| Focus Area: |
Governance, Enterprise and Investment |
| Project: |
BCLC’s 2006 Global Engagement Program |
| Commitment By: |
Business Civic Leadership Center |
| Value: |
$150,000 |
| Required Funding: |
$140,000 |
Objective: To increase awareness and enhance the effectiveness of the private sector’s role in international aid.
Commitment: To create an information clearinghouse for companies that want to invest in international aid and long-term development projects through: 1. Collecting case studies of successful and effective business engagements in developing countries, 2. Forming a “who’s who” of global aid agencies to help the private sector target their interests and activities, and 3. Keeping an online library of international aid resources, organizations, and research publications.
Background: Globalization is a leading issue that affects American businesses in both positive and negative ways. Companies are increasingly being asked to engage in community- or country-specific issues, and are often the target of anti-development interests. BCLC helps frame the role of business in the global economy and seeks to increase the effectiveness of international aid by leveraging the private sector’s ability to support new markets and spur sustainable development.
| Point of Contact: |
Catherine Taylor, Communications and Research Manager
Business Civic Leadership Center |
| Geographic Scope: |
Global |
| Anticipated Launch Date: |
BCLC initiated this program in 2005 and it remains central to our 2006 program of work. |
| Anticipated Duration: |
Ongoing, above three components of our commitment will be completed in 2006. |
Partnership Opportunity: BCLC seeks corporate case studies and ongoing information on aid agencies and new and updated research and policies that affect business’ engagement in the global economy.
Update:
January 2006:
BCLC launched a new section of its web site that is dedicated to connecting people to resources for information on the business role in global development. Case studies and the “who’s who” are in development.
March 2006:
Planning and outreach are underway for our April 19 forum, “The Role of the Private Sector in International Aid and Development,” which will be held in New York City at the United Nations headquarters. This forum forms the basis for a September conference and research report on the same topic and will focus on enhancing the link between international aid and sustainable trade and investment. Topics include “Promoting a Culture of Commitment,” “Values in the Global Market Place,” “Government, Nonprofit and Private Sector Partnering,” and “Effectively Communicating Corporate Responsibility Commitments.” The forum will be followed by an afternoon showcase, where UN agencies, companies, and members of the international aid community will have an opportunity to share programs and learn more about UN and other partnership opportunities.
May-July 2006:
Following its successful April forum on the Role of the Private Sector in International Aid and Development, the Business Civic Leadership Center has begun to plan its next forum, scheduled for September 7. This forum will address the role of international aid in promoting long-term markets. In addition, the Center continues to develop several information-based tools and resources, and will soon release a report on U.S. global corporate citizenship activities