Communication on Engagement (COE)

Every organization – not being companies – that participates in UN Global Compact is asked once every two years in a report – the Communication on Engagement (COE) – to reaffirm the endorsement of the Ten Universal Principles.

At the very least, a statement is requested from the highest representative of the organization, a description of the practical actions or activities that have taken place in the past period related to the four pillars (human rights, labor, the environment and the fight against corruption) within which the Ten Universal Principles fall and a number of (measurable) results.

If desired, communication is possible in one’s own language and the deadline for uploading the COE on the UN Global Compact website is communicated to the contact person of the organization 90, 30 and 1 day before the expiry of that deadline. After uploading, the COE also becomes public and you as an organization are also asked to publicize the appearance of the COE.

There are different levels of reporting:

  • Learning (accessible and simple)
  • Active (basic)
  • Advanced (more in-depth reporting)

Many organizations use their annual report or sustainability report for the COE and that is encouraged by UN Global Compact. Much practical information is also available about the how. More information about the COE, compiling and uploading can be found here.

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