“We both recognize the important link between empowering women and achieving development,” he said in a message to the 57th Congress of the Worldwide Network of Women Entrepreneurs (Femmes Chefs D’Enterprises Mondiales – FCEM) in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. “Your organization and the United Nations share a common interest in promoting economic and social progress.”

Mr. Ban voiced the hope that those executives who are not yet members will join the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

“Businesses that lead responsibly will help to green our economy, protect our environment and promote better living conditions around the world – all while realizing their own goals, too,” Mr. Ban concluded. “I look forward to the contributions you and your entrepreneurial spirit will make to building a more prosperous future for all.”

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

Women must play full part in peace-building, Security Council declares