Corporate Social Responsibility Foreign and Commonwealth Office Nick Baker

What are we trying to achieve? Improve business standards internationally on key issues in high impact sectors Why? Business is an essential partner in driving sustainable development, tackling climate change and in some cases preventing/resolving conflict, 3 of the government’s international strategic priorities. Ensure that UK companies are competing on a level playing field with other companies

Our top ten aims Strong international voluntary principles and codes of conduct Consensus behind the business case for CSR Reduced business complicity in human rights abuses The eradication of international bribery, corruption and extortion Reduced emissions Sustainable production and consumption Implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards Sustainably managed forests Revenues that do not fuel conflict Sustainable international tourism

Where does the FCO add value? World-wide network of diplomatic posts We work closely with business, civil society and trade unions internationally Both directly and through UKTI we provide extensive support to UK companies abroad. We can use our relationship with other governments to help improve the business environment abroad

Multi-stakeholder initiatives and certification schemes The UN Global Compact The OECD Guidelines for multi-national enterprises The Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Kimberley Process

How else can we achieve this? Promoting the business case for CSR Diversifying our business and union contacts Political Messages Engaging other government departments, business organisations and trade unions, emerging economy governments and companies Media and Promotional Activities Project Funding Chevening Fellowships Lead by example Export Credit Guarantees Business Awards and "badge" schemes

What are the high impact sectors? Extractives (oil, gas and mining) Finance Construction Travel/tourism Utilities Defence Pharmaceuticals Retail

Our Priority Countries The largest emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India and China Other large emerging economies: Nigeria, Indonesia Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Philippines, Turkey Countries where sustainable development issues are critical: Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, Cameroon, Angola, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador. Countries where large multi-nationals have their headquarters: G8

Nick Baker Business Team Sustainable Development and Business Group Global and Economic Issues Directorate Corporate Social Responsibility: