Ethics Center and UN Convene
Global Compact Conference

The first meeting in the U.S. devoted to a new initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, took place at Notre Dame in April. The conference was jointly sponsored by the United Nations and Notre Dame's Center for Ethics and Religious Values in Business. The Global Compact sets forth nine guiding principles that focus on human rights, labor standards and concern for the environment. Companies subscribing to the principles are encouraged to make clear statements of support and to submit an annual report that includes concrete examples of "good practices" for other firms to emulate, says Notre Dame's Father Oliver Williams, the director of ND's Center for Ethics and Religious Values in Business. Representatives from companies that have adopted all or some of the Compact's principles-Nike, Mattel, Motorola and Hewlett-Packard-presented case studies of their experiences to corporate and academic leaders.