Covid-19 Private Sector Global Facility to elevate local communities from pandemic
The initiative is open for other like-minded private sector organisations that want to contribute
The Covid-19 Private Sector Global Facility is a global initiative and collaboration to bring together the public and private sector partners to help local communities recover better from the pandemic.
Established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Global Compact and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), it is a response to corporate calls to action for private sector leaders and governments to work together to address the negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Deutsche Post DHL Group, Microsoft Corp and the PwC network have already joined the Covid-19 Private Sector Global Facility, and the initiative is open for other like-minded private sector organisations that want to contribute, reads a press release.
The initiative has been established to better coordinate their responses, helping to ensure that immediate stimulus efforts flow into the real economy.
"The Global Facility will operate at both the global and national levels. It aims to co-create solutions that are tailored to the phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in a given area and the specificities of the local private sector and government context," it reads.
Guided by the UN Global Compact's Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Facility will support a multi-sectoral, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to face the multidimensional nature of the crisis.
"Solidarity to 'Recover Better Together' can boost our collective efforts not only to cope with the crisis but overcome it. UNDP's footprint across some 170 countries and territories, combined with the UN Global Compact's network of more than 10,000 companies and 68 Local Networks around the world, and the International Chamber of Commerce's network of over 45 million companies, multiplies our collective capacity and potential," said UNDP Administrator Mr. Achim Steiner, according to the statement.
Initiating partners
The Initiating Partners are UNDP, UN Global Compact and ICC. Together, they will bring their unique access to global expertise on responsible business practices, economic recovery, green business transformation and multi-hazard risk management, it adds.
"Through partnerships like the Covid-19 Private Sector Global Facility we will support companies to Recover Better Together from the pandemic and finally confront global inequality by taking action, as well as mitigate the worst impacts of a climate emergency that threatens all of humanity," said Ms Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact.
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced around 70% of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to shut down their operations. SMEs represent 50% of global GDP and more than 70% of global employment, says the statement.
The Secretary General of ICC, John WH Denton AO said: "ICC's local networks can bring value to the cooperation by reaching small business owners who want to have their challenges understood, their ideas heard, and their efforts to Recover Better recognised and built upon by others," according to the statement.
Private sector involvement
The Covid-19 Private Sector Global Facility is supported by strategic partners DHL, Microsoft and PwC, and is open for other like-minded private sector organizations that want to join this initiative.
"In the current situation our employees recognise more than ever before their contribution to the well-being of the population. Join our efforts of connecting people improving lives to address the upcoming challenges together with our long standing partner UNDP" said Ms Monika Schaller, EVP Group Communications, Sustainability & Brand.
"In line with Microsoft's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, we firmly believe technology can be a force for good in these challenging times and we're proud to partner with public and private sector partners in an effort to accelerate global recovery," said Justin Spelhaug, Microsoft VP and Global Head of Tech for Social Impact.
"At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. Together with our clients and communities, we are working to assess and mitigate the major challenges that the pandemic poses for our economies and societies," said Ms Agnieszka Gajewska, PwC Poland Partner, CEE Public Sector and Infrastructure Leader.
In order to effectively reach the most vulnerable in the most efficient ways, the facility aims to expand the list of strategic partners.
Organisations that want to play a leading role in the global pandemic recovery and join this call to action are encouraged to contact the UNDP project coordinator at [email protected] for a discussion on how they can get involved, adds the press statement.