U.N. Global Compact Korea chief promotes CSR activities

Lee Seung-han, head of the U.N. Global Compact Korea, urged private companies to step up their corporate social responsibility activities.

At the Global CSR Conference 2013 on Tuesday, Lee, who is also chairman of retail giant Homeplus, said, “Companies should incorporate CSR activities into their management strategies to promote sustainable development.”

The UNGC is a framework committed to dealing with negative effects of economic activities including those related to human rights, labor, environment and corruption.

The event was organized by the local agency of the UNGC and the Ethics and Compliance Officer Association, an international group that promotes responsibility of world businesses.

“As the competition-based era has shifted to a value-driven era, a new management paradigm has been formed,” said Lee, adding “Firms have to quickly respond to meet society’s demands.”

Despite Korea’s rapid economic achievement, the levels of public consciousness and social contribution have a long way to go to become world-leading, he added.

“I hope to have 2,000 private firms join the UNGC by 2020 and spread initiatives and values for anticorruption, environment, human rights and labor.”

The CSR event, held from Tuesday through Wednesday, is attended by 600 CSR officials from domestic and international organizations and private firms.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)