Bono calls for conscientious commerce

U2 singer and Third World campaigner Bono has called on business to do more to help in the fight against AIDS. The call came as Bono launched the new American Express RED card at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Describing himself and the corporate world as 'fat cats,' Bono said that the current model of philanthropy was not adequate to meet the challenge of AIDS as he endorsed a brand called RED which businesses can use to sell products contributing a share of the profits to the Fund. The products, which include an American Express card, Converse sneakers, Gap T-shirts and Giorgio Armani sunglasses, will not sell at a premium but the companies involved are confident they will make a profit none the less.

Tom Arnold of Concern backed Bono's call and urged companies in Ireland to take up the model of corporate social responsbility.