5-6 July2007
UN Headquarters Geneva

The second UN Global Compact Leaders Summit will take place on 5-6 July 2007 at UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. With a focus on understanding and managing the spectrum of emerging opportunities and risks, the Summit provides a platform for leaders to shape the international agenda in ways that advance the mission and objectives of the Global Compact.

Globalization is one of humankind’s most ambitious experiments. In recent decades economic openness and advances in technology have shown the power of markets to advance human aspirations – while also revealing new gaps between markets and societies.

The UN Global Compact was founded on the premise that business has a unique role to play in helping to achieve the broad objectives of the UN: peace and security, sustainable development and the protection of human rights. Indeed, we have seen in recent years a redefinition of the role of business in society – reflected in the corporate citizenship movement and in the growth of the Global Compact.

For increasing numbers of companies, integrating universal principles into business strategies and practices is no longer an option, but a management imperative – one that can drive long-term competitiveness and success. Importantly, responsible business practices have also proven to be a positive force in spurring development and improving human conditions, defying traditional notions that government is solely responsible for development-related activities.

Still, alongside opportunities and optimism there exists a range of threats and challenges – some entirely new, others long-known but not sufficiently addressed. In a world where insecurity and mistrust too often prevail, globalization is undermined by a host of destabilizing forces including rising protectionism, risks to security and health, corruption, and widespread poverty.

Perhaps more than ever before, business – in partnership with the United Nations and other stakeholders – has an opportunity to fulfill the highest aspirations of its role in society. And, in so doing, can help to ensure that globalization and commerce advance in ways that benefit economies, societies and people everywhere.

The Summit is open to the senior most executives and top leadership of all Global Compact participating companies and other institutional stakeholders. We invite you to attend this Summit and ask that you please reserve a place in your calendar.

For further contact see:
[1] www.unglobalcompact.org/NewsAndEvents/Leaders_Summit_20 […]