Annual report 2005 UN Global Compact Bulgaria The Global Compact network was launched in January 2003 under the auspices of the President of Republic of Bulgaria Mr. George Parvanov. 55 companies have signed up to the universal principles of ethical business within the Global Compact Programme in Bulgaria after its launch. These companies included multinational and national companies, large corporations and small and medium enterprises which all wanted to take greater responsibility in society and act upon a set of universally recognized principles in the areas of human rights, labour rights and the environment. Progress of the Local Network in terms of increased number of participating companies and (if applicable) other participants: During the past twelve months the number of participating companies was increased to 105 members and 20 associated members. The leading number of members belongs to the small and medium organizations, followed by civil society organizations and multinational companies. Collective activities decided by companies and other participants and implemented by the Local Network in learning and/or dialogues “Care for Employees – a Priority on Private Companies Agenda” in Bulgaria was conducted as a joint initiative of UNDP, Global Compact, Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum, GlaxoSmithKline and private companies’ members of GC in Bulgaria. The main aim of the round table was directed at raising awareness amongst the private sector and state institutions about the health care issues both for the companies’ employees and the society as whole. With the support of and in cooperation with UNDP, Global Compact and the Bulgarian Charities Aid Foundation (BCAF), Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum collaborated on a printed edition of the Responsible Business Directory. This is the first edition of this kind ever published in Bulgaria and will be distributed for free among the business community in Bulgaria, the Institutions, the diplomatic missions and business organizations, the Bulgarian embassies abroad and the Business Leaders Forums around the world. The National Committee for the launch of the International Year of Microfinance is preparing the first round table on the problems faced by Microfinance institutions that will be held on the 12 May, 2005 during the International Plovidiv’s Fair. The theme of the Round table will be “The credit cooperatives – effective micro crediting organizations”. Organizers of the event are Bulgarian
Association of the credit cooperatives – BAKKO with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, the US Agency for international development, and the Swedish Agency for international development and with the cooperation of the National committee for the international year on Microfinance and with the participation of the Union of economists and “Finance” magazine. Specific projects facilitated or convened by the Network The Micro Grant Scheme aims to build incentives to encourage vulnerable groups’ development and their active participation in self–help projects. The Grant Scheme founders and participants are UNDP Bulgaria, Opet/Aygaz, Mtel, Bulbank and the American University in Bulgaria. All of them supported the Love Bridge Initiative in June 2004. The Scheme is active since 2004 when UNDP Bulgaria, private companies from the Global Compact network and Ideo Saatchi&Saatchi initiated the Love Bridge Project – dedicated to the youth of Bulgaria and aiming at addressing problems of integration in the mainstream society, access to education and health prevention. The Scheme is aimed at fundraising and support to underprivileged youth. The Fund is managed by private business representatives and UN Agencies in the country. So far the Fund has granted two scholarships at the American University. The initiative donated BGN 8,150 collected from the Snail Art Auction and the special raffle of the Sofia International Rotary Club to the Clinic for Genetic Diseases at the University Pediatric Hospital in Sofia, The Genetics Clinic is the only one in this country and provides medical care for children from across Bulgaria. The Clinic examines and consults outpatients and accepts in-patients with congenital abnormalities and dysmorphic syndromes, hereditary metabolism and other abnormalities. Structure of collective governance of the Local Network Currently the Local network is being administered and headed by UNDP Bulgaria and the Resident Representative. In the framework of governance the Global Compact secretariat is consisted of a focal point and development of business partnerships director. However, during 2006 the network will be semi formalized and collective governance endorsed. Activities undertaken in support of the CoPs made by companies During the 2005 campaing on support to companies for submitting CoPs the Local network has translated and elaborated on the guidelines for preparation of CoP. We have also elaborated a sample of CoP both in English and Bulgarian language in order to ease the GC members in its preparation. In addition to this we have also contacted all members through an approaching letter by the Resident Representative and personal meetings. Information to the Global Compact Local Network During 2005 the Local Network continued to communicate on regular basis best practices through the monthly newsletter, posted on UNDP Bulgaria webpage: www.undp.bg We have also started translating information concerning our members distributed by the Global Compact office in NYC and disseminate it through the newsletter and posting it on the UNDP web page.
We have been continuing organizing face to face meetings with companies willing to join the Compact as well as with existing members in case of need when developing their best practices and identifying social causes. Financial statement (only if the Local Network undertook fundraising activities) In 2005 Global Compact Bulgaria took part in a fundraising contest “Seed Funding to Global Compact Networks – 2005” organized by UN Global Compact office in New York. The project we applied with is directed at Sharing and Partnering for Applying the Global Compact Principles in Bulgaria, the total amount approved is 16 500 USD. The project will be implemented in the first quarter of 2006. Strategic statement/activities planned for a 2006 Agenda. In 2006 the Local Network will continue in pursuing its main goals in providing opportunities for the private companies in Bulgaria for sharing their socially responsible practices and encourage the implementation of the ten universal principles of the Compact: Advocacy and campaigning for Global Partnership in Bulgaria Semi formalization of Local Network governance. Endorsement of Advisory board. “Sharing and Partnering for Applying the Global Compact Principles in Bulgaria” Promotion of the Global Compact principles for enhancement of corporate social responsibility and to fostering public-private partnerships to fight social exclusion Increase participation of private companies in development projects. Monitoring and evaluation of Micro projects in disadvantaged communities. Continue issuing the monthly newsletter and translation of mutually significant publications/documents