The internationalization of all the variables of a society leads us to the need to know, analyze and adopt public-private policies that allow us to enter an increasingly competitive and demanding community, which requires better abilities in order to make the best use of the advantages. and face the challenges of the global economy; Only in this way will we achieve a more equal and inclusive development.

International relations generate ties that can be complementary or adversarial, in a world that is constantly changing, which is a challenge for all actors. It also includes geopolitical considerations that cause all kinds of conflict, including wars.

What are the most sustainable companies in Ecuador in 2022? We bring the list

One of the clearest manifestations of this interdependence is manifested in international trade, where opponents compete and gain or lose areas of hegemony, supremacy and power. The area reserved for the business sector has changed significantly, from the beginning of pure mercantilism and without any social obligations, to today where access to the market of others requires respect for human rights, environmental and labor standards.

I had the honor of participating in the development and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights when Professor John Ruggie, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, asked me to be a member of his Advisory Council.

Sustainable development

Today, Ecuadorian and Latin American companies that sell their products in the European Union are required to have a new responsible business and social behavior. Indeed, the Accession Agreement signed between Ecuador and the European Union has a special column concerning human rights.

Ecuador has made significant efforts in this field. While I was serving as chancellor, on October 20, 2020, despite the pandemic, we launched the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, with the participation of representatives of the United Nations, the European Union, the International Labor Organization and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Sustainable action: this initiative starts with 200 volunteers who donate time and support projects such as introducing alpacas to wetlands or turning tires into tiles

The European Union is assisting Ecuador and several Latin American countries through grant cooperation in the implementation of these guiding principles. The project of responsible business behavior in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ceralc, seeks key results: respect for human rights, environmental protection, equal opportunities, economic and social well-being, dignified work, inclusive dialogue, sustainable development, gender equality and social protection, which enables inclusion of all public-private actors with a participatory approach to civil society, trade unions, business organizations, indigenous peoples, the academic community and relevant actors.

What started in 2020 has an approved roadmap in 2021 and must be implemented in the coming years. This is the first step towards a constructive dialogue to overcome poverty, hunger and exclusion. (OR)