The UN Global Compact complements other corporate citizenship initiatives by promoting dialogue on the relationship between business and society. At the same time it is the only truly global corporate citizenship initiative. It is not an auditable standard; indeed, it is not a standard or a code in the way that these are normally viewed. It is a set of principles through which business and the United Nations can work in partnership for global social development. For some businesses it is a simplified codification of their existing policies and management practices, but for many engagement represents a challenge and an opportunity to raise their game by aligning profitability with the common good. As the only genuinely global corporate citizenship initiative, the Global Compact draws its moral authority from the UN Secretary-General and its moral and political legitimacy from the UN as the only global political body. It can be viewed as a series of nested networks involving the Secretary-General's Office, the ILO, UNEP, UNHCHR, UNDP and UNIDO, business, NGOs and labour. It can variously be described as an international learning network, as a social network of people and organizations engaged in a global conversation, as a global public policy network, and as a multi-stakeholder dialogue. It is all of these things, but more than anything its greatest success has been in providing a convening platform for a growing global conversation about social development among a variety of actors. However the Global Compact is viewed, it is time to reflect on the first tentative steps of an initiative born in the aftermath of the Cold War, in the "triumph of global economic liberalism" and mass demonstrations against "globalisation". In its first few years, the world has experienced 9/11 and the Iraq War, not forgetting the forty or so civil wars that are ongoing at this time. Whatever is written about the UN Global Compact or its success will be tentative. But there can be some serious reflection on its aims and origins; some telling of stories of engagement; and discussion on how this initiative has quickly become an important reference point in the dialogue on global and corporate governance.

Wars and natural disasters--from the Balkans to the Sudan, and from Afghanistan to Central Africa--have increasingly placed humanitarian workers in the crossfire. Kevin M. Cahill has assembled an international team of renowned experts to offer a much-needed assessment of the moral, legal and political dilemmas and consequences of humanitarian assistance.
Focusing on health issues, "A Framework for Survival" takes an unflinching look at the reality facing the nations and people involved, from refugees to relief organizations. In contrast to conventional military, economic and geopolitical strategies, it suggests rational and effective solutions and foreign policy recommendations. With the collapse of many government infrastructures since the end of the Cold War, the success or failure of humanitarian efforts may, to a large extent, define the world's chances for survival.

Few names are so closely connected with the cause of human rights as that of Mary Robinson. As former President of Ireland, she was ideally positioned for passionately and eloquently arguing the case for human rights around the world. Over five tumultuous years that included the tragic events of 9/11, she offered moral leadership and vision to the global human rights movement. This volume is a unique account in Robinson's own words of her campaigns as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. A Voice for Human Rights offers an edited collection of Robinson's public addresses, given between 1997 and 2002, when she served as High Commissioner. The book also provides the first in-depth account of the work of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights. With a foreword by Kofi Annan and an afterword by Louise Arbour, the current High Commissioner for Human Rights, the book will be of interest to all concerned with international human rights, international relations, development, and politics.

Das "Lexikon der Vereinten Nationen" ist nicht nur Nachschlagewerk, sondern auch Sammlung kritischer Bestandsaufnahmen der Weltorganisation, verbunden mit Reformvorschlagen. Die grosse Zahl renommierter Experten, die an dem Werk mitgearbeitet haben, hat fur ein breites Meinungsspektrum gesorgt. Damit ist das Lexikon auch ein politisches Buch."

Throughout history, race and ethnicity have played critical roles in shaping politics, international policies, and the everyday experiences of a vast majority of individuals around the globe. Most nations around the world are now having to face up to culture clashes and the challenges that accompany globalization and the increased movement of people across national borders. Such conflicts include increased competition among racial and ethnic groups for jobs, housing, education, and other scarce resources. Other challenges include international migration and immigration that often change the complexions, racial and ethnic mixes, and cultural compositions of nations. Such transformations are not easy. They often lead to racial tensions, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and at times, even deadly confrontations and warfare. Societies in Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world are in rapid transition. This transition is characterized by changing demographic, economic, and political patterns which, in turn, raise critical issues with respect to governance, fair and just public policy, and the meaning of citizenship. Combating Racism and Xenophobia: Transatlantic and International Perspectives provides an analysis of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world. This book provides a non-technical summary of some of the best thinking on racism and xenophobia from internationally known world leaders, diplomats, and scholars who focus on the international dimensions of intolerance and what can be done to eliminate such problems. Using Transatlantic institutions as examples, it also provides insights and tangible recommendations that, when implemented, go a long way toward resolving problems that stem from racism and xenophobia.

The work involves the investigation of 6 indigenous Ghanaian plants P. pinnata, H. opposita, G. arboreum, A. nobilis, F. asperifolia and B. aegyptiaca used for the treatment of bacterial infections and wounds. It also describes the isolation and characterization of the active principles from P. pinnata. Extracts were assessed for in vitro antibacterial activity, usingwild-type and resistant strains of Staph.aureus. P.pinnata, H. opposita, G. arboreum and F. asperifolia showed antibacterial activity. The active compounds in P. pinnata were isolated, using chromatographic techniques and identified with the aid of NMR spectroscopy. The wound healing action of the plant extracts were assessed using in vitro models. P.pinnata, G. arboreum and F. asperifolia at concentrations from 1 to 25ug/ml had a significant stimulatory effect on the proliferation of HDF (142BR) cells. Paullilupeol and paullilupeone isolated from P. pinnata, showed a dose-dependent increase in proliferation of the up to 3uM. All extracts at concentrations 1 to 50ug/ml, had a statistically significant antioxidant protective effect against hydrogen peroxide induced damage to 142BR cells.

Over forty years of service to the United Nations - the last ten as Secretary-General - Kofi Annan has been at the centre of the major geopolitical events of our time. As much a memoir as a guide to world order, INTERVENTIONS provides a unique, behind-the-scenes view of global diplomacy during one of the most tumultuous periods in UN history. With eloquence and immediacy, Annan writes about the highs and lows of his years at the United Nations: from shuttle-diplomacy during crises such as Kosovo, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine to the wrenching battles over the Iraq War to the creation of the landmark Responsibility to Protect doctrine. He is remarkably candid about the organization's failed efforts, particularly in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Ultimately, Annan shows readers a world where solutions are available, if we have the will and courage to see them through.

Global Backlash is the first book to move beyond the monolithic portrayal of the globalization protests that have escalated since Seattle and are not likely to abate soon. With trenchant analysis and dozens of primary documents from a variety of popular and uncommon sources, Robin Broad explores proposals and initiatives coming from the backlash to answer the question, But what do they want? A range of sophisticated propositions and a vibrant debate among segments of the backlash emerge. Highly readable and analytically powerful, this book is vital to understanding the most potent protest movement of our times. Visit our website for sample chapters