SAI Newsletter February 2011: Four Key Corporate Responsibility Trends

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A publication of SAI newsletter

Four Key Corporate Responsibility Trends
Featured Guest Article by CSR Author, Thought Leader, Deborah Leipziger

Guest Author: Deborah Leipziger

There have been many significant developments in corporate responsibility. This article examines four trends and interprets what they mean for SA8000. Interestingly, many of these cutting-edge developments have happened beneath the radar.

1. Sustainable stock exchanges
A number of the world’s stock exchanges are working to become more sustainable. With support from the UN Principles for Responsible Investing (UN PRI), the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), participating stock exchanges are working on these goals: How can exchanges encourage long-term investment? How can stock exchanges promote greater transparency? A wide range of stock exchanges are looking at establishing listing requirements to promote greater disclosure of ESG (environmental, social and governance) data. In 2010, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange became the first stock exchange to require listed companies to move towards integrated reporting.

As stock exchanges require greater disclosure, companies will increase reporting on adherence to standards such as SA8000.

2. Trade agreements and CR

A number of bilateral trade agreements are beginning to reference CSR. For example the trade agreement between Canada and Peru which entered into force in 2009 is groundbreaking in that it creates a forum to address CSR issues. >>Read More

For more information about Deborah Leipziger, visit her website: www.deborahleipziger.com.

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