Annual Conference of Political Affairs Division IV: Human Security
Berne, 08.09.2006 - “Political Risks in a globalised Marketplace: Company Approaches to Conflict Prevention and Human Rights“: This was the topic of the Annual Conference of Political Affairs Division IV of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), held in the Berne Kursaal on Friday, 8 September. It was attended by more than 600 guests from industry, politics and civil society. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, who heads the DFA, presented a new project for small and medium-sized companies launched as part of the Swiss Global Compact network.
It clearly emerged from the Conference that companies can make a significant contribution to preventing conflicts and safeguarding human rights. Companies that practise sound corporate responsibility are not acting out of supposed political correctness but are motivated by economic interests, as it strengthens their competitiveness and their reputation.
In her welcoming address, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey stressed that corporate and foreign-policy interests sometimes overlap. Companies are interested in political stability in developing and transitional countries, as this provides solid foundations for investment and production. With Switzerland’s commitment to peace, human rights and development, Swiss foreign policy is aimed at greater human security and improved living conditions. In doing so, it seeks to improve political stability, strengthens the legal system and minimizes political risks. Making progress along this road hinges on an equitable partnership between politics, industry and civil society.
- highlights the challenges facing companies in terms of their social responsibility
- pinpoints specific areas in which action can be taken, and
- proposes a process of guided dialogue through which good corporate responsibility practices can be developed and put into effect.
Following this introduction, talks on dangers, risks and solutions were given by John Ruggie (the “founding father” of the Global Compact), Klaus Leisinger (also a Special Representative of the UN Secretary General) and Gary Steel (member of ABB’s executive committee). A panel discussion featuring Scott Morrison from Metalor, Danièle Gosteli Hauser from Amnesty International, Vada O'Hara Manager from Nike, Jockin Arputham from Slum Dwellers and Nils Christiansen from Nestlé then addressed the issues of how to translate good intentions into practice and how to address the associated problems. The debate was moderated by journalist Roger de Weck.
In the afternoon session, five discussion forums were held to give attendees further insights into the topic under debate. In a concluding address, Ambassador Thomas Greminger summed this up as follows: "Entrepreneurs mustn’t see themselves as victims but must recognize their joint responsibility; they must be proactive rather than simply reacting to the new challenges, and they must embed social principles into their corporate culture".
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