Within the framework of the Global Compact, my Office is gearing up to advise, support and encourage businesses in implementing these principles. Just imagine how principled partnerships could contribute to improved access to education for all, or how technological innovation could help ensure adequate distribution of food, energy and building materials all of which, by the way, would contribute to the realisation of fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration and the International Covenants. Business is only one player in this, although a crucial one. The Global Compact framework should provide guiding principles for governments, international organisations and civil society just as much as for the private sector. In an increasingly interdependent world, my fear is that unless concrete action is taken now to make human rights a reality for all people, the progress made by many countries and the spread of democratic societies in all regions will not be sustainable.
People are the essential members of any partnership.
But they cannot be silent partners in the new economy. It is vital that they are active participants in the betterment of their own lives. To achieve this goal, human rights must be part of the central criteria for all key decisions in an age of globalisation. Current results Previous results All rights reserved.