Press encounter following meeting on the Global Compact, (unofficial transcript)

SG: We've just had a meeting on the Global Compact with business leaders, trade unionists and NGO [non-governmental organization] participants. We discussed the need to make the Global Compact work and to implement the nine principles that they have all embraced covering human rights, environment and core labour standards.

I was very encouraged to see the progress being made, the seriousness with which the German companies, trade unions and NGOs take this initiative. And we've all promised we'll move forward to work even harder to apply not only to institutions in this country, but around the world.

And what also came out that was very encouraging is the fact that the workers of all these companies are very, very happy to be working for something positive, something ethical, something that is socially responsible and gives something back to society.

Thank you very much.*****