Konica Minolta Joins the United Nations Global Compact
Supporting the Ten Principles in Respect to Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption
Tokyo (January, 14, 2009) --Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Konica Minolta) announces that it has signed the United Nations Global Compact in support of the ten principles in respect to human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
The Global Compact consists of a framework of voluntary action principles, first proposed by the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1999 and officially launched in 2000. It is an initiative to solve various increasing global issues such as global warming, environmental concerns and social disparities by encouraging each company to fulfill sustainable growth and development. This is achieved by exercising responsible creative leadership and ensuring practices of being a good corporate citizen. More than 6500 companies or organizations have signed this initiative as of January 2009.
Konica Minolta positions corporate social responsibility (CSR) as the essence of its management and promotes its CSR activities based on the management philosophy of "The Creation of New Value “and “Konica Minolta Group Charter of Corporate Behavior.” (cf: attachment)
By signing the Global Compact, we will surely practice the ten principles under the commitment of the corporate top management. Through ensuring thorough compliance with laws, regulations or company ethics, and promoting CSR procurement and global environmental activities, Konica Minolta will actively work toward social sustainable growth.
The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact
Human Rights:
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labor:
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor;
Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labor; and
Principle 6: 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.
Attachment
Konica Minolta Group Charter of Corporate Behavior
Corporations, in addition to being economic entities engaged in the pursuit of profit through fair competition, should be beneficial to society at large. For this reason, Konica Minolta Group shall behave in a socially responsible manner and shall have all of its directors, officers and employees clearly acknowledge the spirit of this Charter of Corporate Behavior.
Senior management shall recognize that the fulfillment of the spirit of this Charter is its own role and responsibility, and shall take the initiative to ensure that all directors, officers and employees fully understand the Charter. In addition, the management shall constantly pay attention to the opinions of internal and external parties and shall promote the implementation of effective systems to secure ethical corporate behavior.
- Beneficial and Safe Products
We shall strive to earn the confidence of consumers and clients through the development and provision of socially beneficial products and services with the utmost consideration for safety. - Fair and Transparent Corporate Activities
We shall, in the pursuit of fair and transparent corporate activities, comply with laws and social regulations and act in accordance with international rules and the articles of incorporation. - Communications with Society and Information Disclosure
We shall communicate with society at large and disclose corporate information fairly and adequately. - Environmental Protection
We shall acknowledge the seriousness of global environmental issues and shall act voluntarily and affirmatively to protect the environment. - Contribution to Society
We shall, with a global perspective, affirmatively make contributions to society while respecting local customs and cultures. - Respect for Employees
We shall endeavor to make the lives of employees comfortable and fulfilling, provide a safe work environment, and respect each employee's personality and individuality. - Responsible Actions
In the event of a violation of the principles of this Charter, in order to solve the problem senior management shall investigate the cause of the violation and develop reforms to prevent its recurrence in accordance with corporate compliance procedures. Prompt public disclosure of precise information and an explanation regarding the violation shall be made and responsibility for the violation shall be clarified. Strict and fair disciplinary action shall be taken including with respect to senior management where necessary.
Established on October 1, 2003