This would imply that the taking into account of CSR in management models would result in a certain form of self-regulation, for example with recognised codes of conduct. Different incentives are contributing to this, such as pressure from direct stakeholders and NGOs and regulatory incentives, in particular in terms of reporting. Lastly, I would like to say a few words about the Banque de France. I wish to stress that, as a company, CSR is of great importance. Its current sustainable development strategy combines a two-pronged approach: an Environmental Footprint Reduction Programme and a review of its tasks in the light of sustainable development. In this respect, the Banque de France will, for example, seek to develop the financial culture of the public, spread best practice in the fight against money laundering, encourage economic and financial research in new fields, such as the development of “carbon finance”. I attach great importance to these subjects, and my wish is to see the Banque de France adopt its own sustainable development charter, which formalises its commitments. This should be achieved by the end of this year and will no doubt further enhance the actions of the Banque de France. In the light of this collective awareness of the environmental (finitude and fragility of natural resources), economic and societal implications, central banks perform their task of preserving financial stability while taking into account and anticipating events. This approach, as recent developments have shown, has to be increasingly systemic and co-operative, involving companies, banks, governments and central banks.
Christian Noyer: The history and future of corporate social responsibility Welcome speech by Mr Christian Noyer, Governor of the Bank of France, at the Symposium ICCA – EABH, Paris, 27 October 2008. *  *  *  Minister, Chairman, Ladies and gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Banque de France today together with the founder of the Institute for Corporate Culture Affairs, Manfred Pohl, who has organised this event. I would also like to thank Ms Kosciusko-Morizet for doing us the honour of joining us in this debate, in her capacity as Secretary of State for the Environment. Welcome to all! I wish to thank those who have come from neighbouring countries, and especially those who have travelled from further a field to take part in this symposium. This symposium is being held in this prestigious setting that is rich in history: the Golden Gallery of the Hôtel de Toulouse. It is in this Hôtel that the Banque de France set up its headquarters two hundred years ago to this year. Much time would be required to recount the history of this building. I should at least mention that this Gallery was designed at the start of the 17th century by François Mansart for Mr de la Vrillière, a minister of Louis XIII.