Participation by leaders of labour and civil society organizations in our partnership does not mean that they have abandoned the particular cause they were set up to champion. But it means that they 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. But we cannot wait for Governments to do it all.
Globalization operates on Internet time.
And 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 have been working with my team to define that role. At least once a year, they will post on our Web site specific examples of progress they have made, or lessons they have learned, in putting the principles into practice in their own corporate domains. 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. Indeed, probably the most important step we have taken in the last 12 months has been to bring those organizations into the Compact as partners.