- World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman spoke alongside US Vice-President, leaders from business and civil society
- US Administration urges long-term inclusive development to improve economic opportunities
- Forum to support the Administration’s Call to Action by convening civil society, business, government and development institution representatives to facilitate new partnerships
Geneva, Switzerland, 27 May 2021 – Today, World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab spoke alongside the Vice-President of the United States, executives from leading multinational companies and representatives from civil society. They discussed how to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development and improved opportunities for nationals from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, referred to as the Northern Triangle countries of Central America.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris launched the US Administration’s Call to Action asking the private sector to enhance investments in parts of the region. The call urges business and social enterprises to promote inclusive economic growth opportunities and improve livelihoods as a way to address the root causes of migration and promote the long-term development of the region.
They emphasized robust public-private cooperation as key to achieving meaningful outcomes, recognizing the Forum as a global leader in this area.
“The Forum has been actively engaged in Latin America for decades, developing and supporting the implementation of a strategic agenda to address the region’s most pressing challenges and ensuring a robust participation of leaders,” said Professor Schwab. “In response to this Call to Action, the World Economic Forum will convene a network of committed actors over time. The principles of Stakeholder Capitalism provide a fundamental guide for these actors on the role that long-term, sustainable investment can play in ensuring the economy works for people, progress and the planet.“
Schwab also said that the World Economic Forum will convene and connect members of civil society, business, governments, and development institutions, facilitating collaboration. The Forum will also leverage its Fourth Industrial Revolution Network to promote positive change and facilitate partnerships in support of the Administration’s Call to Action.
He emphasized how inclusive and sustainable growth are core tenants of the Forum’s stakeholder capitalism concept – a way of doing business that makes the global economy work for people, progress and the planet. It states corporations should work with civil society and governments to tackle global challenges and take a long-term view. Many businesses have adopted its principles and are seeing added value.