Corporations as Builders of
Law and Society in Evolving Democracies
Partners for Democratic Change organized a Leadership Symposium
on 16 December 2004 in Washington, DC as the first step
in a long term effort to facilitate closer linkages between
global businesses and development practitioners. The Leadership
Symposium on "Corporations
as Builders of Law and Society in Evolving Democracies"
brought together corporate leaders from a variety of industries,
including mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, large-scale
construction and banking to discuss the challenges and opportunities
they face in developing democracies.
Business and democratic institution-building sectors share
many goals in developing democracies. Successful democratic
governance is closely linked to a vibrant, growing and regulated
market economy. A viable business sector depends on a democratic
and transparent governance system based on the rule of law.
During the Leadership Symposium, participants emphasized
that the key to stable government is the implementation
of rule of law systems and the development of public policies
that transforms conflict into dispute management systems.
Corporate involvement in communities can stimulate this
work by advancing policies in critical areas affecting business,
including:
- Property rights
- Anti-corruption legislation and enforcement
- Transparency
- Environmental protection and development
- Intellectual property
- Minority rights
- Safety concerns and labor practices
- Health and education measures to ensure a sustainable
labor force<
- Fair distribution of resources to community
Models, methodologies, case examples and innovative funding
approaches for public-private collaboration were presented
and discussed. To read the full report regarding the Leadership
Symposium, please click
here.
This symposium was funded by the JAMS
Foundation and hosted at the Meridian
International Center in Washington, DC. We thank them
for their generous support.
For more information, please contact Anne Devero, Manager,
Corporate Programs at adevero@partnersglobal.org
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