The International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) is an independent, not-for-profit global organisation promoting responsible business, particularly in developing markets. IBLF works with business leaders and their companies to deliver unique solutions to sustainable development challenges worldwide. They advocate corporate social responsibility, and remain neutral and unaligned to any political interests, sectors or markets.[1]
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IBLF was founded in 1990 by HRH The Prince of Wales, Robert Davies and a group of international CEOs as a response to the changing face of globalisation, and in particular the fear that business was having a negative impact on society. It started work in Central and Eastern Europe, helping to stabilise society following the collapse of communism, but now works in emerging markets globally.
IBLF is backed by over 85 influential multinational companies, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Royal Dutch Shell, Accenture and Diageo. IBLF partners with leading businesses to inspire and realize sustainable enterprise and global development. Over the past two decades, the organisation has worked with NGOs, companies, governments and global organisations to create innovative programmes in areas including employability, human rights, health, anti-corruption and climate change.
With five key focuses, Business Standards to reduce operating costs/reputation risks in markets where government regulation is inadequate or ineffective. Human Capital to improve the lives of vulnerable people through business action on education and health. Prosperity to create sustainable employment via the core activities of responsible business, creating wealth and prosperity. Environment to help companies and communities cope with climate change and other environmental issues. Partnership to build the capacity of all sectors to work collaboratively to achieve sustainable development goals, positioning business as a lead partner in development
IBLF has several global programmes, each crisscrossing multiple themes. Some of these are:
Value is achieved through development and delivery of solutions. Provision of information, analysis and trend spotting. Offering advice and counsel on a range of issues. The Facilitation of cross-sector collaboration, partnership working and capacity building.
E. Neville Isdell, former Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company: “IBLF is very large in its outreach, helping businesses work better with society and creating a multiplier effect right around the world. They enable companioes to be much more relevant in terms of the overall footprint they have on the sustainability agenda.”
Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo: “IBLF has its radar set to identify what is out there that is going to have a broad impact on business, engaging companies to understand the issue and participate in the solution - because usually these issues are such that the rulebook has not been written and has to be done so collectively.”
Mark Foster, Group CEO, Accenture: "Corporate Social Responsibility is embedding itself into the DNA of organisations. At a global level, we’re facing massive, complex issues related to the economy or the environment. Companies need help to navigate around that – and this is where IBLF comes in.”