Investing in stability

First edition June 2004 The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations Environment Programme concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. [...] The link between the September 11th hijackers and the Taliban in Afghanistan served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of politics, finance and terrorism. [...] The analysis in this report will prepare the way for informed debate, and practical solutions—both in the conference room and in the market place. [...] Given a rising interest in and focus on the importance of economic factors in many of today's conflicts, and the tremendous financial impact of recent terrorist attacks, attention has turned to the role of this sector in conflict prevention, management and peace-building. [...] The key drivers moving violent conflict onto the agenda of the finance sector are concerns about the uncertainty and rising costs of extreme terrorist acts, threats to reputation, staff and investments, emerging regulatory and litigation threats, and opportunities for competitive advantage.