What began as a commitment by a few dozen inspired business leaders ten years ago has grown into the world's largest and most recognized platform for promoting responsible business practices. The Global Compact has evolved in substance, too, not just in size, as the debate it sought to spark and advance – on the environmental and social responsibilities of business – has emerged as an issue of strategic importance in boardrooms around the world.

As a unique partnership between business, civil society and the United Nations, the Compact has given inspiration and direction to the many efforts by business to improve their own performance and do their part in addressing the multiple global challenges we face, from abject poverty to climate change. This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the initiative's governance, its engagement mechanisms and, most importantly, its impact. I commend it to a wide global audience, and to all who want to learn more about the Compact's journey and its proven capacity to generate positive change for people and the planet.