But it means that you have decided to place that cause in a broader context , because it is more likely to flourish in a freer, more prosperous world. Some may say that business should stick to business, and leave wider concerns to government. Certainly it is true that neither corporations nor voluntary groups can take over the indispensable role of the State. Indeed, Governments have given us the principles that we are endeavoring to turn into concrete practices in each instance after lengthy and sometimes difficult negotiations. But we cannot wait for governments to do it all .
Globalisation operates on Internet time.
And you, in business, labour and civil society organizations, have skills and resources that are vital in helping to build a more robust global community. Over the past year, many of you have been working with my team to define that role. At least once a year they will post on our website specific examples of progress they have made, or lessons they have learned, in putting the principles into practice in their own corporate domains. And they will join with the United Nations in partnership projects, either at the policy level for instance, a dialogue on the role of corporations in zones of conflict or at the operational level, such as helping African or South Asian villagers link up to the Internet, or strengthening small and medium-sized firms in developing countries. Our labour and civil society partners will help build and deepen the Compact, and lend their expertise and support to designing and implementing its undertakings.