business.un.org, Partnering for a better world

Not sure what kind of partnership to suggest? Learn more about by selecting partnership types from the drop down menu.

For ease of reference, this website describes partnerships in the following ways. (Please note, however, that a relationship may be multi-faceted, involving several kinds of partnership or, of course, comprise something rather different altogether. All ideas are welcome!)

• Advocacy of global issues

  Corporations and UN organisations can partner effectively to advance awareness of global issues. For example: climate change, HIV/AIDS, poverty. More

• Business opportunities in low income communities/countries

  It is often assumed in the private sector that philanthropy is the only way of addressing global needs. And yet, there is a growing movement of businesses using their core competencies to support sustainable growth in developing nations. In this movement, those in developing countries are seen more as partners and clients, and less as recipients or aid beneficiaries. More

• Standards and guidelines development

  Certain industry sectors need more robust international guidelines to ensure responsible and good practice. For example, in the construction industry, building codes are under current discussion to prevent, or minimise, the risk of disaster damage. Earthquakes, hurricanes and other disasters can cause much greater harm in areas where structures are built on a sub-standard basis. More

• Project funding

  There will always remain a need for funding for UN programmes. More

• Provision of services/personnel

  Increasingly, companies are strategically aligning their core competencies with global issues. The UN is interested in partnerships where corporate capacity is linked with key areas of interest. More

• Provision of goods

  Donated goods may be utilised, with gratitude, by the UN. However, they can bring certain challenges to which all parties need to be sensitive. More