SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN MESSAGE TO BUSINESS CONFERENCE, SAYS HE IS REASSURED

BUSINESS, CIVIL SOCIETY FINDING COMMON GROUND UNDER UNITED NATIONS BANNER

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the participants of the Global Compact and the Principles for Responsible Investment conference, entitled “Changing Landscapes:  Towards a Sustainable Economy in Asia”, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on 17 June:

I am delighted to send my warm greetings to all participants in this timely conference.

Many Asian countries have enjoyed an extraordinary period of growth, development and opportunity.  We must ensure that today’s opportunities will not be liabilities for our children and grandchildren.

It is reassuring that investors, business and civil society are finding common ground under the banner of the United Nations.  You have united around the universal values embodied by the Global Compact and the Principles for Responsible Investment.

I applaud your work.  You are living proof that environmental stewardship, social responsibility and good governance are understood as necessary to enduring success and competitiveness.

May this conference lead to a fruitful collaboration that brings us closer to an inclusive and sustainable global economy.  I am grateful for your engagement, and wish you all a most auspicious and productive meeting.

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For information media • not an official record