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Corporate Social Responsibility. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Nick Baker nick.baker@fco.gov.uk. What are we trying to achieve?. Improve business standards internationally on key issues in high impact sectors Why?
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Corporate Social Responsibility Foreign and Commonwealth Office Nick Baker nick.baker@fco.gov.uk
What are we trying to achieve? • Improve business standards internationally on key issues in high impact sectors Why? • Business is an essential partner in driving sustainable development, tackling climate change and in some cases preventing/resolving conflict, 3 of the government’s international strategic priorities. • Ensure that UK companies are competing on a level playing field with other companies
Our top ten aims • Strong international voluntary principles and codes of conduct • Consensus behind the business case for CSR • Reduced business complicity in human rights abuses • The eradication of international bribery, corruption and extortion • Reduced emissions • Sustainable production and consumption • Implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards • Sustainably managed forests • Revenues that do not fuel conflict • Sustainable international tourism
Where does the FCO add value? • World-wide network of diplomatic posts • We work closely with business, civil society and trade unions internationally • Both directly and through UKTI we provide extensive support to UK companies abroad. • We can use our relationship with other governments to help improve the business environment abroad
Multi-stakeholder initiatives and certification schemes • The UN Global Compact • The OECD Guidelines for multi-national enterprises • The Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights • Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative • Kimberley Process
How else can we achieve this? • Promoting the business case for CSR • Diversifying our business and union contacts • Political Messages • Engaging other government departments, business organisations and trade unions, emerging economy governments and companies • Media and Promotional Activities • Project Funding • Chevening Fellowships • Lead by example • Export Credit Guarantees • Business Awards and "badge" schemes
What are the high impact sectors? Extractives (oil, gas and mining) Finance Construction Travel/tourism Utilities Defence Pharmaceuticals Retail
Our Priority Countries • The largest emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India and China • Other large emerging economies: Nigeria, Indonesia Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Philippines, Turkey • Countries where sustainable development issues are critical: Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, Cameroon, Angola, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador. • Countries where large multi-nationals have their headquarters: G8
Nick Baker Business Team Sustainable Development and Business Group Global and Economic Issues Directorate Corporate Social Responsibility: nick.baker@fco.gov.uk