A former South Korean ambassador to Vietnam was appointed the new head of the Global Compact Korea Network, the foreign ministry said. Global Compact Korea Network is the local association of businesses that have joined a U.N. initiative to promote sustainable and socially responsible management.

Im Hong-jae, a 63-year-old career diplomat who served as ambassador to Hanoi from 2007 to 2010, was elected secretary-general of Global Compact Korea Network in its general session on March 6.

Im succeeded Ju Chul-ki, who was appointed senior secretary for foreign affairs and security to President Park Geun-hye last month.

“I will step up the network’s efforts to mainstream U.N.-initiated recommendations on corporate social responsibility in business activities through workshops, symposiums and other occasions,” Im said.

Launched in 2007, the Global Compact Korea Network consists of 231 businesses and civic organizations. U.N. Global Compact was established in 2000, and about 5,300 companies have joined the worldwide network of the U.N. Global Compact.

Im joined the foreign ministry in 1977 and served as ambassador to Iraq, Iran and Vietnam before retiring in 2010.

The term as secretary general of Global Impact Korea Network is two years and renewable.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)