Global Compact was launched in 2000 with an aim to link the business sector with UN agencies, governments and civil associations.
Attending the presentation of Global Contact's members at Regent Esplanade hotel in Zagreb were Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and the permanent representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Croatia, Yuri Afanasiev, among others.
"The principles of respect for human and labour rights, environmental protection and fighting corruption are the foundation of Croatia's EU membership, so support to this initiative is a natural continuation of our efforts to build a just and progressive society founded on the responsibility of individuals and organisations," said Mesic.
Addressing representatives of Croatian companies, organisations and institutions, Afanasiev said that membership of Global Compact did not mean perfection but constituted a way to make headway towards respect in societies and on markets.
Global Compact is present in more than 100 countries and has 3,800 members, of which 2,900 are companies.
The companies participating in the initiative are obligated to adopt 10 basic principles, such as freedom of association and recognition of the right to collective bargaining, removal of all forms of forced labour and child labour, responsibility towards environmental issues, the promotion of environment-friendly technologies, and the fight against all forms of corruption.