The private sector plays an essential role in humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, but large numbers of independent actors - no matter how well intentioned - can introduce complexity and potential duplication of efforts, particularly when companies react in an ad hoc or uncoordinated way.  To deliver maximum impact, many forward-thinking companies have begun to forge private-sector networks. These networks of companies and local businesses collaborate in a country or region to strengthen their own risk preparedness and to mobilize and coordinate the private-sector response to an emergency.  The paper discusses the role of the private sector in disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts and introduces ideas how companies can collaborate better to become more resilient themselves and reduce duplication and deliver maximum impact supporting humanitarian efforts.

More than 20 million people in North-East Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen and Somalia are facing famine or a credible risk of famine over the coming six months. Some 1.4 million children are currently at imminent risk of death from malnutrition. To avert a major humanitarian catastrophe the United Nations and its partners must massively scale up efforts now. To do this, humanitarian operations in the four countries require more than US$5.6 billion in 2017, of which at least US$4.4 billion are required urgently.

Aims to inspire all business — regardless of size, sector or geography — to take leading action in support of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It illustrates how the five leadership qualities of Intentionality, Ambition, Consistency, Collaboration and Accountability can be applied to a business' strategy, business model, products, supply chain, partnerships, and operations to raise the bar and create impact at scale. The Blueprint is a tool for any business that is ready to advance its principled approach to SDG action to become a leader.

Identifies and ranks 15 sustainability opportunities according to public and private sector interest and potential impact on societies and business. The report aims to demonstrate how global sustainability challenges and risks can be seen as opportunities. The 2017 reports stems from a survey of 5,499 business, governmental and social leaders across five continents.

Takes stock of the contribution of UN Global Compact business participants towards sustainable development. The report assesses progress in terms of how companies are taking action on the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals, and features ten interviews with disruptive business leaders. It also highlights ten focus areas for the future where further business engagement is needed.

This working paper introduces the Supply Chain Leadership Ladder, a maturity model for supply chain sustainability programs, which companies can use to develop their program toward deeper impact.

Identifies good practices that businesses can use to prevent and mitigate risks of being involved with adverse human rights impacts due to operating in a context of high levels of violent crime, and to support efforts to reduce the human rights impacts of violent crime rates in the areas where it operates.

Aims to explain the meaning of universally recognized human rights in a way that makes sense to business. It will also illustrate, through the use of real-world examples, how human rights apply in a business context.

Outlines ways in which business can help uphold children’s rights and support and promote their well-being during humanitarian crises. It highlights the urgency and need to reach children in humanitarian crises and outlines the positive and negative impacts of business on children. It also aims to inspire action and stimulate learning by providing examples of how business can support and advance children’s rights and well-being.

This resource details how to deal with humanitarian crisis as a business.

Procurement is one of the main channels through which humanitarian and development aid is delivered. Because of this, it is also a vital component to fulfilling the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This publication includes examples of innovative approaches that are being developed to support humanitarian aid and drive sustainable development, and includes contributions from across the public and private sector, as well as academia. The thematic supplement report is part of the 2016 Annual Statistical Report on United Nations Procurement and explores the topic of Future Proofing Procurement, i.e. how procurement has evolved/is evolving to address the needs of the future.

On 12 December 2016, António Guterres was sworn in as the next United Nations Secretary-General. In his vision for the post, Mr. Guterres - a former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN High Commissioner for Refugees - has said that the world body is uniquely placed to connect the dots to overcome global challenges and further strengthen the nexus between peace and security, sustainable development and human rights policies.