So, ten years on from 2011 and the Council’s creation, we believe we can justifiably consider that the alliance was visionary in its concept. Indeed, in the last three years or so there has been a very noticeable interest globally in the issues traditionally covered by the CoBS: diversity and inclusion, sustainability, ethical leadership, the necessity for social and environmental accounting, sustainable finance, stakeholder cooperation and co-creation, sustainable business practices. We have witnessed the creation of many establishments, centres and institutions – or indeed existing ones – taking on a CSR and sustainability dimension. In many cases, the CoBS happily co-exists with these peer organisations and in some cases, most notably the UN PRME, GBSN and OECD, has very close and regular working ties.

So join us in celebrating our 10 years and let us contribute together to striving for a world in which business plays a positive, responsible and major role in creating innovation, wealth and knowledge for society, humankind, and our planet.