Our CSR team at Itecor recently took part in the Accelerator Programme organised by the United Nations Global Compact.
Habib Lopez, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Isabelle Mougneau, CSR Coordinator, agreed to answer our questions. We invite you to talk to them about this experience and what it means for Itecor.
1. Before going into detail, could you explain what the United Nations Global Compact is?
Habib:
The United Nations Global Compact is a call to action for companies around the world. It invites them to adopt responsible practices, whether in terms of human rights, respect for the environment or the fight against corruption. The aim is to work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build a fairer, more sustainable future.
2. The United Nations Global Compact is based on four key pillars. Could you tell us about them?
Isabelle:
Absolutely. The first pillar concerns human rights: companies must respect and promote people’s fundamental rights, both internally and throughout their value chain.
The second pillar concerns labour standards, with the requirement to guarantee a decent and fair working environment, without recourse to forced or child labour.
The third pillar focuses on the environment, encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their ecological footprint.
Finally, the fourth pillar is the fight against corruption, which involves acting with integrity and transparency. Together, these pillars aim to achieve responsible economic development that benefits everyone.
3. You took part in the Accelerator Programme organised in Zurich. Can you tell us more about this programme? What are its objectives, and how does it help companies like Itecor to commit to the SDGs?
Habib:
The United Nations Global Compact Accelerator Programme is a particularly stimulating initiative for companies, including Itecor. For an SME like ours, it is invaluable to have support on issues that are not part of our core business, but which are nonetheless essential. In concrete terms, this programme helps to put in place concrete strategies to achieve the SDGs.
In Zurich, we were surrounded by experts who encouraged us to define realistic, ambitious and, above all, impactful objectives, i.e. to target the objective where we can have the greatest impact and to think from the outset about how to measure our progress.
The Accelerator Programme is designed to help companies integrate the SDGs into their business model, using a clear and pragmatic methodology. We have also been able to meet other people involved in this field, exchange good practice and move from theory to action, thanks to a follow-up system that helps us assess our progress.
4. How did you work on this programme?
Isabelle:
The Accelerator Programme is structured around several key stages. Firstly, we identify relevant benchmarks based on the company’s priorities. Then we define ambitious objectives that are both realistic and measurable, and that will have a real impact on the organisation. Following this, we develop ‘pathways’ and identify concrete actions to achieve these objectives.
In the fourth stage, we define sub-objectives so that we can monitor our progress closely and communicate regularly with our stakeholders. We then move on to assessing the performance and impact aspects, which leads us to identify precisely the business processes, technologies and data needed to successfully complete our initiative. Finally, we explore ways of accelerating integration and maximising the value created so that these practices become part of our long-term strategy.
5. Itecor joined the United Nations Global Compact in July 2024. How does this initiative fit in with your projects and your corporate strategy?
Habib:
At Itecor, our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact is part of a broader approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We have established several strategic initiatives, among which this commitment occupies a central place. As part of this programme, we have set ourselves the target of integrating the financial principles of the SDGs by 2028, while at the same time putting in place a cross-functional ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) system.
We are also particularly committed to the fight for equal pay for work of equal value. In French-speaking Switzerland, we already have an equal pay policy that ensures equal pay for all genders. This concrete commitment reflects our values of fairness, inclusion and the fight against all forms of discrimination.
Itecor is committed to advancing its sustainability journey through its adherence to the United Nations Global Compact, extending this commitment to our offices in Swiss Romande, Paris, and Barcelona, all of which are actively engaged in this initiative.
6. Can you tell us more about Itecor's commitment to sustainability?
Isabelle:
We have also launched a more comprehensive approach, including the evaluation of our offices via the EcoVadis platform. We have also formalised an ethical, sustainable and responsible commitment, which has been part of Itecor’s DNA for many years. These different approaches complement each other and reinforce our long-term vision so that the SDGs are gradually integrated into all our practices.
7. Habib, any closing thoughts?
Habib:
Yes, we are very satisfied with our experience of the Accelerator Programme because it has enabled us to move from reflection to action, and to further strengthen our vision of an ethical, inclusive and forward-looking company. We are convinced that this path, marked by specific stages and measurable progress, will enable us to make a concrete contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
More insights
artificial intelligence: a strategic lever to better serve our clients
company newsdigital solutionsgovernance & service managementquality assurance & testing
January 12, 2025
itecor paris secures tricentis solutions partnership for test automation and performance testing across EMEA
company newsquality assurance & testing
December 05, 2024
itecor reaffirms gender pay equality with LOGIB certification
company news
November 01, 2024
