Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance signs UN Global Compact statement for 'renewed global cooperation'

Leading international law firm, Clifford Chance has signed the United Nations (UN) Global Compact's Statement from Business leaders for Renewed Global Cooperation. The statement highlights the fact that peace, justice and strong institutions are beneficial to the long-term viability of businesses and are foundational for upholding the ten principles of the UN Global Compact and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a signatory to the statement for Renewed Global Cooperation, Clifford Chance commits to:

• Demonstrate ethical leadership and good governance through values-based strategies, policies, operations and relationships when engaging with all stakeholders
• Invest in addressing systemic inequalities and injustices through inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels of our business
• Partner with the UN, Government and civil society to strengthen access to justice, ensure accountability and transparency, provide legal certainty, promote equality and respect human rights

In making that commitment, Clifford Chance also calls on Governments to:

• Protect human rights, ensure peace and security, and uphold the rule of law so that businesses, individuals and societies can flourish
• Create an enabling environment to serve the interests of people and planet, prosperity and purpose, through strengthened international cooperation and national legal frameworks
• Enhance multilateralism and global governance to combat corruption, build resilience and achieve the SDGs

Clifford Chance Global Senior Partner Jeroen Ouwehand, said: "Against a backdrop of unprecedented disruption, cooperation across borders and sectors is more important than ever. Our greatest influence lies in our robust partnerships with clients, NGO partners, legislators and governments. Our continued commitment to the UN Global Compact gives us a valuable framework for this; using our role as guardians of the rule of law to effect sustainable progress and change in the areas that need it the most."

Clifford Chance Managing Partner Matthew Layton added: "Jeroen and I are proud to sign the United Nations Global Compact Statement from Business Leaders for Renewed Global Cooperation on behalf of our colleagues at Clifford Chance. As a long-standing participant in the UN Global Compact, we are committed to aligning to our operational strategies with universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. During these exceptional times, it is even more important that we use our expertise, our influence and the strength of our diverse networks to make a positive difference."

The Statement — including the full list of supporters — will be presented to the UN Secretary-General during the UN Private Sector Forum on 21 September, where Jeroen Ouwehand will also join a virtual Global Leaders Roundtable to engage in discussion with an intimate group of CEOs and UN principals. The UN Private Sector Forum is part of the official UN75 commemorations.

Clifford Chance first signed the United Nations Global Compact in 2009 as a demonstration of its commitment to help advance sustainable business models and markets with a view to creating a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. Clifford Chance actively supports the UN Global Compact's 10 principles focusing on the core areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Additionally, Clifford Chance signed a formal statement of support for the Women's Empowerment Principles in 2016, an initiative created by UN Women in collaboration with the UK Global Compact, and in 2018 added its signature to the UN's new Standards of Conduct for Business for Tackling Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) People.