Mark Malloch Brown, Former Administrator, United Nations Development Programme

Initiative Session Date: May 20, 2003

Summary:
Malloch Brown offered his thoughts on the importance of the Initiative and what we can do for global poverty reduction. He expressed that, as politically connected citizens, the Initiative should apply strong political pressure for increased development assistance, lobby for important issues such as the Doha trade round that has a particular emphasis on developing countries, act as innovators and leaders, and offer our own philanthropy. He also urged that, as corporate leaders, in working with companies throughout the world, to use our ability to raise their standards of behavior in the areas of environmental protection, labor rights, human rights. With democracy on the march, he highlighted that we are at a moment of historical opportunity and the importance of a development strategy beyond narrow economics that encompasses education, women, environment, and health.

"I think that, in a sense, this initiative and the fact that so many important people in Seattle are finding their way to this breakfast table for this series, is evidence that you, without perhaps realizing it, are one very significant part of a broader sort of awakening of America’s conscience and attention to the world."

       --Mark Malloch Brown, Speaking with the Initiative

Biography