What You'll Learn

The event will feature leading companies from a variety of industry sectors. Speakers and delegates will come from multinational corporations operating within Eurasia, international and regional NGOs and other international experts.

The conference programme will discuss the following issues:

:: Eurasia’s role in the global economy and political arena – opportunities for empowerment

:: How do governments in Eurasia view corporate responsibility?

:: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Russia – How do they work, and what can they achieve in partnership with businesses in the country?

:: Corporate citizenship and competitiveness – are these really contradicting interests?

:: What changes to corporate governance structures are needed to bring standards in the region up to international best practice?

:: Governments and civil society organisations – are they partners or hinderers for sustainable business growth?

:: Economic growth and sustainable development – do the models match?

:: Case studies: How are companies already operating in Eurasia working actively on social and environmental issues - what results has this had so far?

:: How can national and international companies engage and work with NGOs to drive sustainable, successful programmes across Eurasia?

:: What is the business case for engagement in social, environmental and ethical issues by companies, operating in Eurasia?

:: Learning from international best practice on working with communities and the environment – what’s been achieved elsewhere, and how can it work in Eurasia in a practical sense?

:: Corporate governance and transparency – expectations from investors and other stakeholder groups. What are they looking for from companies in Eurasia?

:: GRI: Can GRI ever meet the reporting needs of companies or their shareholders?

:: Identifying key stakeholders: Who are you reporting for and how can you tailor your messages accordingly?

:: The impact of reporting on your business: What’s best practice in motivating employees and making them proud to work for you?

The Ten Principles of the Global Compact

The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards and the environment. This means that a company needs to bring about positive change only in those areas that are relevant to its business operations. The principles are as follows:

Human Rights

1.Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally roclaimed human rights; and
2.make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour Standards

3.Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
4.the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

5.the effective abolition of child labour; and
6.eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

7.Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
8.undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
9.encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies; and

Anticorruption

10. Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.