CAUX-IofC commits to Corporate Responsibility Initiative

On 3 May 2015 the Council of Caux-Initiatives of Change (IofC) decided to become a member of the Swiss Association that carries forward the Initiative multinationales responsables. The issue of Corporate Responsibility is close to activities and themes that have continuously been promoted by CAUX-IofC.

Switzerland has the highest per capita number of multinational incorporations. These Corporations are involved in global operations and face challenges related to human rights, labour law and environmental issues.

This recently launched Initiative is inspired by the UN Guiding principles on business and human rights, and ILO and environmental standards. It is of global relevance but will be implemented locally. The initiative aims to ensure that Swiss companies integrate the protection of human rights and the environment in their business practices by mandatory due diligence measures.

Cornelio Sommaruga, former Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Economic Affairs and subsequently also CAUX-IofC President in 2000-06, is a member of the Initiative Committee.  CAUX-IofC will integrate Corporate Responsibility topics in its action plan, as it is in line with one of the organization’s statutory purposes “to strengthen ethical commitment in economic life“.