A group of global investors is calling on 9,000 listed companies around the world to sign up to international standards on human rights, the environment and anti-corruption measures, in the belief that taking account of such issues is likely to enhance investment returns.

They are being asked to sign the United Nations Global Compact, committing them to incorporating 10 principles of corporate responsibility into business strategy and operations, and report yearly. More than 5,000 companies in about 130 countries are signatories to the Compact, launched in 2000. The reporting requirement was added a year ago, with 600 companies that failed to comply delisted.