Their joining this coalition doesn't mean they've abandoned whichever cause their particular group was set up to champion. It does mean they accept the need to place that cause in a broader context, because it is more likely to flourish in a freer and 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 replace the indispensable role of the state. But we cannot wait for governments to do it all.
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Meanwhile, governments tend to be slow moving by nature, because they have to build political support for every step. That is especially true in international affairs, where they also have to reach agreement with each other. Moreover, business, labor and civil society organizations have distinct skills and resources that are vital in helping to build a more robust global community. Over the last 12 months, many of the firms and organizations represented at today's meeting have been working with the United Nations to define their roles in the Global Compact. At least once a year they will post on our website specific examples of progress they have made, or lessons learned, in putting the principles into practice in their own corporate domains.