Earth Summit 2002 online debate at

putting their time and effort into it.

Introduction

Contributions to the debate focused on a number of tools for corporate accountability we already have; such as OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Global Compact. Key issues that were discussed included corporate voluntary initiatives, and international regulatory frameworks, as well as a combination of regulation and shared responsibilities to build effective partnerships for corporate accountability. Other key issues were the Global Deal and the concept of environmental brand labelling. Following on from that, the roles and responsibilities of key actors were identified. The main barriers to achieving corporate accountability were discussed as well as good models of how to overcome them; the barriers included issues such as the dominant business paradigm of profit; the stockholder model of raising capital; and the current legislation about the tax deductibility of costs of living; the question of globalisation was looked at from different angles. Several examples of good models for furthering corporate responsibility were suggested, ranging from a symbiosis between for-profit and not-for-profit corporations and government to a sustainability ranking list. Recommendations for the Earth Summit 2002 include both, strengthening of existing, as well as developing new frameworks.