Article 13's initiatives and actions 2008

Explore our UNGC diary below, view the 2008 UNGC events calendar to find out what's next for our team or read press releases on what we've done so far this year...

This month

World AIDS Day - 1 December

"There are now 33 million people living with HIV worldwide and 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK." The UK theme for World AIDS Day 2008 was ‘Respect & Protect: More people than ever before are living with AIDS in the UK and new infections continue.  AIDS is a serious long-term condition and people living with AIDS often face discrimination.

Article 13 supported the Respect & Protect campaign by advocating its objectives through email signatures and disseminating advocacy throughout its network for the week of 1 December 2008.  We also attributed our support of the campaign to Goal 6 of the MDGs which is to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.  This forms part of our commitment to support and advocate initiatives such as World AIDS Day and aims to raise awareness.

Please find out more by visiting the World AIDS Day website.

Global Anti-Corruption Day - 9 December

Corruption potentially hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for assisting development.  It also undermines a government's ability to provide basic services, through feeding inequality and injustice, and discouraging foreign investment and aid.  Today there are signs of a growing intolerance towards corruption.  More and more politicians and chief executives are being tried and convicted.  The United Nations Convention against Corruption is the first international, legally binding anti-corruption instrument.

The following short case studies exemplify the need for cooperative action against corruption:

• An Eastern European country used anti-corruption tools to remove or demote corrupt tax collection officials.  Tax revenues increased 32 per cent the following year.
• A Western African country created a commission which not only ferreted out corrupt officials but succeeded in recovering billions of dollars that had been stolen and hidden in bank accounts outside the country.
• Two news reporters uncovered fixed bidding in a Central American country, leading to the arrest of two former Presidents of the nation.

Article 13 maintains the fight against corruption and advocates this within its own business operations and advocacy efforts.  Article 13 also attended the Anti-Corruption Forum in October 2008 which raised in-house awareness and understanding of the issues by relaying information and areas for discussion.  Additionally links for further information and resources are included in our anti-corruption and transparency information section of the website.

Human Rights Day - 10 December

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Article 13 advocates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has signed up to the 2008 Declaration's anniversary.  We encourage you to read and take the pledge at the Every Human has Rights website.  In support of this Article 13 has dedicated our annual feature to human rights articles and best practice case studies.  See for example Barloworld - helping to shape human rights history in South Africa or Ketchum - the role of communication in preventing the abuse of human rights. 

International Migrant Day - 18 November

Migration is not a recent phenomenon.  For centuries, people have moved across borders for economic and political reasons.  Contemporary labour migration, however, is characterised by its feminisation, its temporary nature, its poor working conditions, and frequent abuses and violations of human rights.
 
In 1990, the United Nations adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.

One of the major challenges for the coming years, is to have it ratified by more countries and to get these countries to adapt their legislation.  Article 13 supports the rights of migrants and advocates an acceptance of non-discriminatory rights.  We are proud to have updated our diversity and equal opportunity policy as well as having recently signed up to a Gold Standard diversity accreditation.

The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal 

As part of our UNGC commitments to combatting local discrimination and make a positive difference in our community, this Christmas Article 13 has donated our Christmas presents to the Salvation Army youth Christmas present appeal.  The gifts will be distributed to needy local children and their families in our community through The Salvation Army's own networks, health visitors and social services.  We invite you to do the same to help make Christmas special for local children.  Presents can be donated at all Superdrug stores nationwide.

Last month

ARCHS Second Annual Conference on Sustainable Enterprise Economy and Human Security - 31 October-1 November

A member of the team attended this conference held at the Wessex Water site in Bath.  The themes of this conference include water, climate change and sustainable enterprise and explored such questions as ‘How do we make the Transition to a Low Carbon Sustainable Enterprise Economy?’ and ‘How can we harness the best of what it means to be human - sharing, caring, enterprise, innovation, creativity and problem solving - to create peaceful, socially just and environmentally sound enterprises and a sustainable enterprise economy?’  Speakers for this event included practitioners from business, government and civil society and it proved to be a truly informative and inspiring weekend.  See the brief Sustainable Enterprise Economy and Human Security summary for additional information.

International Child's Day and Child Labour - 20 November

The 5th Principle of the UNGC states that “Business should support the effective abolition of child labour”.  Therefore, Article 13 focused our November efforts to coincide with International Childrens Day.  Article 13 raised awareness to our network and website visitors by highlighting the issues of child labour using examples of how companies have changed behaviour and acted in support of the abolition of child labour conditions.  According to the International Labor Organization, an estimated 211 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are working around the world, of which 120 million are working full time.  Article 13 invites you to read our child labour summary and watch a few short films on child labour by the International Labor Organization, Ethical Trade Initiative and Save the Children.

International Day of Tolerance - 16 November

This day is observed to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance.  Intolerance is often rooted in lack of awareness and fear: fear of the unknown, of the 'other', other cultures, religions and nations.  Article 13 supports the efforts of international campaigns to eliminate occurrences of intolerance globally.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - 25 November

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her.  It is not a subject which should be brushed under the carpet and we would like to take the opportunity to highlight the existence of this very real everyday occurrence.  To show support of this injustice we support the Say No to Violence campaign by disseminating information to our network base.

October

‘Women as Leaders’ conference, London - 2 October

Article 13 supports gender equality, diversity and the empowerment of women.  We were, therefore, glad to follow the ‘Women as Leaders’ conference by the Institute of Directors.  The aim of this one day conference was to hear from leading women in the UK business arena who have achieved remarkable feats in their relevant fields.

World Day for Decent Work - 7 October

Article 13 celebrated World Day for Decent Work through online communications amongst our network.  Furthermore, a designated member of our staff carried out a mini-survey within our in-house team.

World Food Day: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy - 16 October

Article 13 supported World Food Day and raised awareness of both sides of the debate to its team, network and website viewers.  We posted a brief outline of the factors, the main arguments, and the FAO’s link for further information.  On the day itself, we took a few moments in-house to discuss the implications of these challenges for simple commodities such as sugar.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - 17 October

One of the main themes in our UNGC strategy is advocating the eradication of global poverty and hunger.  Therefore, Article 13 commemorated the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

We, at Article 13, believe that every individual and organisation has an impact on their surrounding environment.  We invite you to listen to a courageous and inspiring speech made by a teenage girl during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Rio Summit in 1992.

1st General Meeting of Caring for Climate Signatories, Geneva - 20-21 October

Article 13, as a signatory of the UNGC and Caring for Climate initiative, followed the first General Meeting of Caring for Climate in Switzerland.  The aim of this meeting was to take stock of progress to reduce emissions, review the priorities, and address challenges and opportunities.  The UNGC UK network, of which Article 13 is a member, also attended the event, feeding back at the end of October 2008.

Article 13’s staff volunteering days

We are happy to announce that three members of Article 13 provided practical support to our local community through various volunteering days.  We have chosen three organisations: Christian Aid, The Inspiring Futures Foundation and Fawcett Society.  These initiatives aspire to make a difference in our own backyard, by Article 13 being an active member of our local society.

Women No Pay Day 2008 - 30 October

Thanks to our team member volunteering day at Fawcett Society, Article 13 has become more aware of various campaigns promoting womens rights.  This is significant because one of the main themes of our in-house UNGC strategy is advocating gender equality and empowering women.

One example being Women No Pay Day on 30 October, which we supported through online communication amongst our network.  "Women working full-time in the UK get paid 17% less than men.  That is the equivalent of women working the last two months of the year for free." (Fawcett Society)

September

Our 10th birthday

We, Article 13, celebrated our 10th birthday in September.  Rather than throwing an extravagant birthday party we donated £1,000 to the ChildReach International charity.  Furthermore, Article 13 sent out a special birthday card to our vast array of clients, associates, suppliers and network members and invited them to support us in donating to ChildReach projects which advocate children’s rights and global poverty alleviation.

Our ChildReach appeal can also be accessed by visiting: https://secure.efundraising.org.uk/tailored/donation.asp?charity=73394.  We urge you to join us in pledging your support for this extremely valuable initiative.

CopenMind, Copenhagen, Denmark - 1-3 September

Article 13 followed up CopenMind with a report, which was distributed internally.  Copenmind is a global event and unique combination of academia and business; a cutting-edge platform for partnerships creating the world’s truly global marketplace for university-industry interaction in relation to technology transfer and research partnerships.

140th annual Trade Union Congress (TUC), Brighton - 8-11 September

Article 13 supports the TUC’s agenda, including equal rights, global solidarity, learning and skills and others.  Article 13 followed the Trade Union Congress and disseminated its outcomes to our network through online communications.

For further information on related trade union work on CR principles see our case studies.

Tree-Athlon, London - 20 September

Article 13 is sponsored team members Fiona Banyard, Monika Balcerzak, Jim Ormond, Plamen Raychev and Simon Forester in London’s Tree-Athlon on 20 September.  This event resonates with our values of protecting the environment and raising awareness of the need for urban regeneration.  Through their participation, our team raised £190 to support Trees for Cities.

European Day of Languages (EDL) - 26 September

This year Article 13 celebrated the European Day of Languages by promoting the event in a variety of European languages on our website.  Our efforts were designed to advocate the importance of lifelong language learning.  We also raised awareness and encouraged our network to join the celebration by placing the logo and link on our email signatures in the lead up to the day.  The EDL is organised by The Council of Europe to encourage lifelong language learning, increase awareness and appreciation of all languages and promote cultural diversity.  EDL is celebrated throughout the UK and in 45 countries across Europe. 

August

Georgian crisis

Russia and Georgia have a long history of tension, but the recent hostilities were sparked over a small region called South Ossetia, which is seeking sovereignty from Georgia.  Members of Article 13 signed an online petition to support the call for a ceasefire.  Avaaz.org is publicising the petition in the media and delivering it to the UN Security Council and Russian government.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition - 23 August

August 23rd commemorates the night of August 22 to August 23, 1791 on the island of Santo Domingo, where an uprising took place which set forth events leading to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.  Article 13 celebrated the UNESCO-designated day to remember the transatlantic slave trade by disseminating information and further awareness of its significance to our staff.  To learn more, read Article 13’s brief summary of the day with links to further information.

ActionAid HungerFREE

Article 13 supported HungerFREE by signing their online petition.  This campaign by ActionAid aims to tie governments into delivering on their commitment to halve world hunger by 2015.  This is symbolic of the first MDG, ‘Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger’.

World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden - 17-23 August

As part of our environmental management and the protection of natural resources Article 13 supported World Water Week.  The main celebrations took place in Stockholm, Sweden.  Article 13 donated its staff unused mobile phones through the WaterAid’s recycling scheme which aims to provide lasting supplies of clean water, sanitation and hygiene education for developing countries.  An average of £5 is donated to WaterAid for every working handset sent in to be recycled, meaning that Article 13 contributed to providing tools and spares kits for a hand pump in Mozambique.

Additionally, Article 13 promoted World Water Week through disseminating advocacy for water conservation and the wider impacts of access to clean water in developing countries.  Alongside distribution of a press release and information pamphlet, Article 13 staff added a link and directions for further information to their email signatures.

For background information on the water risks and opportunities for business see our water feature.

Rising Food Prices - The Economist Debate 

With the main theme of our UNGC strategy, advocating the eradication of global poverty and hunger, Article 13 organised an in-house discussion on rising food prices.  The subject was recently also taken up in the Economist and the results of Article 13’s in-house discussion were posted on the Economist’s website.  See Article 13’s statement here.

“Making UK Management and Leadership Skills World Class by 2020: Pioneering Change” - 13 August

Article 13 participated in a discussion and event by the Management Standards Centre (MSC) in the City Hall in London.  The aim of this event was to introduce the MSC’s standards to the large number of companies and employees in attendance.  A dedicated team member joined the event and reported back to staff with key discussion points.  A few relevant areas were: modern management techniques; academic qualifications or work experience; skills versus productivity; amongst others.

July

Paper Cup Tax

Article 13 decided to sharpen its in-house green procedures by initiating a Paper Cup Tax.  The aim is to further reduce the amount of paper we use in the office by taxing every coffee bought in a paper cup. Contributions will go to our ‘Paper Bank’ and collected money will be spent on buying thermo mugs.  Furthermore, Article 13 is actively promoting brewing coffee in the office and using porcelain cups instead of paper ones.

Call to action to overcome extreme poverty – the October 17 Organisation

Members of Article 13 signed the Call to Action to overcome extreme poverty initiated by the October 17 Organisation.  As Article 13’s UNGC strategy has the central theme of fighting global poverty and hunger, we strongly support the “Road to Peace” campaign.  October 17 is the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in Japan

Article 13 followed the G8 Summit in Japan, where world leaders discussed the world economy, environmental concerns and African development.  Article 13 was an active observer who provided useful information for its business partners and network groups and worked on disseminating awareness of the most important issues through its online communication systems.  See our summary of the G8 summit.

Article 13’s Staff Individual Footprint

Article 13 has calculated its staff, directors' and the office's quarterly individual footprint.  Our target is to reduce our energy consumption by 25% by December 2008.  Thanks to the regular reporting and continual efforts we have seen a vast improvement.  Article 13 is proud to announce that its June CO₂ travel emissions have reduced by over 50% since the previous month.

Human rights – Catalyst for Tibet (Beijing Olympics)

Regarding the controversial situation in Tibet, Article 13 registered for the International Campaign for Tibet Action (ICT) Network.  Article 13 joined the team of thousands of participants worldwide who are not only concerned about Tibet, but are poised to take urgent action to convince decision makers of their concerns.  Thanks to the ICT Network, Article 13 will be regularly updated as to what is happening in Tibet and informed of actions and initiatives taken.

June

All Party Parliamentary Group on Corporate Social Responsibility

Jane Fiona Cumming, a director of Article 13, attended the All Parliamentary Group on Corporate Responsibility on 10 June 2008.  The Group's aim is to promote debate and understanding of social and environmental responsibility among parliamentarians.  The key points of the discussion were broadening the base of stakeholder engagement from design phase to a deep understanding of process.

Environment - "Share a car, save money and reduce pollution – join us on National Liftshare Day!"

National Liftshare Day aims to raise the profile of car sharing and encourage and enable more people to share carbon emissions.  This year National Liftshare Day (NLSD) will be taking place on Monday, 9 June.  To play your part, share a ride to work with your friend or neighbour.  Visit the Liftshare website for more information on National Liftshare Day.

Read also Article 13's CSR case study on Liftshare, profiling the emergence of climate change as a CSR issue and a driver for social entrepreneurship innovation.

Environment - World Environmental Day - 5 June 2008

Article 13, as a signatory of UNGC, celebrated World Environmental Day through a number of environmentally friendly initiatives:

1. As part of Article 13’s participation in the ‘Cut out a Kilo of CO₂’ campaign by the Carbon Neutral Company we offset a tonne of carbon for every hundred visitors to Article 13’s website, which in total meant we offset four tonnes through the Future, Renewable Energy in India hydro project.  View our World Environment Day certificate.

2. Article 13’s staff had a one hour ‘carbon-free lunch’ on World Environment Day, during which all electricity was switched off thoughout the office.  In total, we saved 1.8 kW of electricity and were reminded of the impact small-scale initiatives could have on an annual basis.  The lunch took place in our garden amongst our newly planted bamboo trees.  It comprised a delicious range of local, organic and fair trade products.

To do your part or learn more about World Environmental Day 2008, visit the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) website.

May

Business Call to Action for the MDGs

Neela Bettridge, director of Article 13, signed the Business Call to Action for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on behalf of the Article 13 Group.  We have also further integrated the MDGs into our business activities by dedicating at least one action to each goal.  We have approached and set up links with charities and NGOs that advocate the eradication of child labour, poverty, hunger and illiteracy through a range of campaigns and initiatives.

Article 13 contributes to Global Compact

Article 13 Ltd, as a member of the United Nations Global Compact, supported the Foundation for the Global Compact by donating USD 100.  Article 13’s contribution confirms its engagement in corporate change, innovation around environment, social and governance issues.  The number of stakeholders and scope of the Global Compact requires a large budget to manage a variety of projects intended to promote awareness of the initiative, deepen engagement by companies and help participants implement the ten principles.

Article 13 is proud to support the Foundation and demonstrate its sensible participation in the Global Compact.

Human Rights - 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights (UNHR)

Article 13 promotes human rights and as a member of the UN Global Compact will take part in celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Each member of Article 13 has shown support for the Human Rights Declaration by joining the ‘Every Human Has Rights’ campaign. All employees have refreshed their memory of the plain English version of the Declaration and signed up to it online at: www.everyhumanhasrights.org.

For more detailed information see our UNHR press release.

April

Environment - Global Action Plan

In 2007, Article 13's environmental performance was audited by Global Action Plan's Smartworks.  More recently we have completed a follow up review that noted and reviewed our actions related to the environment since then; it also details planned initiatives for the future. As a part of our Smartworks inspired actions, Article 13 now provides formalised green induction and training for all new and existing team members.  For a more detailed description of our environmental performance audit and review see our May press release.

March

Human rights - www.irrepressible.info (Amnesty International)

Article 13 has signed a pledge to spread the word and undermine unwarranted censorship by publishing censored material from Amnesty International's database directly onto the company website.  View this material below or on the sidebar of our press section.  Our involvement in this campaign reinforces our commitment to international human rights and the UNGC.

Transparency and anti-corruption - Integrity Clause

Article 13 has also introduced an Integrity clause which supports transparency in business and anti-corruption in all its forms, including bribery and extortion, into agreements workings with clients, associates and suppliers.

We've gathered together some of the main legislation, initiatives and standards on transparency with weblinks to access further information. You can also learn more in an article kindly provided by Article 13 Associate Ghalib N. Jafferji - "The consequences for corporate governance and identity of investing in corrupt environments".

February

Labour rights - Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 - 25 February to 9 March

The Article 13 team took action in support of Fairtrade Fortnight.  As a company, we already choose fair trade for all necessary procurement, i.e. weekly groceries.  We encourage you, as a valued member of our network, to take action to support Fairtrade; so next time you buy a coffee or chocolate bar make a fair trade choice! No matter how small your action is, you will be helping to bring a fairer deal to farmers and producers worldwide. 

Explore the links below to find out more…

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