Environment and sustainability are two issues close to my heart. The need for sustainable models is no doubt one of the top challenges of our time.
Therefore I was very glad to hear about your meeting in Miami. You all have a crucial role to play, not only within your companies, but for whole planet.
Business and trade are foundations of prosperity and opportunity. Business brings work, innovation and development. But as modern history has taught us, we must net fall for the temptations of short sighted growth at the expense of our long term interests. While limited resources may be depleted to meet our present needs, the consequences to our world may be irreversible.
The United Nations Global Compact addresses a number of topics that companies should be conscious of when conducting business. These range from fundamental human rights and labor legislation to anti-corruption and environmental matters. As all of you already are aware of; the need of a comprehensive approach in order to be truly responsible is crucial.
There are too many unfortunate examples from different parts of the world of how businesses that do not recognize how they affect complex conditions on the ground can fuel, or even cause, social and environmental tragedies.
Hence a progressive view of Corporate Social Responsibility calls for genuine awareness of how businesses affect societies. This means having local insight in opportunities and vulnerabilities. In other words; know the world around you and recognize your role in it.
Being sustainable means having the knowledge, technology and will to meet the challenges around you. To be sure, not only to operate in respect and consideration of known vulnerabilities and risks, but also to create partnerships and initiatives to prevent and counteract any harmful influence.
l wish you all two days filled with knowledge, fruitful discussions and the will to act.
HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate