Kyiv, January 19, 2011 – 17 companies and organizations in Ukraine have signed the Declaration on responsible partnership. The event was organized by Centre for corporate social responsibility (CSR) development with the support of the Norwegian Embassy and UNITER Project that is financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Pact.
«Signing of the Declaration is important for Ukraine. Such step encourages cooperation between companies, ministries and agencies», - Ambassador of Norway to Ukraine H. E. Mr. Olav Berstad admits.
The Declaration was signed by the following organizations: Avis, British Council, DTEK, Grayling, GSK Ukraine, Coca-Cola Beverages Ukraine, MTS, Novo Nordisk, Pact, Platinum Bank, Law group «Pavlenko & Poberezhnyuk», ProCredit Bank, Siemens, JSC Plaske,nternational Institute of Business, Ukrainian Association of Public Relations, Centre for CSR Development. Maryna Saprykina, director for the CSR Centre, says: “Signing of the Declaration is a good example of the collective efforts. Document content demonstrates not only corporate will, but also companies’ commitments for systematic and consistent work of bringing their partners and suppliers into the concept of ethical business».
Companies’ representatives commented on the signing of the Declaration:
Mr. Sergiy Yatsenko, Avis Ukraine: «We have been already contributing to ethical procurement through procedures set in the company – so, there were no doubts about joining the initiative».
Ms. Natasha Vasylyuk, British Council in Ukraine: «We share the values of the Declaration, as the fundamental principles of our procurement are transparency, equal opportunities policy and value for money».
Mr. Andrey Stogniy, GSK Ukraine: «Corporate social responsibility and ethical principles are key elements for the company at global and national level. Joining the Declaration, we, along with other companies, can do more to implement these principles in Ukraine».
Ms. Oleksandr Sakharenko, Grayling Ukraine: «This event is outstanding, because it demonstrates that Ukraine meets the global trends of paying more attention to business ethics. As an international company, we will promote it among our customers».
Mr. Aleksandr Tolkach, DTEK: «During the process of company development, we understood that building of activities according to transparency and ethical principles is not just a “statement”, but vital steps for the company to strengthen its relations with partners».
Mr. Andriy Bublyk, Coca-Cola Beverages Ukraine: «Sustainable development is impossible without responsible procurement - both companies and consumers will benefit from this. Declaration is the responsibility that we take to Ukrainian society».
Volodymyr Zabolotniy, International Institute of Business: «We believe that business, based on ethical values and principles is more competitive. Whereas mission of the Institute is to create values for society, business and individuals, we are not only teaching ethical principles and socially responsible business, but we are also implementing them».
Oleh Prozhivalskiy, MTS Ukraine: «Signing of the Declaration is logical for us, because we have been implementing international quality and eco management standards for several years. We have advanced far enough in this sphere and are willing to share our experience and best practices, so more companies in Ukraine would implement the principles of responsible choice of partners».
Mr. Alexander Boyko, Novo Nordisk Ukraine: «Ethical business is an integral component of the competitiveness of every company that considers itself as a leader. Our principles and philosophy correspond to the content of the Declaration».
Ms. Klavdiya Shevelyuk, Law group «Pavlenko & Poberezhnyuk»: «We are working towards the development of cooperation with the state, society and environment. Signing of the Declaration will make our contribution more considerable».
Mr. Balazs Jarabik, Pact: «Among NGOs, our ethical standards are rather high, our procurement guidelines are- one of the best in civil society and based on USA and EU standards. We are planning to do more, so we are signing this Declaration».
Mr. Denis Brodsky, Platinum Bank: «Signing of the Declaration is an important and conscious step in making commitments public. We have made a lot to develop responsible practices and our next step is to encourage our suppliers to implement ethical principles».
Ms. Susanne Decker, ProCredit Bank: «We are glad that 17 like-minded companies have gathered today, and we hope that it would be a good start toward eliminating of the confusions while doing business and procurement».
Mr. Maximilian Egger, Siemens: «Declaration fully reflects our internal processes, Code of conduct and other corporate documents, including value declaration, which speaks of our responsibility and willingness to make ethical and responsible actions. We stand for «pure» business».
Ms. Lyudmila Krechmer, Ukrainian Association of Public Relations: «Signing of the Declaration is a continuation of Code of Professional Ethics introduction. We hope that PR market will come to open relations with consumers, partners and employees due to this Declaration».
Mr. Artem Khachaturian, «PLASKE» JSC: «We have joined the responsible partnership initiative, because we want to make contribution to sustainable development of Ukraine and exchange the experience in social responsibility which is the priority direction for us».
The Declaration remains open for other companies’ signatures. Photos could be download at http://picasaweb.google.com/lana.yakovleva/19012010#
During the event, the publication «Sustainable procurement – new format for socially responsible companies» was presented. More information at www.csr-ukraine.org
Additional questions could be addresses to Centre for CSR Development, case@csr-ukraine.org or (044) 280 11 47.