The United Nations Global Compact is an international initiative committed to principles that fight bribery and corruption and honor human rights, labor, and the environment. Cisco has participated in this initiative since 2001. As outlined below, these principles are consistent with Cisco's own Code of Business Conduct.


Principles—Human Rights

  • Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
  • Businesses should make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses

We strive to treat our employees and the communities in which we operate with respect and dignity. We support the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and expect our employees to respect the dignity of others as outlined in our Code of Business Conduct employee policies, and local and international laws. Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the standards we expect our suppliers to adhere to in their practices.


Principles—Labor Standards

  • Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
  • Businesses should uphold the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor
  • Businesses should uphold the effective abolition of child labor
  • Businesses should uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation

Cisco recognizes that our most valuable asset is our workforce. The section of this report entitled Cisco and Its Employees contains numerous policies that help ensure that Cisco's work environment is free from harassment and discrimination, and that we treat employees with dignity, respect, and courtesy. Cisco's Supplier Code of Conduct ensures that our suppliers are subject to employee, health, and safety standards that in many cases are more stringent than local law.


Principles—Environment

  • Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
  • Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
  • Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies

Cisco commits to responsible environmental practices throughout our business. Our environmental policies and practices include innovative programs designed to increase the energy efficiency of our operations, reduce waste, and protect the environment in communities where we work. We conform with many international standards and make protecting the environment a companywide priority.


Principles—Anti-Corruption

  • Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery

Cisco's Code of Business Conduct outlines the legal and ethical standards we expect our employees to adhere to in their business dealings, including strict prohibition of such activities. It applies to our Cisco employees and subsidiaries. We also expect our suppliers, customers, and resellers to adhere to its contents.


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