In Paris, Annan welcomes French network to advance Global Compact principles

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the creation of a network of more than 230 leading French companies committed to advancing good corporate practices under his Global Compact initiative, voicing confidence that it will soon lead others in fostering positive social change.

In remarks to a meeting in Paris with French President Jacques Chirac and top business executives, the Secretary-General praised the contributions of the companies participating the Global Compact Network France and thanked them for their engagement and commitment.

"In all the challenges ahead, I will need your help to ensure that the mission of the Compact remains as relevant as it is today, and that we make full use of its potential," he said, referring to the plan he launched in 1999 at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to encourage companies to adhere to nine core principles in human rights, labour and the environment. Today, more than 1,200 companies from over 70 countries participate in the Compact.

The Secretary-General noted that through the Compact's Dialogue, Learning and Project platforms, dozens of projects and initiatives have been inspired. "Companies, together with partners such as labour and civil society, have learned that cooperation is better than confrontation," he said. "Hundred of case studies and examples of best practices have helped to establish the business case for the Compact."

Mr. Annan also pointed out that the Compact has been a catalyst in opening up the UN family to new partnerships, with many UN entities now ready to work in tandem with the private sector. This, in turn, is helping to find new way of achieving the lofty goals set by Member States.

"Ultimately, the Compact is in the hands of its participants," he said, voicing hope that the French network "will become a true pacesetter and innovator, and inspire many others to join our movement."

Earlier Tuesday, the Secretary-General held a working luncheon with President Chirac and Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin. In addition to talking about Iraq, they also discussed Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among other African issues. They also touched on Afghanistan, UN reform, the slavery of women, Haiti and AIDS.

After lunch the Secretary-General met with Jacques Dermagne, the President of the Economic and Social Council of France, and discussed the Council's work in the fight against poverty.

The Secretary-General also met with the chair of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee, Eduard Balladur, who presented him with a report on globalization.