As part of Gowling WLG's diversity & inclusion (D&I), sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts in Canada, the UK and around the world, the firm has formally committed to supporting the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, focusing on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

The Global Compact is a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles, as well as taking steps to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Its Ten Principles are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

"We are pleased to make the UN Global Compact and its principles part of the strategy, culture and day-to-day operations of our international firm," says Peter Lukasiewicz, CEO of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP.

"We look forward to engaging in collaborative projects that advance the broader development goals of the UN - particularly the sustainable development goals," added David Fennell, CEO of Gowling WLG (UK) LLP.

A key requirement for participation in the UN Global Compact is the annual submission of a Communication of Progress (COP) that describes the firm's efforts to implement the Ten Principles. The COP will include:

  • A statement signed by the CEOs expressing continued support for the UN Global Compact and renewing our ongoing commitment to the initiative and its principles.
  • A description of practical actions (i.e. disclosure of any relevant policies, procedures, activities) the company has taken (or plans to undertake) to implement the UN Global Compact principles in each of the four issue areas (human rights, labour, environment, anti-corruption).
  • A measurement of outcomes (i.e. the degree to which targets/performance indicators were met, or other qualitative or quantitative measurements of results).

Gowling WLG knows there's strength in diversity & inclusion and sustainability. That's why our mission is to continue to embed the values and principles of the UN Global Compact into our DNA. In doing so, we're committed to creating a better, more inclusive workplace for our people, while providing superior service to our clients.

In 2019, the firm announced that it has become the first international law firm to sign the UN Women's Empowerment Principles. First established in 2010, the seven Empowerment Principles underpin a powerful global initiative designed to help businesses advance gender equality and promote women's economic empowerment within their workplaces, industries and communities.