Secretary-General Tells Junior Chamber International Congress Young Entrepreneurs, Private Sector Leaders Have Key Role Steering World towards Sustainable Future
Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the 100th Anniversary of the Junior Chamber International World Congress, in Kanazawa, Japan, from 3-8 November:
I am pleased to send my greetings to all participants of the 2015 Junior Chamber International World Congress. I congratulate you on the 100th Anniversary of the JCI [Junior Chamber International] movement.
Thank you for your efforts over the past several decades to help build a better and more sustainable world for all. As young entrepreneurs and private sector leaders, you have a key role to play in promoting responsible business practices and steering the world towards a more sustainable path.
I welcome your focus on the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This new global plan, crystallized in 17 Sustainable Development Goals, needs your support as we seek to end poverty and ensure prosperity for all. All companies can play a role in meeting these ambitious targets.
While the scale and scope of the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] are unprecedented, the fundamental ways that business can contribute remain unchanged. First, companies must operate responsibly in alignment with the 10 universal principles advanced by our Global Compact. Then, they should take actions to solve societal challenges. Both are important ways to advance the SDGs. We need more companies around the world to join the Global Compact and help to change the world around them.
I also count on your engagement as we strive for a strong agreement on climate change at the conference in Paris that opens on 30 November. With its technological capacities and spirit of innovation, the private sector will be a central actor in promoting climate-resilience and building a prosperous low-carbon future.
Please accept my best wishes for a productive meeting. Thank you for supporting the work of the United Nations.