Business for Development - Business solutions in support of the Millennium Development Goals

Geneva, 14 September 2005 - Business plays a central role in creating opportunities for empowerment and development. At the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, business publicly ‘stepped up to the plate’ by demonstrating that it is taking its own role in development seriously. Part of that commitment involves talking frankly and openly with policy leaders. This publication is part of that ongoing discussion and debate.

Business solutions accelerate the pace of development efforts considerably, says the report. A growing number of companies are investing in new business ideas that have clear development benefits, especially in terms of creating opportunities for people. These ideas include designing products and services that address specific needs of the poor, increasing sourcing from local suppliers and involving low-income communities in the delivery of innovative products and services.

The members of the WBCSD are ready to play an even bigger role in creating sustainable livelihoods and building prosperous societies through their core business activities. Their primary driver is the real business opportunities they see in addressing some of the most pressing development challenges. At the same time, this is driven by the desire to show that globalization can and must be inclusive.

However, business does not operate in a vacuum. Capital shuns high-risk countries. It is up to governments to create a stable investment climate through steady, long-term commitment, action and coherent strategies that intimately involve the private sector as well as civil society.

Business for Development singles out framework conditions as the most important factor affecting business investment. The publication strongly advocates focusing investment on:

• a strong regulatory and legal framework
• building the capabilities of local enterprises
• core infrastructure

Tackling these areas will have multiplier effects on development.Improving governance not only improves the business environment but strengthens human rights. Building up infrastructure and promoting education are investments that benefit people, investments that underpin the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Download

• Business for Development - Business solutions in support of the Millennium Development Goals ( 1.1 MB)
• Japanese: Business for Development - Business solutions in support of the Millennium Development Goals ( 1.4 MB)
• Spanish: Negocios Para el Desarrollo - Soluciones empresariales para apoyar el logro des los Objetivos de Desarrollo Del Milenio ( 992 kb)

Further information

• The sustainable livelihoods experience - A video library

The sustainable livelihoods experience is an online gallery showcasing the views of global business leaders on sustainable livelihoods business and how they are implementing this new inclusive business approach in their companies.
• The WBCSD Sustainable Livelihoods project
• Doing business with the poor: a Field Guide (March 2004) ( 1.1 MB)
• Finding capital for sustainable livelihoods businesses (July 2004) ( 560 kb)
• A business guide to development actors (October 2004) ( 1 MB)

Author WBCSD Publication Date 14 Sep 2005 Document Type Publications WBCSD news Issue/Topic Business Role/CSR Development Source WBCSD Include In RSS Business & Development News WBCSD News & Updates		1.1 MB Click here to order