SUMMITS OF THE AMERICAS

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Special Summit of the Americas:

The Special Summit of the Americas was held in Monterrey, Mexico on January 12-13, 2004 bringing together the democratically elected Heads of State and Government of the members countries of the Organization of American States.

Purpose :

The goal of the Special Summit was to facilitate hemispheric cooperation at the highest level of government in order to address current economic, social and political challenges in the region. Approximately one third of Heads of State and Government in the Hemisphere have assumed office since the Third Summit of the Americas held in Quebec City in April 2001. The agenda of the Special Summit focused on three issues:

· Economic Growth with Equity to Reduce Poverty

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The Summits of the Américas are regional mechanisms that seek to strengthen democracy, political dialogue, economic stability, social justice and promote the adoption of policies aimed at the liberalization of commerce and hemispheric integration

Social Development

· Democratic Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility and Summits

At the Third Summit of the Americas, the Heads of State and Government recognized that businesses of all sizes contribute to economic prosperity, and stimulate the flow of trade and investment in the Hemisphere. Citizens and civil society organizations have expectations that businesses carry out their operations in a manner consistent with their social and environmental responsibilities. Leaders also noted that businesses can make an important contribution to sustainable development and increasing access to opportunities, including the reduction of inequalities in the communities in which they operate.

Accomplishments:

In compliance with the mandate adopted by governments during the Third Summit of the Americas, The Americas Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, was held on September 22 to 24, 2002 in Miami. This conference sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank, brought together more than 500 business executives, government representatives, multilateral institutions, members of civil society organizations, academics and media representatives. Participants discussed, among other themes, the role of supervisory organizations and the media. This meeting formed the basis for the development of a long term relationship with the business sector in order to continue addressing issues in the private sector and other social problems.

Summits of the Americas Secretariat:

The Summits of the Americas Secretariat, under the auspices of the OAS, acts as the institutional memory and technical Secretariat to the Summit process, supports the countries in Summit follow up and preparation for future Summits, coordinates the support of the OAS in the implementation of Summit mandates, and chairs the Joint Summit Working Group, which brings together international and Inter-American agencies.

The Summits of the Américas are regional mechanisms that seek to strengthen democracy, political dialogue, economic stability, social justice and promote the adoption of policies aimed at the liberalization of commerce and hemispheric integration