News

Shin-Etsu Chemical has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) as of November 12, 2010. The United Nations Global Compact is a voluntary strategic policy initiative for businesses that was first announced by then-United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in an address at a meeting of the World Economic Forum in January 1999. It was launched at the UN Headquarters in 2000 and has become the largest corporate responsibility initiative in the world. The UN Global Compact is both a leadership platform and practical framework for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible corporate policies and practices for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. As a leadership initiative endorsed by chief executives, it aims to promote better global citizenship by the world’s leading businesses and organizations that are committed to supporting and practicing in their business operations and strategies ten universally accepted principles with regard to the four areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. At the same time, the UNGC aims to help bring about actions in support of other broader UN goals, including its Millennium Development Goals. Around the world, about 8,000 signatories in 135 countries are participating in the UNGC, and in Japan more than 110 companies and organizations are participating.
Shin-Etsu Chemical established a CSR (corporate social responsibility) Promotion Committee in April 2005, and it is proactively driving the Shin-Etsu Group’s CSR activities. In 2006, as a member of world chemical industry, Shin-Etsu announced its support and practice of the initiative represented by the International Council of Chemical Association (ICCA)’s Responsible Care Global Charter. Implementation of this Global Charter is strengthening the chemical industry’s commitment to the unique Responsible Care initiative that is aimed at continuous improvement in health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance by focusing on such important challenges as sustainable development, effective management of chemicals along the value chain, and the need for greater transparency. Now, by joining the UNGC, Shin-Etsu Chemical will further promote fair business practices that comply with the Ten Principles of the UNGC, as we strive to enhance our company’s CSR activities.

United Nations Global Compact     http://www.unglobalcompact.org/