The United Nations Global Compact's first major regional meeting in South Asia concluded on March 9 with a call to pursue responsible business practices to help combat poverty...[the meeting was] Held in Jamshedpur, India...[and] Hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Tata Steel and the Global Compact Society India...United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan [said] "I am very encouraged that governments, businesses, civil society groups and the labor movement in South Asia are exploring ways to work more closely together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals."