The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and to take steps to support UN goals.

Participants are required to:

1. Attain commitment from the chief executive (or equivalent, for non-business entities) – with support from the Board. This commits the organization to meet fundamental responsibilities in four areas: human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. All four areas are important; responsible businesses know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another.

2. Produce an annual Communication on Progress (COP) report that outlines its efforts to operate responsibly and support society. This could be part of a sustainability or annual report, or another public document. UN Global Compact posts these communications on their website, and more than 28,000 have been issued by participants to date.