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Over the period 1995-2004, a total of two and a half billion people were affected by disasters, with 890,000 deaths and US$ 570 billion of losses. More
MDGs
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development
In today’s interdependent global economy, it makes good business sense for companies to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs aim to develop secure, stable and prosperous societies, in which business can flourish. The private sector benefits from the participation of a healthy, educated workforce, and the presence of a solid base of consumers and investors. Also, many of the problems addressed by the MDGs, such as poor health and education, conflict and instability, environmental degradation, and global climate change, can directly increase the costs and risks of undertaking business in developing communities. Failure to address these issues can also lead to short-term and long-term financial risks, market risks, litigation risks and reputation risks. Search this section of the website to learn more about the MDGs and about specific partnerships undertaken by business and the UN to advance work toward these goals.
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Change for Good programme helps world's poorest children
The Change for Good programme, a project by which major airlines collect and donate leftover foreign currency from passengers returning home, has raised over $USD 70 million for programmes benefitting children. The alliance is designed to collect unused currency from passengers and convert spare... More
UNHCR and Merck responding to HIV/AIDS needs among displaced populations
Conflict, resulting in instability and the breakdown of social support structures can increase the risk of HIV. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has long recognised that many of the people it serves are made vulnerable by these factors and have responded by working together... More
Shea butter production initiative
The shea butter production initiative is a partnership between French Cosmetics firm l'Occitane en Provence and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). It aims to help women producers in rural Burkina Faso gain direct access to markets for their product. More
Johnson & Johnson Commits to New Private Sector Partnership in support of the H4+ and Coordinated UN Response
Johnson & Johnson announced a collaboration with UN Health 4+ agencies and the World Bank that aims at helping to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Inspired by this unique approach to maternal and child health they have become the first corporate partner with Health... More
Intel and UNFPA to Boost Health Workers’ Skills around the World
UNFPA and Intel have partnered to strengthen the skills of midwives and community health workers through technology and training materials. The aspects of this partnership, including the role of under the Intel 1Mx15 Health initiative and the Intel skoool™ Healthcare Education Platform are... More
UNDP, Western Union Join Forces to Channel Remittances for Development
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Western Union Foundation announced a US$500,000 initiative to assist Filipino and Moroccan migrants living and working abroad to contribute to sustainable local development in their home countries. More
Public private partnership for the urban environment (PPPUE) develops innovative local initiatives
Through the public private partnership for the urban environment (PPPUE), UNDP is tackling some of the most urgent environmental problems in developing countries by creating partnerships between the public and private sector companies. More
Businesses promote sustainability in construction sector
SBCI is a global partnership between UNEP and worldwide leading companies, to promote and support sustainable solutions in the building and construction sector. More
UNCTAD enhancing the participation of women entrepreneurs in LDCs
UNCTAD conducts forum, which brought together experts from governments, non-governmental organizations and academia, as well representatives of women's and business associations and women entrepreneurs, examined the impact of recent multilateral trade agreements, women's relative inability to... More
UNESCO and Microsoft recognise classroom innovators for creative use of technology in education
UNESCO and Microsoft have joined forces to recognise and reward innovative teachers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa at the Innovative Teachers Forum 2007, which will take place at UNESCO Headquarters and the Louvre Museum in Paris on 29-30 March. During the event, held under the auspices of... More