Global Business Statement on the Need for a Strong, Inclusive, and Effective Multilateralism

New York, United States of America

In today's ever-evolving world, resilient and inclusive multilateralism is crucial to addressing common challenges, promoting sustainable growth, improving the environment for enterprises–especially small and medium enterprises–harnessing the full potential of digitalisation and ensuring prosperity for future generations. The business community has engaged with the United Nations Secretariat and Member States in this process, underscoring that the private sector is ready to foster positive change by developing and implementing key targets that get results.

On the occasion of the Summit of the Future, the global business community recognizes that inclusive and effective multilateralism, based on principles of the sovereign equality of all its Members and the mutual respect for their diverse cultures and national development priorities, is critical to ensure the conditions for people to live a decent life, leaving no one behind and enabling all to participate in society, through a renewed social contract inspired by the Pact of the Future:

Sustainable Development: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a comprehensive roadmap for tackling pressing global imperatives, such as eradicating poverty, ensuring access to quality health care, reducing inequalities and mitigating climate change. Enabling environments for sustainable enterprises, full and productive employment and robust local and national economies are vital for prosperity.

Risk Mitigation: Multilateralism facilitates the collective action needed to manage global risks, such as pandemics, climate change and cybersecurity threats. By supporting UN efforts, businesses contribute to risk mitigation and bolster resilience.

Future Prosperity: Businesses recognise that a stable, interconnected world committed to the principle of equal sovereignty and respect for diverse cultures is fundamental to their long-term viability, reputation and resilience. Ensuring meaningful representation for businesses in formal and informal multilateral dialogues enables opportunities to align the goals of the intergovernmental community with strategic business interests, contributing to a better future for all.

Global Stability: Multilateral intergovernmental mechanisms, such as the UN, play a pivotal role in upholding global stability, peace and cooperation. Effective collaboration amongst nations provides businesses with a more predictable and stable international environment conducive to trade, investment, and sustainable development.

Market Access and Trade Opportunities: Multilateral agreements negotiated through the UN and related bodies provide access to broader markets by reducing trade barriers, harmonizing regulations and standardizing practices. These agreements promote fair competition and facilitate cross-border commerce. The private sector stands ready to provide tools and expertise to speed their implementation.

Innovation and Technology: Multilateral cooperation facilitates knowledge sharing, innovation and technology. Such cooperation hinges on effective collaboration with and meaningful input from all stakeholders. The private sector increasingly contributes expertise to explore sustainable, innovative solutions, advance research and collaborate on cutting-edge technologies that resolve global challenges.

Human and Labour Rights: Human rights serve the whole of society– not only the individual – and are central to the social contract. The UN advocates for respect for human rights, fundamental principles and rights at work, and ethical business practices. They also promote decent work and adherence to international standards. All stakeholders, including businesses, employees and their families, benefit from a framework that promotes responsible practices.

As international business organizations along with the UN ECOSOC Business and Industry Major group, we endorse this Statement and stand ready to work with Government and UN leaders to embrace business as an essential partner in a renewed social contract for people and the planet.

This statement is endorsed by the International Chamber of Commerce, International Organization of Employers and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development

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