The private sector is crucial for sustainable development. It contributes directly and indirectly to economic progress by generating employment, savings and capital utilisation. The dynamics of the global economy have transformed the role of the private sector and enhanced its ability to directly influence global trends and policies. Together with the enormous resources available to it, the private sector, as a result, can impact like never before. The corporate sector is accused of pursuing business goals often at the cost of social marginalisation and ecological degradation. This human and environmental cost being unacceptable to an increasingly aware civil society, it is demanding that corporations become accountable for their resource use and means of production. Though profits remain the motivation for the private sector, companies recognise that they cannot be made at the cost of exploitation or ecological damage. Yet, despite efforts, the corporate sector remains misunderstood and continues to face criticism for its lack of understanding of human and environmental issues.
RBI is convinced that responsible profits lead to a "win-win situation". And that "good" profits combine economic, social and environmental gains through responsible corporate behaviour.
The time is right to promote a culture of dialogue and learning, of building alliances and sharing ideals. By building bridges between the shareholder and the stakeholder, it is possible to utilise the enormous potential of the private sector for sustainable development. Every one wins.

RBI, For the first time in Pakistan:

• can enable multinationals, national corporations and local industry to participate in the global phenomenon of responsible corporate citizenship.
  
• brings together government, international bodies, NGOs, academia, representative associations, the media and key opinion leaders.
  
• offers a forum accessible to all stakeholder groups, and promotes dialogue ldingo a wide range of learning and action.
  
• can build the capacity of the private sector to respond to stakeholder concerns through open and participatory ways.