Located in Betim, with over six decades of experience in social projects, the Ramacrisna Institute has become a signatory of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact in Brazil, the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. By joining this global network, Ramacrisna reaffirms its commitment to the Ten Universal Principles of the Global Compact, which focus on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, further strengthening its mission to promote social and human development.
The Institute already applies practices that are closely aligned with these principles. In the area of human rights (Principles 1 and 2), Ramacrisna seeks to ensure dignity and social inclusion through education and training projects for people in vulnerable situations. By offering equal opportunities for personal and professional development, the Institute fights exclusion and promotes respect for fundamental rights.
In terms of labor standards (Principles 3, 4, 5, and 6), Ramacrisna combats forced and child labor, promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating all forms of workplace discrimination. Through the “Adolescente Aprendiz” program, Ramacrisna provides a concrete alternative to child labor, offering training and dignified access to the job market for vulnerable youth. Its professional qualification courses are developed with a focus on inclusion and respect for workers, preparing them for a fairer and more equitable job market.
Regarding environmental sustainability (Principles 7, 8, and 9), the Institute implements concrete measures to promote sustainable practices, aligning its efforts with the Global Compact’s principles. From the installation of a photovoltaic plant that generates clean, renewable energy, reducing 90% of electricity consumption, to the use of solar water heating, Ramacrisna reinforces its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, environmental education for children and adolescents is a priority, forming conscious citizens who become multipliers of good environmental practices in their communities.
In the fight against corruption (Principle 10), Ramacrisna maintains a firm stance, valuing transparency in all its actions. The Institute adopts rigorous ethical practices in its governance, ensuring that all its activities and partnerships are conducted with integrity and responsibility.
According to Solange Bottaro, Vice President of the Ramacrisna Institute, joining the Global Compact represents a milestone in the institution’s journey: “By becoming part of the UN Global Compact, we reaffirm our responsibility to act ethically and commit to the future of our planet and future generations. We believe sustainability goes far beyond environmental issues—it involves how we treat people, the opportunities we provide, and the transparency with which we conduct our actions.”
By becoming a signatory of the UN Global Compact, the Ramacrisna Institute strengthens its future vision, rooted in a commitment to sustainable development. The organization is committed to following the Ten Principles and reporting its progress annually, reaffirming its role as an organization that not only promotes social development but also contributes to building a more just, ethical, and sustainable society.
About the Global Compact
Launched in 2000, the Global Compact is today the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 25,000 participants across 67 local networks, encompassing companies and organizations from all continents. In Brazil, the Global Compact Network, founded in 2003, is the second largest globally, with more than 1,900 participants and about 50 ongoing projects.
