UNEP DTIE works closely with partners from business and industry to advance our mission and activities in the field of technology, industry and economics. This involves working with representatives of business, large and small, from all parts of the world. It also involves working with related stakeholders, ranging from labourand consumers to NGOs and research organisations.

Our activities in this field include stakeholder dialogue, sharing emerging best practices, developing and promoting materials to build the capacities of managers and employees, inspiring partnership innovation and improving understanding of key corporate responsibility issues on the global sustainable development agenda.

Our work in the terrain of corporate social responsibility (CSR) or corporate environmental and social responsibility (CESR) as it is also called in UNEP, we underline the environmental pillar in the triple bottom line approach and use environment as entry point when addressing broader sustainability issues. We view corporate citizenship or CSR as a values-based way of conducting business in a manner that advances sustainable development. It seeks positive impact between business operations and society, aware of the close interrelation between business and society. It also shows an awareness that companies, like citizens, have basic rights and duties wherever they operate. Whatever you call it, we welcome working with committed partners in this field. The challenge today is to display its practical application in a local and sector specific context, moving from strategy to implementation.

Powering growth for the global green economy: Our Business for the Environment Summit convenes again from 21-23 April 2010, in Seoul, Korea