The Role of the Private Sector in the Post-2015 Development Agenda
By Jennifer Kim Field, Vice President, Global Partnerships, UN Foundation
This year will mark the milestone conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)—a global framework for development since 2000 that has improved the lives of millions. From cutting global poverty in half to more children in school than ever before, the MDGs showed us how rallying around a common set of goals can make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the world.
Yet, we have more work to do—not only to finish some of the targets that were set in the MDGs, but to also scale up our approach and establish more ambitious targets in the areas of inequality, environmental sustainability, and governance. Our next set of global goals, described in the context of the post-2015 development agenda, will be critical to maximizing our reach and applying lessons learned from the MDGs. The work of defining our new goals is well underway, and now is the moment to start scoping out how we can all best contribute to the success of our new global development efforts.
A critical role for the private sector
Just as with the MDGs, the private sector will be critical to implementing the new development agenda, bringing to the table a wealth of expertise and resources to help us tackle some of our world’s greatest challenges. Together, we are part of a global network of solutions that can maximize our reach in alleviating poverty, improving health outcomes, and more. The results of these collective efforts benefit us all, across all sectors– thriving individuals and communities help businesses excel.
There are a multitude of options for businesses to contribute to the post-2015 agenda. From citizen engagement to implementation and showcasing successful models, the private sector is often the nexus for getting the job done. Below are just a few examples of how the private sector can best support our next set of global goals:
- There is still more to do on the MDG agenda. Highlighting successes and lessons learned will be key to accelerating the achievement of the MDGs and successfully implementing the new set of global goals.
- Engage networks of employees on the post-2015 discussions. Business networks will reach millions and can help raise the profile of the year 2015 as a critical time in development.
- Encourage voices of the generation. Younger and newer employees in the business sector will likely have been impacted by the MDGs and will continue to have a role in the new development framework.
- Join or expand public-private partnerships on a particular goal. Just as with Every Woman Every Child, we have seen the importance of partnerships in program implementation.
At the UN Foundation, we are committed to providing opportunities for discussion around the post-2015 development agenda and bringing together the multiple stakeholders that will be involved in implementation. Engaging with the network of businesses that participate in these consultations is a significant way to be involved.
Timing is critical. Last month, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, released his synthesis report of the post-2015 consultations that have taken place over the past two years. It is entitled, “The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending Poverty, Transforming All Lives, and Protecting the Planet” and proposes six essential elements to frame the new development agenda: Dignity, Prosperity, Justice, People, Planet, and Partnership. Formal intergovernmental negotiations will kick off soon. The successful delivery and implementation of a transformative post-2015 agenda depends on our collective action. Please join us in taking the new development agenda forward. Help us shape the future we want.
For more details, ideas, and resources, and to receive periodic updates and invitations for business to contribute its voice, contact the UN Foundation at [email protected].
The Conference Board Business-Community Impact Symposium
Jennifer Kim Field will be leading a panel on the Sustainable Development Goals and the world post-2015 at The Conference Board Business-Community Impact Symposium next month. To be held at Celcius, Bryant Park, New York City on February 10-11, the symposium will showcase leading companies making measurable positive impacts, and help you gain the tools you need to capitalize on your company’s core competencies, employees, and products to strategically tackle crucial issues. Find out more at: www.conference-board.org/businesscommunityimpact.
About the author:
Vice President, Global Partnerships
As Vice President of Global Partnerships, Jen Kim Field leads partnership efforts to contribute towards the sustainability of the UN Foundation and support the work of the United Nations. She brings fifteen years of experience to the senior leadership team in the areas of business development, corporate community involvement, program management, communications, sales and strategic planning.
