XL Capital Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Brian M. O'Hara last week urged heads of some of the world's leading organizations to adopt an industry-based coordinated approach to global problem solving.

Speaking at the opening of the second XL Capital Congress in Berlin, a global risk conference focused on “One World Without Borders,” Mr. O'Hara challenged nearly 400 attendees to look beyond the numbers relating to catastrophes such as hurricanes and earthquakes to the human tragedies that they represent.

“Society depends on us for more than just the payment of claims,” he said in a statement. “It's all about adding value, about raising awareness of the issues, helping prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.”

Mr. O'Hara suggested that over the long term there could be a new role for companies, which could help shape a global governance model and see more companies becoming partners in global problem solving.

“What's needed are leaders committed to changing the way society organizes itself and the way we approach social problems,” he said. “These leaders will be doing more than giving food or money away. They will be teaching the world to reorganize itself along more long-term, sustainable lines.”

During the conference, a diverse range of international speakers and panelists will critically examine major economic, political and social issues.

Among the speakers scheduled for the conference are the former president of Germany, Richard von Weizs?cker, and the former prime minister of Spain, Jos? Mar?a Aznar.

Special Reports /

XL Chief Urges Global Duties

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