Bath signs up to UN initiative

The UN Secretary General confirmed membership in a letter

The city of Bath has signed up to the UN's Global Compact initiative on the environment and human rights.

It is believed to be the first city in the UK, and only the fourth in the world, to do so.

Initially designed for businesses, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to nine principles relating to the environment and human rights.

Nuremberg in Germany and San Francisco in the USA have also joined.

GM-free

Colin Skellett, from Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: "It is a clear message from the city leaders that they are taking responsibility for Bath's future and the people who live and work here.

"It will also provide a forum for innovative ideas and projects, and offer guiding principles to shape new policy and practice."

Existing projects include making the city a fair trade and GM-free zone.

Confirmation of membership came on Wednesday in a letter from the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.