Leslie Hoffman
Executive Director
Earth Pledge Foundation

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This collection demonstrates the willingness of the private sector and the NGO community to work with the United Nations in pursuit of common goals. Private sector contributors to this compilation have each, in their unique way, put the principles of sustainable development into practice benefiting their communities and our planet.

These White Papers from successful corporations of all sizes and industries — from a small manufacturer in the woods of Maine, to large international conglomerates — add up to a diverse, rich, and valuable learning tool. The Papers demonstrate advances in our efforts to shape a more sustainable world.

The responsibility for much-needed strides toward global sustainable development is increasingly being shouldered by the private sector and the NGO community. Last year, the World Bank approved $3 billion (US) in loans to the private sector, a 100% increase over funding from the prior year. Each year, US businesses pour billions of dollars into projects around the globe, many of which are key to fostering sustainable development. In addition, the US is the world's most generous donor to worthy causes, giving $17 billion to charity in 1995.

We all have a tendency to perceive businesses to be all about...business. Yet, when we began to talk to our BCSC members about presenting White Papers, we found those perceptions to be inaccurate . "Here's a great project we are working on..." one executive after another would say. In our BCSC members we found businesses that are making a difference. The old adage "What's good for General Motors is good for America," has given way to "What's good for everyone is good business." As Vice President Al Gore noted "new and more efficient products that minimize environmental damage now represent the biggest new market in the history of world business."

This volume showcases project after project which together demonstrate an impressive concern for the future of our world. We take great pleasure in working with our BCSC members to help them promote and implement the principles and practices of sustainable development.

This publication is one such effort. Another is the innovative and generous contribution being made by one of our members, Open Text. This multi-national software company is creating a true global village — an ongoing electronic arena, or "Intranet" — which will be accessible to anyone interested in issues relating to human settlements. In the coming years, this forum will be an Internet outpost for all of us&emdash; businesses, NGOs, governments, and the media. We will be able to share information and network electronically — just as we are doing face-to-face at Habitat II. This project, which is being launched at Habitat II, allows all of us to pursue our interest in the important issues raised at this gathering.

Cooperation of this type — growing out of enlightened self-interest and the recognition of common goals — will pay off in a sustinable future. The BCSC is proud to play a part in the process and we will continue to do so in the years to come.

Sustainable Cities White Papers Index
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