One of the highlights of the third day’s programme at the World Economic Forum summit here on Friday was a special address by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Prime Minister of Canada Paul Martin which was followed by a panel session on ‘Global inter-dependence’ in which Communications Minister Arun Shourie was one of the key participants. Annan particularly highlighted the ‘global compact initiative’ involving corporations which was started last year and is working on a variety of issues ranging from aid awareness to anti-corruption and learning. He said business has a great potential influence in the area of trade and they should use that influence to break the current impasse in the talks. “No single issue more gravely imperils the multi-lateral trading system than agriculture,” he said. The UN chief also said efforts should be made to manage the threats to peace and security, particularly through business operations in the badly-affected areas. After the special address by Annan, the dais was taken by a small group of panelists from different countries which was moderated by the Canadian Prime Minister. And it was here Shourie made an impassioned plea to the world business community which struck a right chord, judging from the applause that he got after the presentation. Referring to the Cancun round of talks, Shourie said the global business community should be careful to effect a just and fair outcome on trade talks. “Unless we do this we will have to face the consequences. The voice of multilateralism should be heard.” The second point that he highlighted was with a reference to the World Social Forum meet held in Mumbai recently which was critically perceived by many in the developed world. “We must listen to them,” he said. Finally, he touched upon the vulnerability of large sections of people and the need to assist each other. Technology, for example, can help bridge and bring in global interdependence, he said. Interestingly, Shourie’s concern on the breakdown of the WTO talks was also echoed at another session where WTO director- general Supachai Panitchpakdi, suggested a one-year suspension of work on regional and bilateral trade talks so as to concentrate on pushing forward the Doha agenda.
