G-ForSE 2004: Day 2-the Lahore-Sialkot Declaration

Day two of the Global Forum for Sports and Environment (G-ForSE) 2004 took delegates to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), where the international delegates met with the leaders of the Sialkot sporting goods industry to discuss a range of issues relating to corporate social and environmental responsibility, culminating in the signing of the Lahore-Sialkot Declaration.

Michel Perraudin, President of the World Federation for the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), pointed out the need for the manufacturing base to be pro-active in developing sustainable practices, without relying on their multi-national clients, such as Nike and Adidas, to make the first move. Responsible business practices must be initiated by regional businesses and then presented as a selling point to these larger industries, the WFSGI President said.

The industry leaders have courageously tackled the issue of child labor in recent years and have committed to continue to improve working and environmental standards in line with the UN Global Compact initiated by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.

Sialkot produces 60-percent of the world’s soccer balls used around the world, and the highlight of the day was their unanimous endorsement of a declaration calling for environmental concerns to be fully taken into account in their industry.

In his speech, GSA Executive Director, Tatsuo Okada explained the important connection between sports and the environment and the significance of the Lahore-Sialkot Declaration, signed by the delegates of G-ForSE 2004 and the representatives of Sialkot. Presenting an Ecoflag to Ahsan Naeem, the President of the SCCI, Dr. Okada described the role this symbol of environmental awareness and action has been playing at sports events around the world. In commemoration of G-ForSE 2004 and the signing of the Lahore-Sialkot Declaration, Tatsuo Okada was called on to plant a tree next to the SCCI.

The delegates were then taken for a tour of the “Vision” soccer ball production facility. Recently rebuilt in accordance with new work health and safety standards, the factory also adhere to a strict ‘no child labor’ policy. This excellent facility covers all stages of production, aside from stitching. The facilities were clean, bright, well ventilated, and appeared to allow workers to do their jobs safely and comfortably.

On their return to Lahore, the delegates held a final press conference to announce the result of the Forum and signal the conclusion of G-ForSE 2004.

The Lahore/Sialkot Declaration on Corporate Environmental Responsibility

• Recognizing the value of involving the private sector in achieving the United Nations Millennium Goals,
• Recognizing the role of the environment in the Global Compact of the United Nations Secretary General;
• Recognizing the importance that an increasing number of companies are placing on the Global Reporting Initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme;
• Noting the importance of the participation of the corporate sector in the implementation of the United Nations Decade on Education for Sustainable Development and the celebration of the United Nations Year of Sport and Physical Education – 2005;
• Further recognizing that considerable progress has already been accomplished in incorporating environmental concerns in the work of sporting goods companies;
• Further inspired by the social progress achieved in many parts of the world, including Lahore and Sialkot where child labor has been eliminated for the soccer ball industry;
• Determined to contribute to the efforts for human progress and the reduction of poverty;
• We sport related industries therefore agree:
  • to raise the importance of sustainable development and the environment in our work principles;
  to include the environment as a key factor in our non-financial reporting;
  • to reduce and improve the use of water and energy during the production of sporting goods;
  • to introduce cleaner technology, reduce the amount of toxic and chemical waste produced and other pollutants in our production facilities;
  • to raise environmental awareness and action among company workers;
  • to promote and sponsor children and youth activities linking good health, sport and environment;
  • to participate in and support initiatives that seek to promote the linkages between sport and the environment including with athletes.

For more information on G-ForSE 2004 in Lahore, see the G-ForSE database or contact Jason_Chare@gsa.or.jp

LINK :
G-ForSE 2004 in Lahore