable supply chain practices. To date, over 11,800 corporations in 157 countries have participated in this voluntary sustainability initiative.
Ten Principles of UN Nations Global Compact
Explore the 10 Principles of the United Nations Global Compact by clicking through the hotspots in the image below.
Source: Adapted from United Nations Global Compact Brochure: Corporate Sustainability in the World Economy, January 2014
