Business & Peace:

Conference Final Report

On 3 May 2000, we were delighted to be able to participate in one of the first international conferences addressing the key issue of corporate involvement in conflict prevention. This conference, held at Lancaster House in London, brought together a range of key players, a number of whom were from countries seriously affected by armed conflict as well as a host of non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives. Of the 120 participants, over half were from the business community. These included both senior headquarters staff and field managers operating overseas in conflict zones.

The aim of the conference was to discuss ways in which corporations, particularly the extractive industries, can work alongside civil society and governments in support of conflict prevention, crisis management and peacebuilding initiatives.

This report is an overview of the event, which was hosted and sponsored by our respective Departments in collaboration with International Alert (IA), The Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum (PWBLF) and the Council on Economic Priorities (CEP).

We hope that this publication will serve as a valuable reference document to stimulate ongoing dialogue on the constructive role that businesses can play in conflict prevention, peace building and development. The key findings will help in planning our Government’s future strategy in this relatively new but important area.