Japan's LIXIL Group, a leading manufacturer of building materials and housing equipments, recently signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and, will accordingly, now commit to promoting the ten principles relating to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) was initiated by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan in 1999 and was officially launched at the UN headquarters in New York in July 2000.
Companies and various other entities are expected to participate voluntarily in this global framework for sustainable development and commit to displaying responsible and creative leadership as well as taking action as good corporate citizens.
As of June 30, 2013, a total of 11,469 companies and organizations in about 145 countries across the world are participating in this initiative.
The UNGC is also committed to pursuing the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the common goals to be achieved by the international community in the development areas tackled by the United Nations.
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There are eight goals, 21 targets, and 60 indicators to be achieved by 2015.
In accordance with the MDG's, the LIXIL Group will display leadership as a total housing and living environment solutions provider in improving the living environments of poorer people and supporting the establishment of safe sanitation facilities.
The LIXIL Group will collaborate with and give support to a range of groups and international organizations that are working to attain the MDGs.
The LIXIL Group operates in more than 30 countries.
One of its subsidiaries, Permasteelisa S.p.A, which is a leading curtain wall manufacturer, believes in the need to respect the human rights of employees and suppliers in every country it does business in.
The company signed the UNGC in 2008 and has been implementing the Global Compact principles especially relating to the environment in a variety of projects it has undertaken.
The American Standard Brands which is soon scheduled to join the LIXIL Group is tackling water resource-related problems and is promoting the sale of water-saving products mainly in North America.
Through this new company, the group will also contribute to the attainment of MDG 7: Ensure environmental sustainability, by making global use of its Japan-developed advanced environmental technologies, such as those for water and energy conservation, and supplying eco-friendly products that meet the local needs of each region across the globe.
For corporate growth, it is equally essential to expand overseas business and continue economic growth and take leadership in the implementation of the UNGC and other initiatives to fulfill corporate social reasonability.
Based on this recognition, the LIXIL Group will strive to improve people's comfort and lifestyles across the world.