Annual book “Global Compact Germany 2010“ published

“Resource conflicts” and “crisis regions”, as well as the role corporate responsibility may have in this regard, are central to the new edition of the German UN Global Compact annual book. Two articles from Dr. Moira Feil, Achim Maas and Lukas Ruettinger (adelphi) point out the roles and r

In 2009 there were 345 political conflicts worldwide. Most of them are about the preservation of or the access to power, but in addition the access to and the distribution of resources such as oil, precious stones, minerals, water and food always play a central role. These raw materials are not only a cause of distribution conflicts, but they also fund the continuation of the fighting. To counter this, companies must exercise particular due diligence.

Dr Moira Feil, senior project manager at adelphi, highlights in her article “Companies with Conflict Understanding” how these can take advantage of positive opportunities and contribute through their commitment to peace. This requires that companies operating in conflict zones consider special requirements in relation to conflict sensitivity and corporate social responsibility.

Lukas Ruettinger and Achim Maas analyse in their article the role of sustainability strategies in post-conflict countries. The authors address how these strategies can help to build a new social contract in shattered societies and how they are conducive to peace building. This works especially if strategies are carefully designed and integrated into existing processes. Otherwise, the authors warn that a difficult situation may be even further aggravated.

Other topics in this annual book are “Corporate Responsibility in Disaster Relief” and “The Year of Biodiversity and the Results of the International Conference of Nagoya”. The aim of the yearbooks is to promote knowledge sharing about the Global Compact and its ten principles, and serve as a public communication channel for member companies.