IBLF - Development, Peace and Human Rights in Colombia: A Business Agenda

RESOURCES - PUBLICATION

Development, Peace and Human Rights in Colombia: A Business Agenda

25 July 2006

In association with the United Nations Global Compact and Fundacion Ideas para la Paz

Development, Peace and Human Rights in Colombia: A Business Agenda draws together latest thinking and illustrations from overseas combined with examples of pioneering efforts in Colombia to show how companies can work in partnership with other stakeholders to create conditions for lasting peace and prosperity.

This report is available to download in English, using the link above, or in Spanish (both documents 2.9MB).

The report is primarily written for leaders and managers who run companies operating in Colombia. But the target audience goes well beyond this group; for the corporate sector to be able to play an effective role in contributing to equitable and sustainable social and economic development, the nature of the relationship of leaders from civil society, employee organizations, and public authorities with leaders from business is crucial. The audience is therefore multi-sectoral, reflecting the rich mix of stakeholders in Colombian society.

The authors' starting point is a belief that business is the principal motor for growth and development in Colombia. That belief goes hand in hand with an understanding that the speed of growth and the nature of development are largely dependent on business decisions and operations, on the strategies, policies and business practices companies adopt, and on the way they interact with consumers, employees, communities and regulators.

Drawing on leadership practices from around the world and from within Colombia itself, the authors describe how companies can organize and align core business practices, corporate citizenship and engagement in public policy in order to play an active role in helping to address both the causes and the consequences of conflict.

The Coca-Cola Company, an IBLF member, supported both the report and three dialogues: one of which was held in Bogota in July 2006. The other two will be held in London and Washington DC in late October / early November 2006.

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