B20/Business at OECD (BIAC) Press Release
Paris, 22 March 2017 – “If we want to ensure future-oriented, sustainable economic growth, business has an important role to play. We are ready to do so.” said B20-President Jürgen Heraeus during the final meeting of all B20 working groups on Wednesday in Paris. Co-hosted by Business at OECD (BIAC), the working groups will use the conference and finalize their recommendations for the upcoming G20 Sherpa Meeting this week.
Following the G20 Motto Shaping an Interconnected World, Heraeus explained: “This cooperation offers the outstanding opportunity to shape global economic governance. Our global economy is changing rapidly. We are facing a multitude of risks: climate change, political conflicts, terrorism to name just a few. The G20 can serve as an agenda setter. “
“Business at OECD provides continuity and expertise across G20 and B20 presidencies. We support the OECD in its vital mission to improve domestic and global economic governance. At a time when trade and investment across borders are subject of much ill-informed debate, OECD evidence on the substantial benefits of open and competitive markets is more important than ever”, said Business at OECD (BIAC) Chairman Phil O’Reilly.
B20 Germany has chosen the motto: Resilience, Responsibility and Responsiveness – Towards a Future-oriented, Sustainable World Economy. Resilience in an economic sense must be a holistic concept, including new frameworks for disruptive technologies brought about by digitalization and those suited for increased uncertainty around the world to ensure crisis-responsiveness. Responsible leaders should address challenges such as climate change and digitalization pro-actively. In the light of the recent rise of anti-globalization movements, the motto of “responsiveness” seems timelier than ever.
About B20
The B20 is an integral part of the G20 process, representing the entire G20 business community. The mission of the B20 is to support the G20 through consolidated representation of interests, concrete policy proposals, and expertise. Furthermore, the B20 promotes dialogue among policymakers, civil society, and business at the international level.
In the B20, business representatives from the entire G20 develop joint recommendations and advocate specific policy actions across the entire G20 agenda. In addition, the B20 organizes a number of events and provides a platform for exchanges with governments and other stakeholders of the G20 process. Like the G20, the B20 is a perennial process with working activities and events during the entire year.
About Business at OECD (BIAC)
Business at OECD (BIAC) speaks for business at the OECD. Established in 1962, we stand for policies that enable businesses of all sizes to contribute to growth, economic development, and prosperity. Through BIAC, national business and employers federations and their members provide expertise to the OECD and governments for competitive economies, better business, and better live.