Quote book 2014 Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct

SG“As we have seen from recent tragic examples of irresponsible business conduct, competing on the least common denominator has resulted in failure to provide even the most basic safety conditions for workers. This is not an acceptable status quo. Society’s expectations of responsible business conduct cannot be ignored.”

Angel GurríaOECD Secretary-General

“We see a glimpse of a better future here. To engage or not to engage is one of the true dilemmas for the business community. But we now have a starting point for solving this dilemma: The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights…. They provide the framework for new efforts to improve corporate ethics.”

Lilianne PloumenMinister for Foreign Trade and Development CooperationNetherlands

“The OECD’s Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct provide a framework that companies around the world can use to help manage how they operate in local markets. At The Coca-Cola Company, we have incorporated the ideals of the Guidelines into both our Supplier Guiding Principles and Sustainable Agriculture Guiding Principles. Why? Because we understand that the future strength and vitality of our business will be directly proportional to the strength and vitality of the communities we proudly serve. By acting responsibly across our own business and collaborating with others to address the key priorities of women, water and wellbeing, we believe we have a significant and growing opportunity to create value not only for our shareowners and business partners but for an ever-expanding group of individuals, families and communities.”

Muhtar KentChairman and Chief Executive OfficerThe Coca-Cola Company

Howitt“After the attention last year to the fatal Bangladesh factory disaster, it's important not only to focus on what is fashionable - especially with the grim irony that abuses took place in the fashion industry itself.”

Richard HowittEuropean Parliament Rapporteur on Corporate Social ResponsibilityEuropean Union

“We need to move beyond rhetoric. Consensus at a policy level does not automatically translate into successful implementation on the ground. For that we need leaders from all sectors of society who are ready to champion responsible business conduct and fair competition.”

Angel GurríaOECD Secretary-General