*{German President urges eight-point programme for better global relations; Swiss President urges new partnership [http://www.weforum.org/site/knowledgenavigator.nsf/Content/German%20President%20urges%20eight-point%20programme%20for%20better%20global%20relations%3B%20Swiss%20President%20urges%20new%20partnership?open&topic_id=300250000&theme_id=300] 28.01.1999 Annual Meeting 1999} *partie=titre German President urges eight-point programme for better global relations *partie=nil German President Roman Herzog urged the international community to adopt an eight-point programme for better global relations in the 21st century not only among governments but also all foreign policy players ranging from the Red Cross to multinational companies and the media. Herzog also made a point of supporting Burmese opposition leader's Aung San Su Chi's criticism of western materialism which ignores cultural and human values. "We must not forget the human soul in all things that we do," he said. In addition, the German President praised Iranian President Mohammed Khatami's initiative for cultural and religious dialogue. The idea, he said, is to "build confidence through greater knowledge of and greater respect for one another and it deserves every support." Stressing the need for preventive foreign policies instead of trying to find remedies when it is too late, President Herzog outlined eight maxims that would promote common interests among the international community: the promotion of democracy, the protection of fundamental human rights, the renunciation of nationalism, the avoidance of cultural and religious conflicts, the better use of international and regional institutions to enhance economic and social stability, an end to selfish "beggar thy neighbour" commercial policies and "social dumping", more effective communications, global intercultural learning and research communities. President Herzog noted that the international community must deal with globality in a more responsible manner, not just economically but also politically and culturally with humanity at the forefront. "We have to activate all these dimensions in order to control globality rather than be controlled by it," he said. Responding later to a question by World Economic Forum Founder Klaus Schwab, President Herzog added that whatever the international business community does in the years ahead, it should not only focus on the financial or short-term aspects but also should "look at it in terms of peace and social justice for humanity. A purely financial calculation does not pay in the long-term." In the 21st century, Herzog said, globality needs to expand and diversify in order to adapt to new circumstances. The world is no longer an arena dominated by two superpowers but now has 189 states with which to contend. Herzog added that not only have the two ideological blocs fragmented, but the same is happening to nation states. Different aspects of society are becoming increasingly globally oriented. Those who exercise an influence on foreign policy now range from CNN and Harvard University policy-makers to Greenpeace, corporations and the Red Cross. Decisions are no longer being made by national governments alone but by international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council or NATO. "More actors, old and new, are now operating over and above national states," he noted. As with Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss's opening address, Herzog emphasized greater support for democracies as they are far more successful economically than those which are not. "We need more open societies in all domains, whether political, economic or cultural," he said. The German President further commended the actions of the United States for intervening in regions of conflict such as the Middle East. While the US is often criticized as being an erratic world policeman, Herzog lamented the failure of other states to show more willingness to embrace such responsibility. *partie=titre Swiss President urges new partnership *partie=nil The international business community and governments need to redefine their partnership if continued globalization is to ensure sustainable development and democracy in a manner that will benefit all regions of the world, Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss told the opening plenary. "Nation states are too restricted a framework for the necessary responses to what is at stake in globalization," said the President of the Swiss Confederation. "We have to redefine our partnership, which presupposes strong states and a confident business world, in order to respect the indispensable complementarity of our tasks." President Dreifuss, the country's first female head of state, stressed the need to preserve, if not promote, what she referred to as the "precious asset of human diversity." With the vitality of economic health dependent on ordinary citizens - who represent both the producers and consumers of society - companies and states should unite in mutual concern for sustainable development, whether economic, social or environmental. This partnership should recognize that "everything cannot be made contingent on the market." The Swiss President argued that democracy must be intensified in all parts of the world. Democracy, she said, must be "developed where it is in its infancy, and promoted where it is merely an aspiration denied a voice." In this respect, she said, "the business world has a crucial role to play *{…} It is at its most creative in regions with democratic regimes." "We also know that prosperity encourages the development of individuals and communities, and hence of democracy itself. There is a close interaction between democracy and economic health, one which has undoubtedly been built slowly and painfully," she said. President Dreifuss pointed out that human dignity usually comes under attack in countries where democracy remains weak or non-existent. While it is normally up to states to seek solutions through diplomacy, the business world should not remain indifferent. While politics is supposedly not the mission of companies, private sector ethics should nevertheless seek to comply with the rules laid down by the international community. This includes measures aimed at combating child labour and corruption, or guaranteeing wages that enable workers to live above the poverty line. Developing democracy is "the best way of ensuring long-term prosperity as well as reinforcing the legitimacy of international institutions responsible for defining world trade regulations," added the Swiss President. In a world where interdependence is already a major factor, President Dreifuss concluded, "we should use democracy, transparent decision-making processes and respect for the individual, communities and cultures to see that all players have their say, thus ensuring that our material prosperity reflects the richness of our diversity." *{Contributors: Dreifuss Ruth Herzog Roman Schwab Klaus}