The city of Geneva has become well known world-wide as a centre for international organizations. They are intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, international business associations, and research bodies all focused on addressing global issues and promoting sustainable development. Most of these organizations have in common that while doing so – to varying degrees – they work together and reach out to the business community.

This may appear a logical thing to do, but surprisingly it is due to a fundamental shift of paradigms in the international debate on environment and development. The private sector is today considered to be an essential pillar in the societal architecture needed to achieve sustainable development. Only 30 years ago, however, within the Geneva community of international bodies the role of business in development and environment was regarded to be marginal, or even, counterproductive.

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The articles presented in this section have been written by SFG founders and published by The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative for the launch of SFG association in October 2008.