Business and the Millennium Development Goals: a framework for action

This report provides a framework for action on how companies and business coalitions can work with the UN system, governments, and civil society organisations to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In order to do so, the report explains the background and the content of the MDGS as well as why businesses are so important to achieve them. The report then focuses on every single Development Goal offering a framework for businesses to actively help in achieving them. Examples include:

In order to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, companies are encouraged to: provide affordable products and services, build local business linkages and employment opportunities and advocate for fairer access to OECD markets.

In order to achieve universal primary education, companies are encouraged to: tackle child labour, deliver education services, harness technology for education and invest in local schools or support the work of education NGOs.

In order to combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases, companies are encouraged to: provide affordable products and services, implement workplace HIV/AIDS programmes focused on education, prevention, treatment and care, support HIV/AIDS and other medical funds and provide product donations.

In order to ensure environmental sustainability companies are encouraged to: understand and manage the company’s direct environmental impacts, invest in product and process innovation and transform business models and negotiate international rules and develop voluntary standards.

[This summary links to the document hosted on UNDP]