Engaging business in efforts to improve transparency, accountability and respect for human rights in unstable and poor governance countries
Seminar 1 of the ‘Business and the Millennium Development Goals’ Programme (21 November 2006, 7-8.30pm)

You can listen to this seminar online by clicking here
(Please fast forward 80 seconds to the start of the event)

The issue

Although preventing violent conflict is not a specific Millennium Development Goal in itself, the existence of social and political instability poses the greatest threat to their achievement and usually occurs in the least developed countries. It is now generally accepted that instability and violent conflict arises out of the existence of poor governance, economic and social inequality and widespread human rights abuses, thus efforts to counter these debilitating conditions are crucial to the achievement of the MDGs.

The business case

In recent years, the private sector has become increasingly involved in more remote and unstable areas of the developing world as it seeks cheaper sources of inputs for its operations and new markets for its products and services. Companies operating in these regions are faced with a range of risks and opportunities; how they respond to them has a direct influence on their own success and the chances of development in the country in which they operate.

Raised awareness of the negative impacts of companies’ overseas operations has increased the link between reputation and share price and has led to the private sector taking a more considered and proactive attitude to its operating environment. As a result, the private sector has become involved in initiatives to improve the transparency of their actions and that of host governments, promote respect for human rights in their sphere of influence and generally contribute to a more conducive environment for the achievement of the MDGs.

The event

Objectives:

• Raise awareness of the negative impacts of poor governance and social instability on the achievement of the MDGs and the role that business can play in creating a more favourable environment for development.

• Outline the business case for companies operating in these regions to contribute to creating a more stable and conducive environment for achieving the MDGs ;

• Raise awareness of successful private sector partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving governance levels, equality and respect for human rights in unstable countries ;

• Promote practical ways in which the UNA-UK membership and those working in or with the private sector can support these initiatives and help contribute to the achievement of the MDGs in the most needy and unstable countries.

• Focus on realising the development potential of business in countries that are least developed and most unlikely to achieve the MDGs, through partnership with all relevant stakeholders – including governments, financial institutions and non-profit organisations – in line with Goal 8 'to develop a global partnership for development'.

The event will consist of a panel of three experts from business and non-profit organisations who will present their views and/or case study to stimulate debate. A summary of what was discussed and achieved, sources of training and further information, recommendations of action members might take to progress change, ideas for future events or activities will be circulated following the debate.