Introduction
The document describes the Code of Conduct that all members of the Climate Technology Network (CTN) are required to sign as a condition of membership.
The objective of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that the members of the CTN meet the highest levels of professional conduct and ethical standards in supporting the functions of the CTCN defined in paragraph 123 of decision 1/CP.16, and that they act in the spirit of international cooperation and with commitment to fostering the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing country Parties. It applies to all members.
The Code of Conduct is guided by two main principles:
- Adherence to the Supplier Code of Conduct of the United Nations; and
- Professionalism and commitment to the principles of technology cooperation as described in the Cancun Agreement (1/CP.16).
Adherence to the Supplier Code of Conduct
All members of the CTN pledge to follow the UN Supplier Code of Conduct, including all provisions regarding labor, human rights, environment, bribery, and corruption. Members are expected to be thoroughly familiar with and adhere to provisions of the UN Supplier Code of Conduct.
The following elements of the UN Supplier Code of Conduct are of particular relevance to stimulating technology cooperation and the development and transfer of technology:
- Uphold labor rights as enshrined in the laws of the member’s home country and, in accordance with UN and ILO conventions, in particular regarding freedom of association and collective bargaining, forced labor, child labor, discrimination, working hours and compensation.
- Respect internationally proclaimed human rights.
- Follow all relevant legislation, regulations and directives in the member’s home country, as well as the relevant legislation, regulations, and directives in the country beneficiary of CTCN assistance.
- Commit to environmentally friendly work practices, for example through measures to ensure paper saving and recycling, increased use of public transport, carbon offsets, introduction of energy efficiency measures.
- Adhere to the highest standard of moral and ethical conduct, respect local laws and not engage in any form of corrupt practices.
- Disclose any situation that may appear as a conflict of interest, ensuring objective and unbiased support in addressing the request for assistance by the developing country NDE.
Professionalism and commitment to the mission and objective of the CTCN
All members of the CTN pledge to enhance technical cooperation and the development and transfer of technology to developing country parties to support action on mitigation and adaptation. Further, members pledge their commitment to the CTCN and to the observance of its Code of Conduct and general principles of the Cancun Agreement. Specifically, members undertake to act professionally in regard to knowledge, advocacy and independence, and personal conduct.
Knowledge
A member of the CTN shall ensure that its officers and staff:
- Stay informed of this Code of Conduct and the decisions taken by the Advisory Board of the CTCN.
- Strive to keep abreast of developments in the member’s specific areas of expertise and continuously upgrade their professional skills.
- Disseminate without delay any information or other resources obtained through the CTCN amongst the stakeholders and constituencies of the member, including national technology centres and institutions; regional climate technology centres and networks; intergovernmental, international, regional and sectoral organizations, partnerships and initiatives that may contribute to technology deployment and transfer; and research, academic, financial, non-governmental, private-sector and public-sector organizations, partnerships and initiatives.
Advocacy and Independence
A member of the CTN shall ensure that its officers and staff:
- Engage honestly in activities of the CTCN to stimulate technology cooperation and development and transfer of technology.
- Provide only factual and relevant information and are neither misleading nor unfair to others when undertaking work on behalf of the CTCN.
- Refrain from using or permitting to use the name, abbreviation, emblem or logo of UNEP, UNIDO, or of any other partner institution of the CTCN in connection with the member’s activities, unless the member has been specifically authorized to do so, in writing, by or on behalf of the Director of the CTCN, UNEP, UNIDO, or the concerned partner institution.
Personal Conduct
A member of the CTN shall ensure that its officers and staff:
- Operate the business and practice of the member in such a manner to reflect generally accepted professional conduct.
- Maintain in good standing reputation and character at all times; and
- Refrain from knowingly providing the CTCN with false, inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information at any time.
Breaches of this code of conduct
Any breach of this Code of Conduct by a member, brought to the attention of the CTC, will be considered reasonable cause to terminate the membership.