Huma Rights and Decent Work: Towards Universal Respect and Observance. Room: A
Globalisation has effectively reduced the significance of borders. Governments, businesses, trade unions and citizens are all facing new challenges that stem from political liberalisation, rapid technological change and greater mobility of capital and labour. More and more goods are, for example, being manufactured in Asia from raw materials extracted in Africa, and then consumed in Europe. While there are few who question the importance of international business to development, there is still a need to explore and debate how international businesses should operate, especially in emerging markets and developing countries. Which standards should apply? Is the mere presence of an international company enough to set in motion a decent work-cycle that increases income and profits for all concerned? With increased attention being directed towards local value creation, how do we ensure that the concept “local content” becomes a reality? And in a world where basic human rights cannot always be taken for granted, should international businesses do more to promote greater respect for fundamental rights?
Moderator:
- Elisabeth Dahlin
CSR Ambassador, Swedish Partnership for Global Responsibility, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden
Rapporteur:
- Gunhild Ørstavik
CSR-coordinator, the Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development, Norway
Speakers:
- Erik Solheim
Minister of International Development, Norway
- Finn Bergesen Jr.
CEO, Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, Norway
- Marianne Lie
Director General, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Norway
- George Jaksch
Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility and Public Affairs, Chiquita International, Belgium
- John Evans
General Secretary of the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) to the OECD, UK
- John Tedstrom
Executive Director, Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, US