UN/Business Partnerships
Innovative partnerships with business and civil society have become a common phenomenon at the United Nations in recent years. A wide range of UN programmes, funds and specialized agencies across the system are working closely with the private sector in various capacities. While all UN entities are distinct in their mandates and engagement strategies, the Global Compact Office is working to strengthen the UN system in its efforts to engage business.
How does the GC Office support the UN? Our work includes convening annual UN System Private Sector Focal Points Meetings and the publication of "The UN-Business Focal Point", a quarterly e-newsletter designed to enhance communication and collaboration among UN staff working with business.
The Global Compact also contributes to the development of UN policies and practices in the area of business partnerships by developing the Secretary-General's Reports to the General Assembly under the item "Towards Global Partnerships".
Finally, the Compact supports the work of the UN in its efforts to internalise the ten principles into the Organization's operations. The positive contribution of responsible business practices to society is now widely recognized by the UN system and the Global Compact Office will continue to explore ways and means to enhance UN/Business partnerships across the Organization.
Tools & Publications
Building Partnerships: Cooperation between the UN System and the private sector (2000): provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the UN's ongoing partnerships with the private sector. Meetings & WorkshopsThe Global Compact has played an integral role in facilitating UN System Private Sector Focal Points Meetings since the inaugural event in 1998 in Turin. These meetings are designed to enhance communication, strengthen learning and improve coordination among UN staff working with the private sector. UN System Private Sector Focal Points Meeting 2006, Paris, France, 1-2 June, 2006 [ Agenda ] [ Background Document ] [ Meeting Report] [ Participant List ]
UN Reports & Resolutions
Secretary-General's Reports to the General Assembly : Since 2000, the GC Office
has been the functional entity within the UN Secretariat responsible for developing the
Secretary-General's report under the item "Towards Global Partnerships". It focuses on ways of
enhancing cooperation between the UN and all relevant partners, in particular, the private sector.
UN General Assembly Resolutions : Various General Assembly Resolutions have
recognized the importance of responsible corporate citizenship, public-private partnerships and the
supportive role of the Global Compact Office, along with outlining general principles and lessons
learned for the role of the private sector in the work of the UN. The concept of working in
partnership with the private sector and civil society in order to achieve UN goals enjoys the
broad-based support of governments from around the world.
The UN's Efforts to Internalize the GC Principles: In order to preserve the UN's credibility as the initiator of the Compact, and in response to challenges by leaders of NGOs and the private sector, the Secretary-General requested that a review be carried out to explore the extent to which the Organization could embrace the Compact's principles.
Links & Further Resources |
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Contact
Ms. Melissa Powell
powell1@un.org
+1 212-963-0566
(Last Update 18 December 2007)
