Press release

Multilateralism at risk if Hong Kong talks fail

December 12, 2006

Risk of WTO sliding towards irrelevance, persisting only as a forum for monitoring compliance and settling disputes, experts warn.

WINNIPEG — The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) of Winnipeg, is pleased to invite the media to attend and interview Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Chairman, Anglo American plc, at a very special dinner event at The Fairmont Hotel, June 8, 2006, in Winnipeg. The event offers personal insights from Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Chairman, Anglo American plc, on "People, Planet and Profits" and what this principle means for business.

Time

  • Media Interviews from 5:45 to 6:30 pm with Sir Mark, The Fairmont Hotel, Wellington Room (Winnipeg)

  • Reception and Dinner with Speech: 6:30 pm

Sir Mark is an international proponent for corporate social responsibility and lives in London, England. He oversees the significant global interests in natural resources and mining of Anglo American, plc. The corporation is geographically diverse with operations and developments in Africa, Europe, South and North America, and Australia. Anglo American represents a powerful world of resources. Sir Mark is best known for his long and distinguished career with Royal Dutch/Shell, where he was Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors (1998–2001), and his high profile role at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. He has been called one of the most influential proponents for sustainable development in the world by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Not only is he engaging as a speaker, his beliefs and values permeate everything he says and does. It is always a special experience to be with him.

What do people, planet and profits have in common? The potentially enormous impact on our future well-being in our personal lives and in our professional roles, and that is the topic we will be focusing on this week.

IISD's vision is "Better Living for all – sustainably"

IISD has earned a well-deserved global reputation for having a reasoned, constructive and practical approach to sustainable development. This unique status allows the fundamental thinking and analysis of IISD to assist governments, businesses and civil society organizations around the world discover and implement practical solutions that balance the needs of the different players.

As we continue to impact and demonstrate value, people expect more from IISD—and we're happy to deliver. We are driven by our collective conscience and by our commitment to our partners. We continue our global efforts to influence policy-makers and world leaders who have promised human dignity; peace and security; vibrancy; and overall well-being for today and for future generations.

Since its inception in 1990, IISD has become one of the half dozen pre-eminent sustainable development institutions in the world. IISD has built a solid reputation for its policy research on trade and sustainable development. We are making a mark in the climate change debate.

We have pioneered new techniques for measuring the three aspects of sustainability—social, environmental and economic. We have built solid networks on trade, climate change and Internet-based information with similar institutions in both developed and developing countries. These "knowledge networks" bring together leading institutions to co-create knowledge capital and to deliver that knowledge to target audiences.

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.