Wohlstetter Conference Center, Twelfth Floor, AEI

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

Corporations and governments are witnessing a resurgence of political and economic internationalism. Increasingly prominent issues such as the global financial crisis, the environment, human rights, the developing world, and trade policy have galvanized efforts by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international governmental organizations to become more deeply involved in government and corporate policies. Considering that these are often contentiously debated issues, to what degree should sovereign governments be held accountable to these demands? How should corporations respond in light of their classic responsibility as wealth generators and engines of the world economy? This conference will explore the changing roles and responsibilities of corporations and government vis-à-vis the growing influence of NGOs and international organizations and weigh the policy challenges that the Obama administration will face for engaging these topics in January.

8:45 a.m.

Registration and Breakfast

9:00

Introduction:

Jon Entine, AEI

9:15

Panel I: Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility in a Global Society

Panelists:

Adam Greene, United States Council for International Business

Gwen Ruta, Environmental Defense Fund

Fred Smith, Competitive Enterprise Institute

Moderator:

Josh Gilder, White House Writers Group

10:45

Panel II: The Brave New World of Global Civil Society

Panelists:

Jonathan Doh, Villanova University School of Business

Ian Maitland, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management

Anthony O'Hear, University of Buckingham

Moderator:

Mauro De Lorenzo, AEI

12:00 p.m.

Luncheon

12:30

Keynote Address:

Thomas Dichter, author, Despite Good Intentions: Why Development Assistance to the Third World Has Failed

1:30

Panel III: NGOs and Corporate Engagement

Panelists:

Michael Barnett, University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs

Beth Beloff, Golder Associates

Elaine Sternberg, author, Just Business: Business Ethics in Action

Moderator:

Nicholas Capaldi, Loyola University

3:00

Adjournment