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Kosovo Businesses Commit to Social Responsibility
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Pristina, Kosovo, January 2009-Kosovo’s two biggest telecommunications companies and two biggest banks are among the businesses that have agreed to a United Nations initiative aligning the private sector with social change and development. Known as the UN Global Compact, and organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the programme’s members agree to abide by 10 principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. There are more than 4,700 corporate members in 130 countries. “Businesses are a crucial engine of growth and development,” UNDP Resident Representative, Frode Mauring, said at the December launch of the programme in Kosovo. “Responsible businesses have proven to be a positive force in spurring development.” Mr. Mauring said lack of economic development, unemployment; energy deficiency and corruption are all prevalent in Kosovo. Additionally, 14 percent of Kosovars live in extreme poverty, subsisting on less than one dollar per day. The UN Global Compact addresses these issues by partnering business leaders with government agencies, academia and non-governmental organizations. In Kosovo, participants include the telecommunications firms, PTK and IPKO, as well as Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo, TEB Bank Kosovo, the construction company X-Ella and the auditing firm, Grant Thornton. There are 15 corporate participants so far, and the number is expected to grow to 50. Participation in the UN Global Compact is also seen as an important part of the European Union accession process. “Finding solutions to overcome the situation is not easy; but not impossible,” Mr. Mauring said. “And the Global Compact is a way for Kosovo enterprises to become part of a positive process and also contribute to an improved image of Kosovo.”
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