Summary: 5 November 2009, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by Mr. Johan Rutgersson, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations, Item 59: Towards Global Partnerships, United Nations 64th General Assembly Second Committee Debate, United Nations
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Armenia align themselves with this statement.
The EU welcomes the report of the Secretary-General and thanks Mr. Bob Orr for introducing it to the Second Committee. It is clear from the report that good progress has been made in strengthening relations between the UN system and the private sector. We welcome the revised 'Guidelines on Cooperation between the United Nations and the Private Sector', going into effect shortly, as well as the new UN Business website and believe that they will contribute to the efforts of the UN system to
further strengthen its partnerships with the private sector.
The achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and other political aims and goals of the United Nations will only be possible with the active participation of all relevant stakeholders - governments, private sector and civil society. In order to overcome our global challenges, all relevant actors must be included in global partnerships for global solutions. Here lies an important role for the UN Global Compact: to promote dialogue and partnerships between the UN and the private sector with
a view to furthering the goals of the Organization.
Mr. Chairman,
The United Nations is a unique partner for globally operating companies, partly thanks to its high recognition and legitimacy of the UN worldwide. Private sector actors, however, should not be allowed to utilize the UN as a marketing tool in order to be perceived as good corporate citizens without meeting their respective obligations. We need to ensure the commitment from the private sector partners in implementing and promoting the shared values and vision of progress that has mutual benefits
for all.
The current economic and financial crisis has underscored the dangers of a definition of risks and opportunities that do not take environmental, social and governance issues into consideration. At the same time it has increased the risk that corporations sideline environmental and social concerns bearing in mind other, seemingly more urgent pressures. Seeing sustainable business models as a opportunity could create competitive advantage.
Mr. Chairman,
In order to support corporations in carrying out good practices in partnerships, the UN should give concrete guidance. Progress in this field is being made and in this regard the European Union welcomes the ongoing international debate on corporate social responsibility including business ethics, accountability, the fight against corruption and transparency. Corporate Social Responsibility should be promoted on all levels. The UN, and especially the Global Compact, can play an important role in
promoting this agenda.
We take this opportunity to announce that a conference on Corporate Social Responsibility will take place in Stockholm next week with participation from governments, civil society, private sector, trade unions and academia.
To improve partnerships and to create preconditions for effective scaling up and replication of successful partnerships, it is important that best practices and lessons learned are shared in an effective and transparent manner. Key here is how the UN coordinates and makes best use of the expertise, activities and knowledge of different governments, organizations and business communities. The regional engagements could be further elaborated. In this regard, the EU welcomes the cooperation
between the African Union and the Global Compact Office.
We welcome the OECD consultation on the updating of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. We believe that it will be an important step forward on how governments are to encourage best practice to multinational enterprises operating in or from countries adhering to these guidelines. We expect that the UN Global Compact will continue to follow progress on this issue closely.
The EU welcomes the framework that has been presented in the two reports by Professor John Ruggie, United Nations' Special Representative of the Secretary-General, on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
We also welcome Global Compacts further engagement on the issue of business and human rights.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union is this year again tabling its bi-annual draft resolution entitled "Towards Global Partnerships". This draft resolution is largely based on the previous resolution on this theme and, while acknowledging developments in the United Nations' activities in partnerships, seeks to further encourage such partnerships. The draft resolution includes the following core elements:
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