BEING BUSINESSWORTHY
Oslo Business for Peace Summit and Award Ceremony 15th May 2014, Oslo City Hall
www.businessforpeace.com WELCOME
The Business for Peace Foundation “I think the idea behind the Oslo Business for was initiated and held its first Summit in 2007 to encourage and inspire Peace Award, and the potential impact it may business leaders to be businessworthy have, is important and inspiring.” and engage with society as partners, in developing shared value and increasing trust between business and society. H.E Kofi A. Annan
The Foundation has promoted the concept of Being Businessworthy as a way to understand how business leaders can develop trust with communities, contribute to well being, and create conditions for sustainable development and peace.
The Oslo Business for Peace Award 2014 marks the fifth time where trail blazing business leaders are rewarded for their commitment to creating value through a marriage between a solid bottom line and a higher purpose. In addition to the Summit and Award Ceremony in the Oslo City Hall, there are several side events on this and related topics being hosted May 14 – 15th.
“The Just Man” by the artist Bruce Naigles, symbolizes the bond of trust between two people joining in a handshake to confirm their commitment to each other.
A human flexes and raises a mighty form. It is the “Wheel of life” – the primal symbol of continuity. Naigles´ “Wheel of Life” does not join in a circular end, it is bisected by “the handshake that obligates” Through an ethical act, human beings contribute and become part of the cosmic order. The sculpture hints that ethical obligation is not a pre-given, but has to be carried forth by each and The Oslo Business every human being – again and again for Peace Award and again... Bruce Naigles (b. New York 1958): Description by Bjørn Li “The Just Man”
2 INTRODUCTION
2014 BUSINESS FOR PEACE HONOUREES
The Oslo Business for Peace Award is the highest form of recognition given to individual business leaders for outstanding businessworthy accomplishments; for acting ethically and responsibly with the aim of creating shared value between business and society. The criteria for selection require that the nominees are examples to the general public and inspire the business community through ethical and responsible business practices.
Honourees must have developed and cultivated successful international or national businesses in a manner that is recognized and appreciated in their communities, ideally by creating economic value in a way that also creates value for society. The worldwide search for the 2014 Honourees is a joint effort by the International Chamber of Commerce, the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Global Compact in collaboration with the Business for Peace Foundation and the City of Oslo with the International New York Times as global media partner. The 2014 Oslo Business for Peace Honourees have been named by the Foundation’s independent Award Committee, consisting of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics.
OSLO BUSINESS FOR 16:00 Registration at the Oslo City Hall
PEACE AWARD 17:00 Welcome by Stian Berger Røsland, Governing Mayor of Oslo PRESENTATION 2014 Opening statement by Per L. Saxegaard, Founder and Executive Chairman, Business for Peace Foundation Summit and Award Presentation to the Business for Peace Honourees The State of the Union between Business and Society Address by Georg Kell, Executive Director, Nik Gowing, international journalist and United Nations Global Compact broadcaster, will be the moderator and Master of Ceremony for this year’s Oslo The 2014 Business for Peace Address Business for Peace Summit and Award by 2012 Business for Peace Honouree, Eduardo Eurnekian, Argentina
18:30 Award Ceremony Introduction by Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2003
Presentation of the Honourees Audience questions and answers for each Honouree, by Nik Gowing
19:15 Closing Remarks
3 2014 HONOUREES
company. An old-school business magnate, community work to bear on company policy. he felt the demands of a management job Her successes have been notable, and are his daughter had been suggested for were due to her insisting that the company must too big for a woman. engage with stakeholders in the communities Marilyn Carlson Nelson instead where it is active, on both local and global dedicated herself to working on community issues. For a number of years, Carlson has projects, to the benefit of both her state and been judged the best company for mothers the USA. She became a leader of United Way to work in, Forbes has declared it one of in Minneapolis, a coalition of community the world’s top 100 companies to work for. services organizations with 1200 local Today, over forty percent of its executives are offices around the nation. women, and the group has won international United Way works to establish effective recognition and awards for its stance on partnerships that serve community needs, business ethics and integrity. identifying these and creating best solutions Under her leadership, Carlson signed bringing together local resources. Her the international Code of Conduct to protect experience with community projects taught children from sexual exploitation in the travel Ms. Nelson how to motivate volunteers to industry, as the first travel and hospitality achieve more, by reaching for higher goals. company in North America to do so. MARILYN CARLSON NELSON Her achievements in many organizations Ms. Nelson discovered that through were so notable, and effective, that she was engaging productively with society, a Marilyn Carlson Nelson is Chairman and former considered a strong candidate for governor business can grow stronger and wiser, CEO of Carlson, one of the largest privately held of her state. At that point, her father realized creating shared value to the benefit of both. companies in the world, with 170 thousand how wrong he had been, and he made her For her significant achievements, Marilyn employees in 150 countries. CEO of Carlson. Carlson Nelson is named a Business for Her wise approach to doing business got a Immediately, she began changing Peace Honouree. launch when her father fired her from the Carlson, bringing her insights gained from
intimidation of a kind nobody should have for the products of micro entrepreneurs, to face. thus reducing the risk of exploitation. The Ms. Damini is indomitable, she can’t organizations advocate for environmentally be stopped. Over 60 thousand micro sustainable business practices, and also entrepreneurs in Nepal are now enjoying the checks such practices by big businesses, benefits of her dedication, which began with holding them to account, if necessary. a small group comprising herself and a few This promotes the sustainable harvest of other women, in the Parbat district, 300 raw materials and makes it mandatory to kilometres from Kathmandu. conduct environmental impact screening in She realized the power of organization, all enterprises, from the micro to the macro. and encouraged other women to follow the Kesha Kumari Damini’s leadership example, in building district and regional has inspired many others to become groups. These were then organized at the entrepreneurs, explore self-employment national level, when she formed the National opportunities and overcome discrimination. As Micro Entrepreneurs Federation Nepal, in 2005. many families have improved their economic Ms. Damini promotes entrepreneurship conditions through her initiatives, their health among economically deprived groups, and and nutrition have improved, and they have encourages them to be self-employed and been able to send their children to school. KESHA KUMARI DAMINI empowered. The organizations provide When faced with seemingly impossible skills training and support entrepreneurs, obstacles, Ms. Damini charged ahead, in the To have achieved what Kesha Kumari Damini particularly women, in starting their own knowledge that her initiative would improve has done in Nepal, as a member of the Dalit businesses. The cooperatives she has the lives of those who followed her example, caste, is impressive beyond belief. organized have played an important role to the benefits of individuals and society. For Dalits are considered the lowest caste in in helping the Dalits develop a culture of her unstoppable spirit and businessworthy Nepal, and are systematically discriminated saving, thus decreasing their dependence on example, Kesha Kumari Damini is named a against. As she began her work to organize village lords for loans. Business for Peace Honouree. micro entrepreneurs throughout the nation, On the national level, the organizations Ms. Damini had to overcome threats and provide market linkages and sales outlets
4 they meet to discuss issues and hopefully of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, a sign agreements. Yet we tend to ignore the federation he chaired until 2005. fact that each day, all over the world, millions His significant leadership and of meetings are held between business inspirational qualities were noted abroad, people of very different backgrounds. They and he has headed the General Union find mutual ground through their goal of of Arab Chambers, which comprises all achieving a good outcome for both parties. chambers in 22 Arab countries, grouping Adnan Kassar of Lebanon realized very hundreds of thousands of leading early that business activity could be a force businesses. His work led to the creation of contributing to stability and peace. And he the Arab free trade zone and paved the way also realized that without peace and security, for the Arab Common Market. both society and business would suffer, Ultimately, Adnan Kassar was elected unable to achieve their goals. to lead the International Chamber of His career spans a lifetime, beginning Commerce, in recognition of his ability to in Lebanon and in the end having a global make people and businesses work together, impact. Throughout, he has been motivated across boundaries, towards a common and by the ethos of the ancient Phoenicians, who unifying goal. replaced domination by force and arms, with While this review makes him sound like an partnerships through exchanges of goods organizational man, Kassar is also a successful ADNAN KASSAR throughout the Mediterranean. businessman, co- founder and leader of Adnan During many years of civil war and internal & Adel Kassar Enterprises. He has also served In 1919, shocked by the tragedy of World conflict in Lebanon, Adnan Kassar insulated as Minister of Economy and Trade in Lebanon, War I, a group that came to be known as “The the chambers of commerce in the nation as well as Minister of State. Merchants of Peace” founded what today from political infighting. He required For his ceaseless dedication to creating is known as the International Chamber of that member businesses collaborate in shared value between business and society, Commerce, the world business organization. demonstrating how the private sector could and for his inspirational and exemplary The goal of the merchants was to achieve peace contribute to nation building, by fostering businessworthy leadership of national, through trade. unity in the Lebanese economy. His work regional and global impact, Adnan Kassar is We are used to hearing of summits and to unite the chambers bore fruit with the named a Business for Peace Honouree. meetings between world political leaders, as establishment of the Lebanese Chambers
QUESTIONS THE NORWEGIAN SOLOISTS’ CHOIR
«Regn og rusk og rosenbusk» is a little verse from the Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. The now-living danish composer Bo Holten has composed a piece for 12-voiced mixed choir a capella, and it uses H. C. Andersens verse, which is from the his fairytale «The Stone of the Wise Man» from 1858. The fairytale conveys an insight that can be acquired through passion and faith in stead of sense. To send in questions to the speakers and Honourees use the QR code on the next page or go directly to the webpage: bfp.zeepia.no
5 2014 HONOUREES
as acknowledgement of her efforts to the crisis and help the economy. establish trustworthy relationships with all She is seen as a central force in helping stakeholders in her business dealings. her nation move to a more transparent Following the Arab Spring revolt in and collaborative society. Her deep belief Tunisia, in 2011, the nation endured a period in human capital and potential, and her of deep economic slump, as well as political honesty in all dealings with people, have and social unrest. made her a touchstone as Tunisia orients In January 2013, Ouided Bouchamaoui was itself towards the future. In her own words, elected the first woman President of the the secret is to build win-win partnerships Tunisian Confederacy of Industry, Trade and and enduring relationships between Handicrafts, in recognition of the responsible opponents. stewardship demonstrated in the family Ouided Bouchamaoui declined an offer to business. Within weeks of her election, she become Prime Minister, wishing to retain her initiated a strategic move to collaborate with independence, and to work as a mediator the Tunisian General Labour Union, through to achieve social stability and help foster signing a Social Contract. The agreement economic development in Tunisia. aimed to provide decent work conditions Ms. Bouchamaoui is a stellar example at all levels, it expanded employment of businessworthy leadership, of dedicating OUIDED BOUCHAMAOUI opportunities, and structured wage policies one’s business energy to creating economic – as well as helping improve competition value that also creates value for society, Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui of Tunisia leads between enterprises. She then initiated a through responsible and ethical work. While the Hedi Bouchamaoui Group, a family owned national dialogue on the economy, bringing Tunisia’s challenges remain, it is from business spanning more than a hundred years. together the Tunisian President, Prime individuals such as Ms. Bouchamaoui a In 2007, the HBG group was recognized as Minister, President of the National Assembly nation can draw hope for a better future. “an outstanding enterprise in showing how and major participants from private and For her admirable ability to build to implement positive social development.” public enterprises. Their task was to set up a stability and peace, Ouided Bouchamaoui is Ouided Bouchamaoui saw this recognition roadmap and a plan of action to slow down named a Business for Peace Honouree.
In her own words, Selima Ahmad of in seven divisions across Bangladesh. Bangladesh is inspired by her dreams of If a member of the chamber goes to a a better future for Bangladeshis – these government office or any other type of office dreams fire her dedication and bolster and is faced with corruption, the following her determination. Not satisfied with day she can return with a group of women, being a successful business leader, she her own legal team promising exposure, to has dedicated herself to help women ensure things get done without bribery. entrepreneurs make the step from micro To help women make the leap beyond businesses to more ambitious ventures. the micro level, Ms. Ahmad also brings That is hard enough in any society, and an grassroots entrepreneurs to international even greater challenge in one where women are conventions and gatherings, where they can disadvantaged through tradition and culture. meet with and be inspired by women who Selima Ahmad develops entrepreneurial run businesses in other countries. Without talent and organizes marketing and financial fail, they return to Bangladesh eager to tell resources to help women expand beyond others of what is possible. the micro threshold. To achieve this goal, Thousands of women in Bangladesh are she founded the Bangladesh Chamber now running their own businesses, taking of Commerce and Industry in 2001. on new challenges and inspiring others Before founding one of only two all-female to follow their example. In the process, chambers in the world, she worked through they are opening doors that used to be the Womens’ National Business Agenda closed, and achieving greater influence and SELIMA AHMAD organization, promoting democracy, gender independence. equality, anticorruption and women as Selima Ahmad believes that true leaders are The Oslo Business for Peace Award is given to entrepreneurs. above family, country and friends, and lead individuals, not to companies or organizations. The chamber she founded is activist because they have a higher calling, to reach The award recognizes the achievements of in nature, with resources ready to help and help as many as possible. She feels enlightened businesspersons, who have made members. Corruption is a major problem blessed that she has been able to carry out outstanding and exemplary advances, to the in Bangladesh, and the chamber’s anti- the work she dreamt of, years ago. benefit of both business and society. The corruption group is ready to come to For her true, businessworthy leadership, Business for Peace Honourees are leaders in the assistance of women who face such and her inspirational dedication, showing the true sense of the word, in that they show unjust hurdles, that are often made near the way to a better future, Selima Ahmad is the way to a better condition, a better place, a insurmountable because they are women. named a Business for Peace Honouree. better future. These advocacy teams are ready to assist
6 maker with a substantial and global following, companies and Sir Richard have presented both through ordinary and social media. many initiatives that seek to build a bridge The Oslo Business for Peace Award is from today’s fossil fuel driven economy to not bestowed in recognition of philanthropy the future solutions we need. Funds and or for corporate social responsibility. It is resources have been allocated to searching given to individual business leaders who are for green fuels, more effective alternative willing to take risks and who challenge and energy sources, and energy savings in inspire their surroundings, in order to reach transportation – as well as awards and a better union between business and society. incentives for others to come up with lasting The award is conferred when enlightened solutions. Recently, Sir Richard has called leadership leads a business to contribute to for the Caribbean to move from generators the potential between business and society, burning fossil fuels, to using solar and rather than retreating with claims that “the wind energy, and he is sponsoring the work business of business is business.” required to launch this change. He has also A little over ten years ago, Sir Richard used his public platform to demand that was a climate change skeptic, who was “climate change skeptics should get out concerned with how to lower fuel costs for of the way,” impatient with how necessary the group’s airplanes and trains and many progress in this area is being held up by SIR RICHARD BRANSON other activities. He was considering opening special interests. an oil refinery, to cut costs. While exploring Sir Richard has said that he is “cautiously Coming from one of the world’s best known this solution, he had a conference with twenty optimistic that we can make the world a far business leaders, the opinions of Sir Richard scientists who convinced him that fossil fuels better, safer and more equitable place if Branson carry enough weight to effect near were not a viable long-term solution, because business and enterprise sits at the heart of immediate change, both for better or for worse. of global warming. the healing process. I firmly believe it is our Fortunately for the world, Sir Richard is Not long after, Branson had breakfast responsibility to try and leave the planet in a inspired by a love of humanity and a desire with Al Gore, who gave him the presentation better condition than we found it.” for superior solutions that has made him that would later become An Inconvenient For fearlessly taking on his critics, for an effective and beneficial voice, in many Truth. Aware of Branson’s public standing, pointing the way and for exploring every fields. He has proven fearless in confronting Gore asked if he could make a gesture that avenue that presents itself, towards that planet challenges that many businesses shy away might convince other business leaders. in a better condition – Sir Richard Branson is from, and has become a trusted opinion In the years since, the Virgin group of named a Business for Peace Honouree.
QUESTIONS
NIK GOWING
Nik Gowing, Moderator & Master of Ceremony for the Oslo Business for Peace Award 2014.
Nik Gowing is a distinguished journalist and broadcaster with a life time of achievement in international diplomacy and live reporting from some of the worlds’ most troubled areas. He has been the main anchor on numerous BBC World News programmes and is well known for chairing BBC World Debates. He is the author of Skyful of Lies and Black Swans an acclaimed examination To send in questions to the for Oxford University of the fragility of speakers and Honourees institutional power. use the QR code on the next page or go directly to the webpage: bfp.zeepia.no
7 SPEAKERS INFORMATION
SPEAKERS AWARD COMMITTEE
Stian Berger Røsland, Governing Mayor The independent Award Committee consists of Nobel of Oslo Laureates in Peace and Economics. Stian Berger Røsland is a Norwegian It selects the individual who are named Business for politician for the Conservative Party, Peace Honouree after a bottom-up global nomination and has been the Governing Mayor process through the networks of the global partners of Oslo since 2009. Røsland holds of the foundation; the International Chamber of a master degree of law from the Commerce, The United Nations Development University of Oslo. Program and the United Nations Global Compact.
Per L. Saxegaard, Founder & Executive Chairman, Business for Peace Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2003 Foundation Since receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Ebadi has Per L. Saxegaard is a businessman and lectured, taught and received awards in different the founding partner of the Norden countries. She has also defended people accused Realkapital advisory and investment of political crimes in Iran. She has travelled to group. In 2007, he founded the and spoken to audiences in India, the United Business for Peace Foundation and is States, and other countries. With five other Nobel its excecutive chairman. laureates, she created the Nobel Women’s Initiative to promote peace, justice and equality for women.
Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Georg Kell is the Executive Director of 2011 the UN Global Compact, the world’s Leymah Gbowee is Executive Director of the Women largest voluntary corporate sustainability Peace and Security Network Africa and a founding initiative with 8,000 corporate member and former coordinator of the Women in participants in 145 countries. A key Peacebuilding Program/West African Network for architect of the Global Compact, he Peacebuilding. For the 2013-2014 academic year, has led the initiative since its founding she is a Distinguished Fellow in Social Justice at in 2000, establishing the most widely Barnard College of Columbia University. recognized multi-stakeholder network and action platform to advance responsible business practices. Finn E. Kydland, Nobel Prize Economics 2004 Finn E. Kydland is the Henley Professor of Economics at the University of California, Santa Eduardo Eurnekian, President of Barbara. He also holds the Richard P. Simmons Corporacion America Distinguished Professorship at the Tepper School Eduardo Eurnekian is 2012 Business of Business of Carnegie Mellon University. His main for Peace Honouree and the President areas of teaching and interest are business cycles, of Corporacion America. Eurnekian monetary and fiscal policy and labour economics. has a strong commitment to peace and reconciliation and advocates reconciliation between Turkey and Michael Spence, Nobel Prize Economics 2001 Armenia. As honorary chairman of Michael A. Spence is a senior fellow at the Hoover the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, and Institution and Philip H. Knight Professor Emeritus as Vice President of the Argentinian of Management in the Graduate School of Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Business, Stanford University. He is the chairman member of the B20 group that advises of an independent Commission on Growth and the G20 nations, he is able to spread Development, created in 2006 and focused on growth his business wisdom. and poverty reduction in developing countries.
City of Oslo