Baku, 8 May 2009 – Though oil and gas revenues contributed to Azerbaijan's rapid economic growth, the development of the non-oil sector is currently seen by the Government as an urgent task. “Business development of recent years has led to a situation when businesses, especially in the non-oil sector, feeling themselves sufficiently comfortable, are dealing not only with solely business matters, but have also started to take up some social responsibilities.” The process of application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles by businesses in Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector coincided with the launch by the United Nations of a project promoting the Global Compact in the country, stressed Rahim Huseynov, President of the Azerbaijan Export & Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), in his opening remarks at today's business lunch with top managers of key businesses operating in the country, organized jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Global Compact is the UN’s mechanism for encouraging the private sector to be socially responsible by agreeing to apply in their business activities the ten universally-accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. 

Before taking up the presidency of AZPROMO, Mr. Rahimov headed the Azerbaijan Marketing Society which, under his leadership, became the first Azerbaijani organization to join the Global Compact. According to him, the initiative does not include any control mechanisms. He expressed confidence that joining the Global Compact Azerbaijani business will in the long run contribute to the development of the country. “The ideas and visions are important; not everything is measured by material wealth” concluded  Mr. Rahimov sending an invitation to Azerbaijani businesses to join the Global Compact.  

The event was part of the Azerbaijan Global Compact project supported by UNDP and StatoilHydro and implemented by AZPROMO.  Launched in June 2008, the project aims to introduce the Global Compact initiative to local and international companies operating in Azerbaijan and facilitate the establishment of  a GC network in the country. In general, the project contributes to facilitating a dialogue within the private sector and increases the competitiveness of local businesses by helping them meet international standards of modern business practice.

“The fundamental principle of economics is that there is no such thing as a free lunch.  You are invited here today because you are important to the business of the United Nations. The business of the United Nations is peace and development and there cannot be development without private sector”, said Bruno Pouezat UNDP Resident Representative.  According to him, the private sector is the prime contributor to the creation of jobs and income, and in doing so, it also contributes to the Millennium Development Goals, the most essential of which is fighting poverty and hunger. UNDP leads the UN in introducing and promoting the Global Compact in the developing countries through its worldwide network of country offices.

The Global Compact actually brings together the goals and objectives of the United Nations and those of the private sector. Following the GC principles ensures that the private sector achieves development and growth in ways that benefit societies and economies everywhere. It is not an abstract concept but a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. “You will be paying for this lunch by observing these principles in your daily business practices”, Mr. Pouezat told business representatives. He thanked the StatoilHydro for their and moral financial support and welcomed the commitment and support of AZPROMO in this important issue.

Top managers of several companies and organizations - members of the Global Compact - shared their views on the GC network and its perspectives in Azerbaijan. The network is planning to further conduct CSR awareness activities, implement partnership projects in various spheres, to establish cooperation relations with other networks and GC head office. The official launch of Global Compact in Azerbaijan is expected to take place on 29th of June, 2009.

For more information contact:
Mr. Hasan Huseynov
Global Compact Advocate
Tel.: 437 11 42