GENEVA - To mark the North American launch of its latest report, Doing business with the poor, the WBCSD will host a unique debate on the role of business in poverty alleviation.

"Doing business with the poor" explores how several companies are starting to break into the largest untapped consumer market, i.e. the world's four billion poor people.

There will be a panel discussion with top business leaders and NGO representatives. They will tell us how companies are starting to break into this untapped market of 4 billion people in ways that benefit both the poor and the company.

"Most of the planet's people are poor - between 67% and 78%, depending on figures, so most multinational companies are fiercely competing over a minority of potential customers. That is a spectacular oversight on our part," says the report. "The concept of doing business with the poor could revolutionize the way we do business and the way we think about doing business."

AGENDA - April 26, 2004

6:00 - 7:30pm

Opening remarks by: Björn Stigson, President, WBCSD

Perspectives from:

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brings together some 200 international companies in a shared commitment to sustainable development through economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Our members are drawn from more than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. We also benefit from a global network of 50+ national and regional business councils and partner organizations. Our mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to support the business license to operate, innovate and grow in a world increasingly shaped by sustainable development issues.

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