She helps Swedish companies take their responsibility
"It is in companies' interests to take their social responsibility," says Ms Kipp. She has recently taken up the post of CSR Ambassador at the MFA International Trade Policy Department.
Margareta Kristianson and Catharina Kipp act as a sounding board for Swedish companies. Photo: Ellinor Lundmark/MFA
Taking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is in tune with the times. A company that does not act responsibly often pays a high price in that their reputation suffers and their competitiveness decreases. These days, demands on companies come not only from customers but also from stockholders and employees.
"It's no longer a question of whether to work with CSR, but how to do it. It's a matter of minimising the negative impact that a company can have on the environment and people. Many Swedish companies are at the forefront in this regard," says Ms Kipp.
A 2007 study by the international think-tank AccountAbility showed that Swedish companies are best in the world when it comes to taking social responsibility. Sweden received the highest scores in the study, followed by Denmark, Finland, Iceland and the UK.
They advise companies
Catharina Kipp heads a special group at the MFA called Swedish Partnership for Global Responsibility that works with issues concerning companies' social responsibility. She and her colleagues promote policy issues internationally and act as a sounding board for companies, advising them in work with CSR. They also have a reference group that meets regularly. The group includes companies that participate in the UN Global Compact, government agencies, and business and trade union organisations. The meetings give companies the chance to get together and share experiences. In 2008, 18 new Swedish members joined the Global Compact, something that pleases Ms Kipp. She emphasises that involvement is completely voluntary, and companies themselves decide whether or not to participate in the Global Compact.
"It's not a case of the Government saying that now you have to do this or that. But the Government does play a role when it comes to making laws and creating regulations, and making sure that companies comply with them. We can create forums for dialogue and sharing constructive experiences, and support those who do something positive. We can also support other countries in their efforts to become better at CSR," she says.
Conference to increase awareness
There is, for example, cooperation currently under way between Sweden and China that has been developing for several years. A cooperation agreement was signed in connection with a visit by the Chinese president to Sweden in summer 2007. This has resulted in the creation of a Swedish-Chinese website where companies can find information and practical tips on CSR. Sweden and China have also launched a joint training programme for senior officials. A group of officials from China's Ministry of Commerce and Chinese entrepreneurs came to Sweden in November last year for a study visit to several Swedish companies. They also took part in a seminar arranged by the MFA and the Swedish-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Catharina Kipp and the Swedish Partnership for Global Responsibility group are currently busy with preparations for another major event that will take place during the second half of this year, when Sweden holds the Presidency of the EU.
"We will arrange a major international conference and UN Special Advisor for CSR, John Ruggie, has agreed for the conference to be based on his latest report, 'Protect, Respect, Remedy'. Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Office, will also attend. We hope the conference will help increase people's understanding of how important these issues are, particularly in a time of economic turbulence," says Ms Kipp.
Lawyer with long experience of the MFA
Catharina Kipp heads the Swedish Partnership for Global Responsibility group at the MFA International Trade Policy Department. The group is responsible for issues relating to CSR and also works with anti-corruption matters.
Ms Kipp is a lawyer who has worked at the MFA since 1981. Her previous positions include working in the Middle East and North Africa Department. In recent years she headed the Consulate-General in Jerusalem and subsequently the Embassy in Damascus. Ms Kipp also played an important role during the Lebanon evacuation in 2006.
This is the UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact is an initiative launched by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2000 to encourage the business sector to take its social responsibility and demonstrate good global citizenship. The initiative is based on ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. Companies and organisations participate in the Global Compact on a voluntary basis. Many major Swedish companies have become involved in the work of the Global Compact. The OECD also works to achieve progress in CSR issues and has developed guidelines for multinational companies as well as a risk management tool.
