Paul Hohnen Sustainability Strategies

This letter was published in Financial Times on October 18, 2006 .

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Global Compact surely one of Annan's greatest legacies

By PAUL HOHNEN

Sir, In listing the achievements of the outgoing United Nations secretary-general, Mark Turner omitted what is perhaps one of Kofi Annan's greatest legacies: the creation of the UN Global Compact. In recalling that the UN Charter begins with the words "We the peoples . . .", Mr Annan has a vision for the UN as more than just a forum for nation states. He sees it as a framework for giving greater voice to the business and civil society sectors, and to engage them more effectively in work to advance internationally agreed norms.

The Global Compact has brought together thousands of business, labour and non-governmental organisation participants around the world to search for better ways to embed human and labour rights, environmental concerns and anti-bribery principles into everyday operations. While there is still progress to be made, history may well conclude that this was among his more strategic decisions.

By harnessing the contributions of all sectors of society, this unique UN initiative takes us a step closer to developing the common agenda needed to address this century's challenges, including how to share the fruits of globalisation more evenly and combat problems such as global warming. It is to be hoped that his successor will recognise and build on this leadership.

Paul Hohnen, Sustainability Strategies, Amsterdam 1017 SL, The Netherlands