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G-ForSE 2004 in Lahore, Pakistan
25-26 November 2004
Day-2: Lahore-Sialkot Declaration
November 26, 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 theenvironment including with
athletes.
For
more information on G-ForSE 2004 in Lahore, contact Jason_Chare@gsa.or.jp
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