As Maplecroft launches its Human Rights Risk Report 2009, mapping human rights risk to business in 196 countries worldwide, it is clear that the need for risk mitigation by business is greater than ever. Building on three years data and analysis, Maplecroft’s research paints a gloomy picture of human rights globally on the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, calling into question many governments’ commitments regarding the protection of human rights, as well as the role of business in respecting human rights within their sphere of influence.

What difference do sustainability reports make to business strategy?

In a new Wiki Book (www.citizenrenaissance.com), authors Robert Phillips and Jules Peck explore the potential of a new Tripartite Contract between Business, Politics and Citizenship; a Contract built and conducted in the spirit of openness, transparency and real engagement; one designed to deliver the common good and safeguard the future of the planet.

The affordability of pensions and how they are to be funded must be looked at in the light of the nation’s long-term economic and social objectives.  In this context, the terms ‘support’ and ‘dependence’ are used and measured in an unhelpful way that incorrectly assumes a one-way relationship.  The elderly are depicted as dependent ‘takers’, but they also support the economy and society through paying taxes and voluntary activities. Instead of looking at the ‘old age support ratio’ policymakers should focus on the ‘total economic support ratio’, which relates the number of people who are working to the numbers not working.  This was 0.48 in 2003 and is projected to decline to 0.45 by 2041.  At this point it will be almost the same as it was in 1961.

By Alice Walker, about the civil rights movement, the historic presidential win of Barack Obama and his furture presidency. November the 5th, 2008.