Peter Sutherland, Chairman of Goldman Sachs International (based in United Kingdom) and Co-Chairman of BP (headquartered in United Kingdom), former Director-General of the World Trade Organization:

"Business finds itself having to deal in a practical way with human rights issues. This is not a matter of choice but a reality in this global environment. And getting it right is not only a matter of ethical behaviour and moral choice. Enlightened business people have realised that good business is good business. Good business is sustainable, is part of global society not at odds with it, and reflects values which are shared across the world....

Some in business say 'Why should business stand up and lecture Governments on human rights: Our business is to look after our shareholders.'  Well, I don't believe that business should stand up and lecture governments on human rights. But I also believe that it is part of building good sustainable businesses to help establish safe, secure, stable and peaceful societies. Business thrives where society thrives. We don't have to look far for an example of this. Look at the investment confidence in Northern Ireland during the first cease-fire and after that cease-fire broke down. It is appropriate for companies to point out to governments the impact of social or environmental policies on commerce. Just as it is appropriate for companies to point out the impact of fiscal policy on commerce….In practice, this must be managed in different ways in different situations. Sometimes publicly, sometimes quietly."

[from Peter Sutherland, address to Amnesty International event, Dublin, 26 Sep. 1997]