We are publishing this paper at a time of intense debate about the role of business in society, particularly in relation to major global issues such as poverty and climate change. Directions set in the next few years will have profound consequences for future generations, and in such a context, we believe business should be clear about its purpose and candid about its dilemmas.
We have therefore come together as a group of business leaders – all members of the WBCSD and all responsible for international businesses – in an effort to stimulate discussion in the business world.
We do not claim to have all the answers to the profound issues business faces, but we have taken some time as a group to order our thoughts on this subject and agree on some principles.