The UN and Its Relationship with the Private Sector in a context marked by the increasing power of large transnational corporations, the united nations has dedicated part of its attention to the private sector as a way to respond to the new challenges posed by the international setting. according to the report produced in 2007 by the Centre for applied studies for international negotiations (Casin), the relationship between the un and the private sector is complex and diversified. This relationship goes back to the 1970s, when unsuccessful attempts were made to regulate and modify the behavior of transnational corporations. The report prepared by Xxxxx basically points out two perspectives on the relationship between the un and the private sector. The first recognizes the risks of a close association (and is sustained by ngos, scholars, and some agencies from within the un itself, such as the united nations research institute for social Development – unrisD). The other seen as “moderate,” sees the strengthening of 13 Xxxxx xxxxx, The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility 222 (Washington: Brookings institution Press, 2005). 14 Xxxxxxx & xxxxx 2002, at 290. this relationship as constructive. This second perspective is mostly represented by business associations and sectors within the un, suggesting, however, that such relationship must evolve cautiously. For those that consider the risks and limitations of a close association between the un and the private sector, favoritism and conflicts of interests are the main issues. The change in the form of relationship has legitimated the corporations as civil society actors, which has been influenced by a number of processes that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, for instance: (a) structural changes, such as the privatization of the public authority in the international sphere, redefining the frontiers between the public and the private; (b) the period of crisis faced by the un because of the new challenges posed by the international society, especially the increase in the participation of the private sector; (c) internal economic difficulties; and (d) the new ideological context which favors the increase in the participation of the market in the economy and in governmental matters.15 Xxxxx shows that Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx-xxxxx’x term as secretary-general of the un, commenced in 1992, defines the end in the monitoring of the operations of transnational corporations. Political pressure by the united states and lobbying groups such as...
