Let's Talk Human Rights
University of Dayton submits its first Communication on Engagement for the Global Compact
By Tony Talbott
2020 marks the beginning of the decade for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are set to conclude in 2030. The SDGs are part of the United Nations Agenda 2030 a universal framework for sustainable development which the University of Dayton is embracing and supporting.
In Oct 2017, the University of Dayton joined the United Nations Global Compact, taking on the responsibility to integrate its principles with respect to human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. Pre-dating the SDGs, the Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Over 12,000 signatories in more than 160 countries have come together through the Compact to transform the world.
As one of thirty-five academic partners of the Global Compact in the United States, UD strives to support the principles across all major university functions: education, scholarship, business operations, and communication and engagement. Membership in the Compact and our support for the SDGs is a natural outgrowth of our strategic vision to be a University for the Common Good.
In January 2020, the University of Dayton submitted its first Communication on Engagement (COE) for the Global Compact. The report comprises of a formal statement of continued support for the UN Global Compact from President Eric Spina, a description of practical actions with regard to the principles of the UN Global Compact, and a measurement of outcomes or expected outcomes. It was prepared by the Human Rights Center.
This COE showcases our considerable progress and our commitment to human rights, sustainability, diversity, equity, and community. The diverse types of activities presented demonstrate a collaborative, university-wide effort. As President Spina says, “As an anchor institution in our local community with a global outlook, we strive to continually improve the integration of the ten principles and the SDGs into our core activities. Based on our Catholic and Marianist identity, the University of Dayton collaborates with other, like-minded stakeholders globally and locally to support and strengthen the Global Compact and the global sustainable development agenda.”
We pledge to continue these and to undertake new, more comprehensive initiatives in order to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges facing all countries and societies.
We invite you to take a few minutes to peruse the COE to learn about these efforts and see how we strive to be a University which promotes the common good.
Tony Talbott is the Director of Advocacy for the Human Rights Center.