"Lekgotla" in the Sotho language means a dialogue of leaders. BASD, an initiative of the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, accomplished exactly this type of dialogue through a high profile event at the Johannesburg Summit that brought together world business leaders, NGOs, labour unions, and government officials. This one-day business event on Sunday, 1 September, 2002 opened a meaningful discussion on initiatives and partnerships towards sustainable development.

The day was organised into four thematic plenary sessions, which included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and audience participation. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, European Union President Anders Fogh Rasmussen and WSSD Chair Nitin Desai were among the speakers at Business Day.