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| Business Coalition for Intercultural Dialogue and Cooperation |
 Overview The launching of the Business Coalition for Intercultural Dialogue and Cooperation is a response to the call made by representatives from the private sector who participated in the Second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Istanbul, April 6‐7, 2009. It is also based on recommendations of the joint Alliance of Civilizations‐Global Compact publication entitled “Doing Business in a Multicultural World: Challenges and Opportunities”. In partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Office, the UN Alliance of Civilizations is committed to engaging the business community, recognizing the crucial role that business can play in establishing dialogue and improving understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions. Click here for the Concept Note with further details on the goals and operations of the Business Coailition.  Official LaunchBusiness leaders from countries around the world gathered on 21 September, 2009 to form an alliance to address the challenges of cultural and religious diversity of today’s global world. Working hand in hand with governments, policymakers, think-tanks and foundations, they launched the first Business Coalition for Intercultural Dialogue and Cooperation at a high-profile event in New York. Organized jointly by the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the UN Global Compact and the Research Centre for the Global Compact at the Levin Institute, the event was hosted at the Levin Institute on September 21, 2009. In a keynote address, the Turkish Prime Minister, H.E.. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, outlined his vision of the business community’s role in promoting understanding and respect among cultures. He was joined by top business leaders Mr. Antonio Brufau, Chairman and CEO of Repsol YPF and Mr. Yue Zhang, Chairman and CEO of China’s Broad Air Conditioning. H.E. President Jorge Sampaio, High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Office, and H.E. Dr. Ewa Björling, Sweden’s Minister of Trade also shared their thoughts about promoting cultural diversity.  Launch of ReportIn addition, the event saw the presentation of a new publication launched in Istanbul aimed at raising the visibility of best practices in the corporate sector toward supporting cross-cultural relations. Jointly developed by the UN Alliance of Civilizations and the UN Global Compact Office, this report is entitled “Doing Business in a Multicultural World: Challenges and Opportunities.” It explores the cross-cultural challenges companies are facing, highlights good practices and lessons learned and illustrates why and how business can play a vital role in fostering intercultural understanding. Click here for an online version of the report. |