Can business and trade contribute to peace? And how? These were the topics of a conference this past week hosted by George Washington University’s Institute for Corporate Responsibility.
The conference explored numerous direct and indirect connections between commerce and peace, including economic development, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder relations, public-private partnerships, and women’s entrepreneurship.
CIPE Executive Director John Sullivan shared how the Kenya Association of Manufacturers helped broker a power-sharing deal to diffuse violence following Kenya’s 2008 election. He also told how property rights and regulatory reforms in Peru expanded opportunities for the poor and undermined support for the violent Shining Path movement.
Michael Strong, CEO of FLOW, commented on the importance of economic freedom for the poor as well as entrepreneurship in promoting peace. He described how greater employment and reduced disparities in Northern Ireland made possible peace among Protestants and Catholics. Learn more about Peace Through Commerce.
Published Date: November 17, 2008