Members of the ICC World Council,

Members of the ICC Executive Board,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to congratulate the International Chamber of Commerce on its 90th anniversary.

Our relationship dates back to the earliest days of the United Nations. The ICC has enjoyed consultative status since 1946. Today, the ICC works with the full range of UN departments, agencies, funds and programmes, across our agenda. We have both benefited from these long and varied ties.

You helped us to launch the Global Compact ten years ago. Today, the Compact continues to expand, as more businesses understand the need to support 10 universal principles in the crucial areas of human rights, labour, environmental stewardship and anti-corruption.

You are also playing a key role on climate change. A strong message from the business community to governments worldwide can make a powerful difference in reaching an agreement in Copenhagen in December. Please join the UN “Seal the Deal" campaign. Now more than ever, we need you as advocates for climate action. Explain to your governments, your shareholders and your peers that doing the right thing for the climate is also the smart thing for global competitiveness, trade and prosperity.

At a time when the world faces multiple crises –food, fuel, finance, flu and more -- our cooperation is more important than ever. For these reasons and more, I wish you a happy 90th birthday and look forward to our continued partnership in building a more just, sustainable and peaceful world.

Thank you.