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UNISA/UNGC project

In a historic move for South African and African academia, UNISA became signatory to the United Nations

Global Compact (UNGC) on the 17th of January 2007. The University thereby signalled strong support for the ten principles of the Global Compact which relates to human rights, labour standards, the protection of the environment and anti-corruption.

Becoming a signatory to the UNGC demonstrates a voluntary commitment to good corporate citizenship that goes beyond awareness, to action and responsibility for improving the lives of society today, and securing a good quality of life for generations to come.

In 2008 UNISA embarked on fulfilling the requirements of the University's membership of the UNGC. The inaugural report of the UNISA/UNGC Project provided a critical but constructive overview of UNISA's profile as a corporate citizen. Although submitting an annual COP is not mandatory for participating Academic institutions, Unisa voluntarily produced and submitted a Communication on Progress (COP) for the 2009 academic year, UNISA/UNGC 2009 Communication on Progress, thus re-affirming its commitment to being an exemplary academic institution and a leader in higher education in South Africa.

United Nations Global Compact Principles

Human Rights

  • Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights within their sphere of influence; and
  • Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour Standards

  • Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
  • Principle 4: uphold the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
  • Principle 5: uphold the effective abolition of child labour; and
  • Principle 6: uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

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

Anti-Corruption

  • Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Last modified: 2023/07/30