Nestlé’s priority has always been long-term development, not short-term gains. In early October, Nestlé Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe discussed his concern about the accelerating deterioration of the environment, our natural resources, and the consequences of that deterioration on global development.

According to the WWF and Global Footprint Network, 25% of the world population faces water scarcity, and household water needs are predicted to rise by 61% by 2050. If present trends continue, the livelihoods of one-third of the world population will be affected by water stress in 2025.

In his presentation Mr. Brabeck-Letmathe talks about how sustainability is our responsibility to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development does imply limits in technology and resources, but it is an important process of change — where decisions are made that are consistent with the future, as well as with present needs.

I think we all share Mr. Brabeck’s belief that, in order to create value for our shareholders, we need to create value for the farmers that supply us, our employees, our consumers and in the communities we operate. An important step in creating shared economic and social value is demonstrating responsible behavior that is mindful of the future.

Download Mr. Brabeck’s presentation here: Why CEOS should be worried about the environment – Sept 2009