‘We Must Work Together’ to Advance Responsible Investment, Corporate Sustainability,

Says Secretary-General in Video Message to Xiamen Forum

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the World Investment Forum in Xiamen, China, 7 September (recorded on 27 August):

Excellencies,

Distinguished leaders, Ministers and Chief Executive Officers,

UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to greet all the participants in this timely and important World Investment Forum organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD].

I thank the People’s Republic of China for hosting this event, and note the presence of His Excellency Vice-President Xi Jinping.

International investment is high on the agenda of global policymaking — as it should be.

After a significant downturn in 2009, worldwide flows are expected to recover slightly this year, according to UNCTAD’s latest World Investment Report.

An even stronger recovery is predicted for 2011 and 2012.

Looking ahead, four issues are especially urgent.

First, the recovery remains fragile.  Private investment will be crucial for creating jobs and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Governments need to reassess how they manage, promote and regulate flows of investment.

Governments and businesses should also explore how such flows can better stimulate economic activity, especially in light of the growing significance of emerging markets.

Second, the consequences of climate change are increasingly clear.  Governments and the private sector need to do much more to promote energy efficiency and green technology.

Third, we must ensure a successful MDG Summit later this month in New York.  Great progress has been made, but much remains to be done.

Fourth, the critical role of private investment in spreading environmentally friendly practices and contributing to the MDGs puts a spotlight on business activities.  We must work together to advance responsible investment and corporate sustainability.

I am very encouraged that this forum brings together policymakers, investment treaty negotiators, investment practitioners, investment promotion agencies, business, academia and civil society.  I am also pleased to know that stock market managers, portfolio investors sovereign debt managers are in attendance.

I look forward to your contributions to making international investment work for the development of all humankind.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful forum.

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For information media • not an official record