What do signatories to the UN Global Compact (UNGC) need to produce annually?

Signatories to the UN Global Compact (UNGC) are required to produce an annual Communication on Progress (COP). The COP serves as a vital tool for signatories to demonstrate their commitment to the UNGC's principles regarding human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. It provides a platform for organizations to report on the progress they have made in implementing these principles within their operations and strategies.

By producing the COP, companies not only maintain transparency with their stakeholders but also hold themselves accountable to the principles adopted upon joining the UNGC. This annual report typically outlines the actions taken, the challenges faced, and the future commitments for improvement, fostering a community of best practices and continuous advancement in corporate sustainability efforts.

The other options, while related to sustainability and corporate responsibility, do not represent the formal annual requirement set forth by the UNGC. Environmental impact reports and sustainability assessments, for instance, may vary by organization and sector and are not mandated by the UNGC framework. Similarly, a corporate responsibility manifesto may encompass an organization’s values or mission but is not the specific document required annually by the UNGC.