The work of The Berne Declaration focuses on Switzerland. Many decisions made here have a direct impact on poor people in the Third World: from patent laws and the strategies of Swiss multinationals to the rules of the Swiss financial market. The Berne Declaration urges Switzerland to take a leading role in promoting equitable development and encourages Swiss corporations to act in a socially and ecologically responsible manner around the world. The Berne Declaration also promotes literary works from the south strengthen solidarity and mutual respect between north and south.