Sustainability in International Business: CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is part of companies' strategic management and increasingly central to their financial success. In global value chains with complex social and environmental risks, the question often arises as to the role of CSR and what measures are meaningful. German development cooperation offers companies a range of support options in this area.

The UN Global Compact is the largest and most important CSR network in the world. Based on 10 universal principles, its vision is to create a sustainable and inclusive global economy that delivers lasting benefits to people, communities and markets, now and in the future.  The German Global Compact Network (DGCN) brings together the German signatories of the UN Global Compact. Currently this includes around 310 companies - from DAX-listed firms to medium-sized enterprises and small specialists - and over 80 civil society organisations, academic and research institutions and public sector organisations. Through the network, they can learn about all aspects of CSR, share ideas and work together on practice-based solutions. The German Global Compact Network offers a range of learning and coaching options for implementing the Ten Principles.

From a development policy perspective, CSR can be defined as responsible corporate action that aims to shape the operating environment in a way that fosters sustainable development. In order to work together with the private sector to shape the environment and improve the living situation in partner countries, BMZ supports private sector engagement for sustainable development.