Secretary-General, in Message, Calls on Business Leaders to Embrace New Children’s

Rights and Business Principles, Integrate Them into Their Operations

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message on the launch of the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, in London, 12 March:

Businesses have a tremendous impact on the lives of children.  And children are a central part of the communities and environments in which business operates — as consumers, young workers, family members of employees, and future businesspeople themselves.

Businesses increasingly recognize their responsibility to respect the rights of the youngest members of our society.  In addition, many are committed to supporting children and working with Governments and civil society to advance children’s rights.

But when it comes to children, we all need to do more.  That is why I welcome the launch of the Children’s Rights and Business Principles.  An initiative by UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund}, the United Nations Global Compact and Save the Children, the Principles provide the first comprehensive framework for businesses to consider their impact on the rights and well-being of children.  They set out steps that all businesses can take to integrate child rights into their operations.  They also offer a practical way to advance the “Every Woman, Every Child” effort to improve child and maternal health.

I call on business leaders everywhere to embrace the Principles.  Together, let us do our utmost to respect children’s rights and build a future in which all children have the opportunity to realize their full potential.

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For information media • not an official record