According to the UN, 2008 was a record year for the Global Compact in terms of new participants, reinforcing the notion that, in times of economic crisis, there is an increased search for ethics and sustainability.

Over 1,400 new participants joined in 2008, and with 5,000 corporate participants from 135 countries, the Compact is now the world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. Environmentally, the Global Compact requires that its members support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges, undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility, and encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally-friendly technologies.
Link to further information
UN press release