PrepCom I: Statement by Business and Industry

Statement by BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY to the 10^th Session, UN Commission on Sustainable Development, Monday 30 April 2001

By Jack Whelan, International Chamber of Commerce

Thank you Mr. Chairman,

As the 10th session of CSD commences its work, I wish to signal the continuing commitment by business to participate fully in the Johannesburg Summit and the preparatory process.

Business is well aware of the need to not simply review the nature and extent of progress achieved since 1992, but also to look forward, building on the acceptance that the global environmental challenge has broadened to include the overall goal of sustainability, in which the demands for social and economic benefits are also met, with a particular emphasis on the needs of developing countries.

I do not need to repeat here the central part played by business in achieving sustainable development. The business sector is clearly the ‘engine room’ for the three ‘I’s : the Innovation and Investment required, and the Implementation of policies which balance the social, economic and environmental imperatives which lie at the heart of sustainable development.

Over the next century, with its managerial, financial and technical expertise, business and industry will continue to be the main producer and provider of goods and services to society, employment, prosperity and the source of new technologies and other solutions that will enable us to achieve our shared objective.

There is, however, a fourth ‘I’ – Integration – increasingly, we see evidence for the vital role of the Multi-Stakeholder Processes – not simply Dialogues – but the process of identifying and forging relationships and partnerships with governments and other stakeholders, because the issues faced are profound multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional challenges. Stakeholders do not act in isolation, nor do governments.

In the business community, we are improving our performance in this respect – through greater awareness of our responsibilities not only to the environment and the economy, but also to consumers, shareholders, employees, communities, and in the fields of research and foreign direct investment.

The inclusion of multi-stakeholder processes as a key element in the preparatory process leading to the Summit is particularly welcome and we intend to play a full and active part with the other major groups. Governments which have not already done so, should also be encouraged to invite the participation of stakeholders at all levels in their national and regional preparations.

The Secretary General’s report refers to regional roundtables of eminent persons, and business leaders are willing to take part.

Mr. Chairman, having participated in an effective Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on sustainable energy and transport during CSD9 two weeks ago, a forum pioneered by CSD in previous years, we are encouraged to note that the final decisions on transport and energy recognized "multi-stakeholder participation and coordination within and between governments as relevant for policy formulation".

This demonstrates that the contribution of the stakeholder consultation process is maturing to become an integral part of the search for rational, considered and consensus-based solutions. Indeed, the model is being adapted at a growing number of similar fora elsewhere, such as at the FAO Committee on Agriculture in Rome last month.

To highlight the fourth ‘I’– Integration – business intends to be fully equipped to contribute to the Summit process by showcasing a myriad of examples of projects, initiatives and practices which present governments with tested solutions as role models which are ready to be amplified into policies to achieve sustainable development.

The International Chamber of Commerce and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development have developed a Summit theme for all business sectors to adopt under the banner ‘Business Action for Sustainable Development’. Sir Mark Moody-Stuart launched the initiative here at the United Nations two weeks ago. He said that the aim is to create a network among business groups at international, regional and sectoral levels, and to ensure that the world business community is assigned its proper place at the Summit and its preparations, and that we are seen to be playing a progressive and constructive role, with a business-like emphasis on action and an openness to partnership.

In Southern Africa, our colleagues have already mobilised business organisations into a ‘Business Coordinating Forum’, which is soliciting input from a variety of sectors, and is leading the participation of business in the multi-stakeholder advisory committee for the Summit.

We recognize the CSD9 Chairman’s suggestion of a "New Deal" as a visionary and inclusive approach to the challenges which we all face.

The Summit must address profound global issues such as poverty eradication, food security, access to clean water, HIV/AIDS, atmospheric quality, debt relief, access to all forms of finance, including foreign direct investment, the transfer of appropriate technologies, and address the cross-cutting themes in which we all have a common interest. These challenges will require the commitment of the global community, and the participation of all sectors of civil society. The question is, how can we design a structure for the Summit that will accommodate all those who have a role and ought to be consulted, and goes beyond the limitations of the planned half-day multi-stakeholder dialogue?

There is no simple answer, but we would consider the geographical segregation of major stakeholder groups into separate venues, somewhat distant from the core intergovernmental Summit, as a regressive step. It may prove difficult to enlist support from our constituents on the basis of such a model. A more modern option, which would encourage an inclusive and cooperative approach, would be to ‘cluster’ the issues to be addressed in the different venues, allowing the various stakeholder groups to contribute productively to the governments’ deliberations.

Such a ‘clustered’ design would focus the agenda on the issues and not the process, increase the capacity for action-oriented decisions, enhance participation, and would ensure that the Summit lives up to our expectations.