| The important issues
of globalisation, governance and environment so far have
been dealt with in isolation at various international fora
and, therefore, have been unable to create the critical
mass required for radical action. WEF aims to bring about
a cohesive, comprehensive and integrated approach by merging
these themes and launching an International Sustainability
Movement to focus world attention on good governance, corporate
social responsibility, corporate citizenship, environment
and sustainability. Our problems stem largely from a short
term approach and adhocism that characterises all our action
on the issues that challenge human agenda whether economic,
social or environmental. What we need is the development
of a culture that nurtures a long term perspective in all
our pursuits. Corruption, the greatest threats to human
civilisation, breeds only because everyone pursues short
terms goals.
The launch of Indian Sustainability Movement is planned
on 5th June 2002 to coincide with the World Environment
Day. It will sensitise the government, business and civil
society on the enormous opportunities of sustainable and
shared growth through designing products and services
which are environmentally sustainable and not only minimise
the catastrophic effect of industrial activity on environment
but open out fresh untapped markets. Sustainability has
to become the end game of the business. Environment offers
the biggest opportunity for creating wealth in 21st Century.
Current economic recession is nothing but an outcome of
value migration. Products which are not environmentally
sustainable have no future. 90% of the products we use
today will not be there in the year 2010. Our biggest
challenge is to prevent obsolescence and speed up the
process of innovation - eco-innovation. Innovation is
not possible without governance structures that are legitimate
and participatory, and that nurture entrepreneurship,
creativity, ownership, transparency, trust and diversity.
The launch will be followed by a 2 day Convention called
International Mountain Convention to coincide with International
Year of Mountains 2002 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to
draw world attention on the plight of mountain people,
support sustainable livelihoods for them and promote their
unique heritage and culture. It will be held on 7th and
8th June. The theme of the Convention is 'Partnerships
for Sustainable Solutions for Mountain Eco-Systems."
Comments
& Questions: wef.wem@virgin.net
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