A global framework for sustainable growthParticipation in UN Global Compact
This is to announce that in September 2013, Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Masaaki Kanai), developer of the MUIJI brand, signed the United Nations Global Compact (hereinafter, "UNGC"), which the UN operates to demand responsible conduct from corporations in order to achieve sustainable growth.
Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. proposes "a simple, elegant and comfortable lifestyle at a reasonable price" in stores specializing in lifestyle aesthetics, and is working to contribute to society through business that produces and conveys new value to its customers. With rapid globalization in areas such as the supply of raw materials and factory production, the company's global business is now being expanded as an important pillar supporting the business of the Ryohin Keikaku Group. We are intent on fulfilling our corporate responsibility as a good member of society, having signed the UNGC international framework for sustainable growth, and we will comply with and practice the Ten Principles that are demanded of companies by the UNGC.
About the UN Global Compact (UNGC)
The UNGC is an international framework demanding independent action by companies as good members of society, and was proposed at the 1999 World Economic Forum (held in Davos, Switzerland) by then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan prior to its official launch in July 2000. Companies and organizations signing the UNGC continue making efforts to implement Ten Principles relating to protection of human rights, abolition of unfair labour, dealing with environmental challenges, and prevention of corruption, based on commitments from senior management having endorsed these Principles. At present, approximately 11,900 organizations (of which around 7,800 are companies) have signed the UNGC in more than 130 countries around the world, with activities developing along the axes of Ten Principles in four area: Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption.
◆ 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.
◆ Labour
- Principle 3:
- Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
- Principle 4:
- Elimination of Forced and Compulsory Labour
- Principle 5:
- the effective abolition of child labour; 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.
Reference:
United Nations Global Compact
http://www.ungcjn.org/
PR Department, PR & IR & ESG Division
RYOHIN KEIKAKU CO., LTD.
Tokyo, JAPAN
