Business, labour dialogue

Business and trade union leaders are to meet on Friday to discuss the impact of racism and discrimination in the workplace and wider community. The dialogue is to be opened by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) and Secretary-General of the WCAR, will also take part. “The dialogue will highlight private-sector initiatives to promote equality and inclusion in and out of the workplace, and look at obstacles faced in fighting discrimination. Participants will also explore opportunities for new cross-sectoral partnerships post-Durban as part of their commitment to the Secretary-General’s Global Compact,” a UNHCHR statement said. The high-level dialogue is the first of three events planned during the conference to address the role of the private sector in combating discrimination and fostering diversity. On 1 September, a workshop with representatives of companies, trade unions, civil society groups and governments will identify ways of working together to make real progress on these issues. On 4 September, a joint International Labour Organisation-Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights panel on “Implementing Equality and Diversity Policies: Private Sector Action” will allow people involved in the development and implementation of equality and diversity policies or projects in the private sector to interact. For more details: http://www.unglobalcompact.org