CSR360

Posted: Tuesday 2 June 09, 2.16pm GMT

The Ministry of Economy is the main governmental agency engaged in the promotion of sustainable development, particularly focused on achieving the objectives of a low carbon economy and effective use of resources. The agreement between the Ministry of Economy and the Responsible Business Forum will allow to strengthen the intersectoral cooperation for promotion of sustainable production and consumption and sustainable industrial policy.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a CEO-led, global association of some 200 companies dealing exclusively with business and sustainable development. The Council provides a platform for companies to explore sustainable development, share knowledge, experiences and best practices, and to advocate business positions on these issues in a variety of forums, working with governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations. Members are drawn from more than 35 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. The Council also benefits from a global network of about 58 national and regional business councils and regional partners. Responsible Business Forum will be the only representative of the WBCSD in Poland.

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The basis of sustainable development is the integration of political, economic and social actions, with the necessity to keep the natural balance and durability of natural processes.

Talking about sustainable development, many people have in mind only environmental activities. But the term means not only environmental but also social impact of the business activity – enhancing social cohesion through economic growth, and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. Only the tight cooperation between the governments, businesses and NGOs, has the potential to effectively promote and develop the idea.

said Mirella Panek-Owsiańska, President of the Responsible Business Forum.

The sustainable development debate should be continued regardless of the current economic situation in the world. The crisis raised awareness within the global society that we cannot go on as we have till now and it is necessary to establish a new world order based on the sustainable development principles.

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, we are experiencing the beginnings of a shift to a low carbon economy. Looking ahead to 2050, we know that this transition to a more sustainable world will be an enormous challenge. It will require innovative solutions and new thinking, and it will define a new set of opportunities for business.

said Björn Stigson, WBCSD president.

The signing of the agreements took place during a conference devoted to the challenges of sustainable development, on May 28th in Warsaw. The participants of the meeting could listen to the panel discussion “Challenges of sustainable development for Poland in the coming years.”

Special guests of the conference were:

• Björn Stigson – President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
• Grażyna Henclewska – Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Economy
• Witold Orłowski – PricewaterhouseCoopers

For more information please contact:

Maria Roszkowska-Śliż
Promotion Co-ordinator
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Or visit: www.odpowiedzialnybiznes.pl