Public policy engagement
We strive to be trusted members of society wherever we operate, working transparently with governments and other partners to fulfil our responsibilities and achieve our goals.
Our approach
Our Code of Business Principles commits us to obey the laws of the countries in which we operate, to behave with honesty, integrity and openness, and to respect human rights and the interests of our employees and other stakeholders. In line with our Code, we do not support political parties or fund groups that promote party interests.
We recognise that business has an important role in promoting good governance in society, as shown, for example, in our support for Business Action Against Corruption in Africa.
External relationships
We encourage our companies to engage with local governments and other organisations to help inform public policy. This is done both directly and through bodies such as trade associations. We take part in multi-stakeholder debates and respond to public consultations. We also engage with organisations that are critical of our actions in order to understand and respond to their concerns.
In 2008, the main topics on which we engaged with governments included food prices, product safety, climate change, nutrition, sustainable development, biofuels and chemicals labelling.
Encouraging trade liberalisation
We believe that market-based growth within effective regulatory frameworks can make a significant impact on poverty reduction. We continue to engage in discussions with national and international organisations on trade liberalisation. For example, we are exploring customs facilitation projects in Africa, supported by the Investment Climate Facility, a public–private partnership which aims to promote economic development as the most sustainable way out of poverty. We commit €400 000 a year to this partnership as one of eight corporate partners.
Combating counterfeiting
Counterfeiting can pose serious health and safety risks to consumers, damage the reputation of our brands and threaten global trade. We have established an internal steering committee and a global strategy to address this growing problem, while continuing to build international industry alliances such as the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue, the International Chamber of Commerce/BASCAP and the International Trademark Association. Our aim is to work with partners to improve intellectual property protection, enforcement and consumer awareness.
Chemicals in products
Supported by Unilever since its inception in 2002, the REACH regulation, which ensures product safety through rigorous assessments, has now entered into force – and we are working with partners to contribute to its successful implementation.
Unilever is also working with other stakeholders to promote the implementation in Europe of the United Nations' global harmonised system (GHS) for the classification and labelling of chemicals – which provides clarity and reassurance to consumers.
The United Nations Global Compact
As a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, Unilever is committed to living out the Compact's ten principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption in our everyday business operations.
Our own Code of Business Principles has long reflected the Compact's goals. We provide an annual update in our Global Compact Communication on Progress, explaining how we are implementing the principles across our business.
