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UN Fund for International Partnerships |
UNOP provides Partnership Advisory Services and Outreach
to a variety of entities, as well as managing the United Nations Fund
for International Partnerships (UNFIP), established by the Secretary-General
in March 1998 to serve as the interface in the partnership between the
UN system and the UN Foundation, and the United Nations Democracy Fund
(UNDEF), established by the Secretary- General in July 2005 to support
democratization throughout the world. The Office, headed by
Mr. Amir Dossal, reports to the Deputy Secretary General, Dr.
Asha-Rose Migiro.
Latest NewsIncentive to Innovate Conference 5 June 2009, New York
The UN Office for Partnerships promotes creative initiatives, such as Incentive to Innovate, which contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. UNOP works with the private sector, foundations and philanthropic individuals, among others, to achieve these goals in a way that does not simply provide temporary assistance, but also long-term sustainability. For more information please visit the Incentive to Innovate
conference website.
U Thant Institute Luncheon 3 June 2009, New York
The Luncheon took place on June 3, 2009 at the Delegates Dining Room of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered welcoming remarks and was honored along with his wife Mrs. Ban Soon-taek. United Nations Ambassadors and high-level representatives of foundations, the private sector, and civil society also attended. This event was part of a year-long celebration of U Thant’s accomplishments which ranged from ending the civil war in the Congo and defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis to establishing several UN agencies, funds and programmes, including the UN Development Programme, the UN University, and the UN Environment Programme. The year commenced with a gala dinner in Yangon, Myanmar and other events have since taken place, including the recent issuance of three commemorative stamps by the UN Postal Administration.
In 2007, the Institute launched the “Friendship Across Cultures” program which connects two schools in separate countries which then collaborate and raise funds for school supplies to go to a third school in a developing country on another continent. This collaboration instills cultural understanding and a sense of world citizenship and interconnectedness. The pilot program links the United Nations International School in New York and middle schools in Algeria and the Republic of Korea. The Institute has also established the Emergency Myanmar
Cyclone Relief Fund to aid the survivors of Cyclone Nargis by building
houses and purchasing farm animals, fertilizers, power tillers, and school
supplies. For further information on the U Thant Institute and its wide range of programs, please visit its website.
Permanent Memorial on Slavery planned for HQ in 2012 - Russell Simmons to lead the effort 20 May 2009, New York
Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations, behalf of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the African Union (AU) and in collaboration with the UN Office for Partnerships and the UN Department for Public Information (DPI), the event aimed at re-engaging the attention of the International Community on the horrific nature of slavery, the trans-Atlantic slave trade and its legacy of discrimination.
Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP, announced the launch of the Trust Fund for the Permanent Memorial and welcomed Mr. Simmons in the United Nations family. Staff members and visitors will be able to observe it at a place of prominence at United Nations Headquarters in New York, in acknowledgement of the tragedy and in consideration of the legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Completion date for the Permanent Memorial is set for 2012. The Fund has, so far, received $250,000 of the projected $3.5 m cost from 25 of the 122 Member States, co-sponsors of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 63/5.
After being appointed by Ambassador Wolfe, Mr. Simmons took the floor and expressed his honour and gratitude for this appointment. The event benefit from the support of UNOP team, which
included the following volunteers and interns: Elena Bertusi, Cécile Deleye,
Caitlin McGrath, Sonam Pelden Thaye, and Inna Tremasow.
International Food Policy Research Institute highlights key elements of a code of conduct for foreign land acquisition 4 May 2009, New York One of the lingering effects of the food price crisis of 2007–08 on the world food system is the proliferating acquisition of farmland in developing countries by other countries seeking to ensure their food supplies. Increased pressures on natural resources, water scarcity, export restrictions imposed by major producers when food prices were high, and growing distrust in the functioning of regional and global markets have pushed countries short in land and water to find alternative means of producing food. These land acquisitions have the potential to inject much-needed investment into agriculture and rural areas in poor developing countries, but they also raise concerns about the impacts on poor local people, who risk losing access to and control over land on which they depend. It is crucial to ensure that these land deals, and the environment within which they take place, are designed in ways that will reduce the threats and facilitate the opportunities for all parties involved. Mr. Joachim von Braun, Director General of the International
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Ms. Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Senior
Research Fellow on Environment and Production Technologies at IFPRI addressed
the problem of foreign land acquisition in the article: “Land Grabbing”
by Foreign Investors in Developing Countries: Risks and Opportunities,
published on 13th April 2009 by the IFPRI.
Visit of HRH Princess Banderi Abdul Rahman Al Faisal to the United Nations: Business and Philanthropy Partnerships for Human Capital Development in the Middle East 29 April 2009, New York
On the occasion of a visit to the United Nations on April 29th, 2009 by Her Royal Highness Princess Banderi Abdul Rahman Al Faisal, Director General of the King Khalid Foundation, and the Alwaleed bin Talal Foundation (formerly known as the Kingdom Foundation) of a representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UN Office for Partnerships in cooperation with Harvard Kennedy School of Government arranged discussions with high-level UN partners as well as representatives of the private sector and the philanthropic community. The delegation met with Ms. Thoraya Obaid, (Executive Director, UN Population Fund), Ms. Ines Alberdi (Executive Director, UNIFEM) and Ms. Amat Al Aleem Ali Alsoswa (Director, UNDP Bureau for Arab States) and the Under-Secretary General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ambassador Cheick Diarra. Concentrating on new models of partnership between companies and foundations to build human capital in the Middle East, participants focused on good practices and explore opportunities for partnership in this area going forward. The programme also included a High Level Luncheon with the theme: Business and Philanthropy Partnerships for Human Capital Development in the Middle East. Representatives from NextEconomics, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, William J. Clinton Foundation, Standard Chartered Bank, Coca Cola, World Bank Institute, Business Council for International Understanding, Synergos Institute, AccountAbility, International Business Leaders Forum and the Saudi Mission to the UN discussed and briefed each others about their work.
Creating Shared Value Dinner and Forum 27-28 April 2009, New York
  
Nestlé, the Swiss Permanent Mission to the UN, and the UN Office for Partnerships co-hosted the two-day Forum on Creating Shared Value in New York. The Forum started on the 28th with the dinner, during which the three new Nestlé initiatives were announced. Both the dinner and the Forum held on the 28th were attended by a number of prominent CEOs, UN Officials and academia leaders. On the 28th the Forum was divided in four panels, which provided platform for inter-active dialogue on corporate strategy, water, nutrition, and rural development among Nestlé representatives, UN officials, private sector, foundation, academia, and NGO representatives. The Forum also announced members of the newly formed Nestlé Creating Shared Value Advisory Board. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Maria Livanos Cattaui, former Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce, and involved, among the others the following panelists: Mr. Michael Porter, Professor at Harvard Business School; Mr. Dossal, Executive Director of the UNOP; Mr. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of The Earth Institute; Mr. Ajay Vashee, President of the World Agricultural Producers Association; Mr. Paul Bulcke, CEO of Nestlé; and Ms. Nancy Birdsall, is the Founding President of the Center for Global Development. During the dinner Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships made welcoming remarks, along with Ambassador Peter Maurer, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN, and Mr. Peter Brabeck, Chaiman of Nestlé. Mr. Dossal stated that Nestlé was doing important work in support of the UN objectives, in particular with a focus on water and food security. In panel discussion, Mr. Dossal spoke about the UN engagement with private sector and noted that by working with private sectors, foundations, and NGOS, the international community can move faster in achieve its objectives.
Working in Partnership: Innovating Medicines to Eradicate Malaria - A World Malaria Day Panel Discussion- 22 April 2009, New York
Mr. Dossal, who moderated the event, emphasized on the importance to fight malaria and also showed his delight of seeing the result of a successful public-private partnership. Other speakers included H.E. Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations; Ms. Heidi Grau, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations; Mr. Antony Kalm, EVP Corporate Development, Medicines for Malaria Venture; Mr. Hans Rietveld, Director, Global Marketing Access, Novartis Malaria Initiatives; Mr. Alan Court, Senior Advisor, United Nation’s Secretary General’s Envoy for Malaria and Ms. Susan Myers, Executive Director of United Nations Foundation’s New York Office.
Visit of the Executive Board of the Global Social Compliance Programme 27 March 2009, New York
GSCP is a business-driven programme for companies who want to harmonise their existing efforts in order to deliver a shared, consistent and global approach for the continuous improvement of working conditions in global supply chains. To this end, GSCP offers a global platform to promote knowledge exchange and best practices in order to build comparability and transparency between existing systems, whether individual or collaborative. The process is inclusive and participative for companies across all categories and sectors, regardless of the compliance system they use. This includes retailers and brands in textile, electronics, toys, furniture, food, footwear, etc. GSCP was formed in December 2006 by Carrefour, Metro, Migros, Tesco and Wal-Mart. Since then, Chiquita, Hasbro, Hewlett Packard and Ikea have joined the Executive Board, and the programme has over 25 participating companies, including brand manufacturers as well as retailers. The programme’s aim is to accommodate existing systems while building comparability and transparency; drive convergence and reduce duplication by developing a voluntary benchmarking approach and enable reallocation of resources for identification of root causes and remediation of non-compliances. GSCP is building a set of reference tools (the Reference Code, audit
system and methodology, auditor competence) that describe best practice
and provide a common interpretation of fair labour requirements and
their implementation. The Working Plan also includes three further
steps aiming to build understanding, comparability and the transfer
of information between the existing systems.
High Level Meeting for the Greater Tumen Initiative 23-25 March 2009, Ulaanbaatar
The Event begun on the 23rd with the Business Advisory Council (BAC) Steering Committee session. The 10th meeting of the GTI Consultative Commission, held on the 24th, brought together high-level government officials from the GTI member countries to exchange views on strategic development in the region and discuss joint projects in the key sectors of economic cooperation. Furthermore, the 2nd GTI Investment Forum was held
on 25th March to explore investment potential, extend regional trade
and increase investment opportunities in Northeast Asia. The GTI is a regional cooperation mechanism established in 1995 by China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and Russia, and is supported by the United Nations Development Programme. It is effectively functioning as a unique intergovernmental platform for economic cooperation in Northeast Asia and serving as a catalyst for policy dialogue and cooperation in the areas of transportation, energy, tourism, investment and environment. To download the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, adopted on 24 March 2009 please click here. For further information, please visit the GTI official website and the UNDP Mongolia website:
InfoPoverty World Conference 18-20 March 2009, New York and Milan
Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, spoke about private-public partnerships in the areas of information and communication technologies and their contribution towards the Millennium Development Goals. For further information, please visit the InfoPoverty website.
Philanthropy UK and UN Office for Partnerships March 2009, London The UN Office for Partnerships works closely with
Philanthropy UK, the leading resource for free and impartial advice
to aspiring philanthropists who want to give effectively. Philanthropy
UK develops and shares current information and best practice on
giving; provide accessible links to specialists; and aim to inspire
more people to become philanthropic and so enjoy the extraordinary
rewards this brings. In March 2009, Philanthropy UK released their monthly
newsletter which included an article on Ted Turner, founder of CNN
and the UN Foundation.
The Third Fortune Forum Summit took place to support the UN Millennium Development Goals 3 March 2009, London
The Fortune Forum was founded in 2006 by Renu Mehta with the aim of identifying and convening a new generation of philanthropists: individuals of extreme wealth and influence, to invest their time and money to address the world’s most serious social and environmental issues. It works closely with the UN Office for Partnerships as well as with the UN Millennium Campaign Office to support the UN in achieving the MDGs. For further information, please visit the Fortune Forum website.
Special Event on "Philanthropy and the Global Health Agenda" 26 Feb. 2009, New York
The event, opened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, was participated by many top executives and philanthropy leaders, as well as by ECOSOC Members and other partners. The participants discussed together ways to strengthen partnerships towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) especially in areas where progress has been slow, and which can benefit from stronger multi-stakeholder participation. The two themes explored were “Improving the health outcomes for women and girls” and “Raising the profile of neglected tropical diseases”. Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, President Bill Clinton and H.E. Ms. Sylvie Lucas, President of ECOSOC made closing statements. Many among the speakers underlined the need to enforce the role of the private sector in helping to strengthen public health systems. For further information, see the report issued by Harvard University for the Clinton Global Initiative. Mr. Dossal stated that: "The current financial climate poses new challenges for our collective effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The international community working with Governments, Private Sector, and Civil Society, now more then ever must find innovative mechanisms to ensure the socioeconomic needs of the underprivileged are not forgotten. Thus, smart philanthropy has a key role to play in sustainable development". The outcome of the deliberations will be submitted to the WHO World Health Assembly which meets in May 2009 and to United Nations Member States during the ECOSOC high-level session in July 2009. For further information, please visit the official website: Special Event on "Philanthropy and Global Public Health".
Special Event on "Philanthropy and the Global Health Agenda" 20 Feb. 2009, New York On 23rd of February 2009 the second Special Event of the Economic and Social Council on “Philanthropy and the Global Health Agenda”, jointly organized by the UN Office for Partenrships, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the World Health Organization and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, will be held.
The outcome of the deliberations will be submitted to the WHO World Health Assembly which meets in May 2009 and to United Nations Member States during the ECOSOC high-level session in July 2009. For further information, please visit the official website: Special Event on "Philanthropy and Global Public Health" or download the official program here.
Harmonious Cities: Music Technology, Culture and Health 5 Feb. 2009, New York On the 3rd of February the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) in cooperation with the UN HABITAT and the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC) held the “Harmonious Cities: Music, Technology, Culture and Health” high-level working session. The session provided a valuable discussion platform for cross-cutting and cross-sector approach to the convergence of health, music and technology for the 21st Century. UNOP recognize the vast potential of creativity in projects, in solutions building, and in its approach for addressing the world’s most pressing issues. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP, delivered the opening remarks for the luncheon of the working session. This is the sixth working session of the Windsor Health Dialogue focused
on the concept of harmonious cities to stimulate new “result-oriented”
mindsets and action in scaling up Millennium Development Goals interventions.
Specifically, in areas of health, education, habitat and peace using
Music as a Natural Resource, all of which will be reflected in the United
Nations Digital Health Initiative.
2009 International Essay Contest 4 Feb. 2009, New York Young People around the world are encouraged to participate and submit their essays by the 30th of June, 2009. This year’s theme is “the role of science in building a better world”. First prize winners will receive a cash award and a trip to Japan. For further information regarding the contest, the complete guidelines, or to read past winning essays please visit the website of the Goi Peace Foundation.
2009 Global Competitiveness Forum 23 Jan. 2009, New York
For more information on Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and the Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) please follow the link to their respective websites. World Premier of the documentary film "Planet UN" 22 Jan. 2009, New York
"Planet UN", Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships commenced the event by introducing the opening speakers, including Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, Mr. Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, H.E. Maurer, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations, H.E. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, and Mr. Romuald Sciora. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with Jean-Marie Colombani, former editor of Le Monde, Lewis Lapham, editor of Lapham’s Quarterly, John R. MacArthur, publisher of Harper’s Magazine, and Anne-Cécile Robert, deputy editor-in-chief of Le Monde diplomatique. Partnership Initiative between UNOP and the Fortune Forum 9 Jan. 2009, New York UNOP works closely with the Fortune Forum, which is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization with a goal of increasing major gifts among UK’s most prominent philanthropists. The Forum convenes global leaders, celebrity activists, philanthropists, influential entrepreneurs and media leaders to collectively make a difference on global issues of poverty, climate change and diseases. The Fortune Forum has already staged two Philanthropic Summits, featuring speakers such as Bill Clinton, Gordon Brown, Al Gore, Tony Blair, Michael Douglas, Sir Bob Geldof, and Yusuf Islam.
Recently the Financial Times has dedicated a front page article to the Fortune Forum to introduce a scheme devised by Nobel Prize-winning economist Sir James Mirrless in conjunction with the Forum's founder Renu Mehta. It advocates a 50% tax relief on donations towards the UN's millennium development goals which would, in effect, make charitable giving more attractive. Additionally, donors would be able to specify to which development sector their money was allocated as well as reassuring them that their donations would be spent efficiently. By this, the scheme would strengthen Miss Mehta's aim to raise the level of charitable giving in the UK from it's current 0.9% of gross domestic product to US levels of 1.9%. For the full text of the article please click here, and for more information on Fortune Forum visit its website. Secretary-General's address to the UN staff 5 Jan. 2009, New York During his opening remarks, the Secretary-General stated that during the past year he "saw the UN defining the agenda and bringing people and nations together like no other organization on earth." Looking at the coming year, the Secretary-General stated that climate change will remain a top priority for 2009: "We have only 12 months until Copenhagen. We must work together to give the world a treaty that all nations can embrace," while "as the economic crisis deepens, we must continue to stand up for the world’s most vulnerable people." Other challenges include peacekeeping, conflict prevention and nuclear disarmament. "This must be the year of delivering in Darfur. And we are at critical moments in the DRC, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Iraq." To watch the event live, pls. visit the website: http://events.un.org/webcast/index.html.
For the full text of the speech please click here. Howard W. Buffett, an Advisor for the United Nations Office for Partnerships, was appointed to the Policy Working Group on Technology, Innovation, and Government Reform for the transition team of the US President-elect. 11 Dec. 2008, Washington DC The group includes Cheryl Dorsey, President of Echoing Green, which provides fellowships to entrepreneurial nonprofit leaders; Paul Schmitz, President of Public Allies, which trains young people for nonprofit and public-service careers; and Michele Jolin, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, who has publicly advocated creating a White House Office of Social Innovation. The team also includes Howard W. Buffett. Since 2007 Mr. Buffett has served as an Advisor for the United Nations Office for Partnerships on matters related to private foundation and public charity strategy development, on identifying and developing new partnership opportunities, and on designing an emerging leader's network. Mr. Buffett is also a founder of Cliffspringer LLC, a strategic advisory organization. Cliffspringer works to bridge philanthropic, corporate and government sector organizations such as the United Nations, the Gerson Lehrman Group, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Mr. Buffett has further served as a board member for the Clark and Hinman Foundation, the Cougar Fund, and the FEED Foundation, and has served on advisory and program committees for the Aspen Institute, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and the Hewlett Foundation's Philanthropy Workshop West. Mr. Buffett is the grandson of Warren Buffett, the investor and philanthropist. The Board of Global Social Compliance Programme released the Reference Code 10 Dec. 2008, Hong Kong "GSCP provides a unique forum for the public, private and non-governmental sectors to work together and devise lasting solutions to the world's pressing issues,” said Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships and a member of the GSCP Advisory Board. “It will ultimately help improve the lives of many people around the world." For more information on the GSCP Reference Code, please click here. International Forum Peace and Sport 2008 3-5Dec. 2008, Monaco Run under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and delegates, the “Peace and Sport” Annual Forum was designed to concretely work on the development of peace through sport around the world. It brings together heads of states and governments, representatives of world sport governance (the International Olympic Committee, International Federations, National Olympic Committees), the World Olympians Association, strategic and financial partners, sport experts, and NGOs. During 2008 Forum Ms. Lucie Hrbkova, Chief of Office, UN Office for Partnerships, spoke on the importance of Sport, Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility. 7th Annual Phelophepa Gala Awards Dinner 20 Nov. 2008, New York
UNOP assisted Phelophepa engaging the UN system and private sector in their noble work. Ms. Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF and Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP, attended the event. For more information on Phelophepa Health Train, please click here.
The Happy Hearts Fund Annual Event 17 Nov. 2008, New York
The Happy Hearts Fund was created in 2006 by Petra Nemcova, a Czech
model, after surviving the Asian Tsunami of 2004. The Happy Hearts Fund
supports various locally run and culturally specific charitable projects
around the world. Its main goal is to advocate the rights and provide
better livelihoods to disadvantaged youth, who are natural disaster
victims and who are not receiving the essential and sustainable help
they need for healthy childhood development.  It currently supports 39 programs in 12 countries on 5 continents. The projects have made a direct impact on livelihood of more than 20,500 children and 100,000 community members.
The event introduced the Infinite Heart of Gold Awards to Bernhard Lotterer,
Chief Executive Officer of ING Peru & Columbia, and to well known
The event also featured a live auction presided over by Simon De Pury, Chairman of Phillips De Pury & Company, which raised more then 3.4 million USD. The Happy Hearts Fund is committed to build up strong partnership with
the United Nations system, in order to work together to improve children’s
live The United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) recognizes and appreciates the commitment and excellent work of the Happy Heart Fund (HHF) and Petra Nemcova. UNOP provides strategic advice to HHF on their partnerships building with the United Nations System. Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP, attended the event, along with representatives of OCHA and UNDP.
 Lecture by Amir Dossal on the MDGs and Partnerships Building at St. John's University 17 Nov. 2008, New York St. John’s University in New York City, one of America's leading Catholic universities, invited Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, to deliver a lecture on the issue of partnerships building between the United Nations System and civil society. In his presentation entitled “Wealth Creation and Poverty Alleviation - Two Sides of the Same Coin”, Mr. Dossal discussed with St. John’s students how profit and non-profit organizations can collaborate to solve the world’s most pressing issues. He underlined that private sector, foundations and non-governmental bodies are a valuable source of assistance to the United Nations, particularly vis-à-vis global efforts to address the Millennium Development Goals. St. John’s University plans to include other speakers from the United Nation System in their Global Awareness Center lecture series.
For more information on St. John's University, please go to the www.stjohns.edu website. Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum 13-15 Nov. 2008, Paris Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP, chaired the meetings, which included the government officials, corporate and civic leaders, diplomats, arts and culture executives, media and public policy professionals, philanthropists, scholars, and artists from around the world. Responsible Competitivness Leadership Dialogues 10-11 Nov. 2008, Saudi Arabia Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP, joined the dialogues to discuss about the importance of public-private-partnerships in developing human capital for economic competitiveness and social progress. Triangle of Peace Initiative Launch 9 Nov. 2008, Dubai, UAE
The White House Summit on International Development: Sustaining the New Era 21 Oct. 2008, Washington, D.C.  The White House Summit on International Development: Sustaining the New Era took place in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 2008 with President Bush delivering the keynote speech and Secretary Rice providing opening remarks. The Summit was co-hosted by USAID, the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator at the Department of State, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and others. The event brought together a wide range of representatives from the public and private sectors including NGOs and faith-based organizations from the United States and the developing world. Among the guests were Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, musician and activist Bob Geldof and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. Amir Dossal, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, attended the summit to join discussions related to key principles of international sustainable development, including good governance and rule of law, results-based programs and accountability, and the importance of private sector-led economic growth.
- President George W. Bush
For further information, please visit the official website: www.whitehousesummit.org
BioMarine: The World Marine & Maritime Forum 20-24 Oct. 2008, Toulon & Marseille
Agenda of the conference includes interactive seminars, workshops and debates on illegal fisheries; reductions of air pollution and greenhouse gases emitted by ships; innovation in the development of environmentally safe aquaculture industries; and climate change mitigation strategies. Biomarine is the biggest maritime event hosted under the French Presidency of European Union. “- This week in Toulon and Marseille, we will participate to emergence of a maritime initiative of unprecedented scope. A global event such as BioMarine encompassing the entire maritime milieu represents an exceptional opportunity to highlight the importance and the value of the ocean, and all that is related to the sea. - Never before has such a various maritime meeting been organised! Scientists, Industry and civil society will benefit from the exchange during the 5 days business convention. They will be able to meet professionals (investors, industry, scientists, and journalists), share views, raise funds, and initiate partnerships. BioMarine represents an important organizational step for this three-way partnership.” For more information, please go to the www.biomarine.org website. Women’s Forum Global Meeting 16-18 Oct. 2008, Deauville, France 
Amir Dossal, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, was invited to speak at the panel “Rethinking international solidarity”, which addresses the issue of international assistance to developing countries, as a part of the progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. The panel will also discuss the need for engagement of international organizations to react to the current crises and the greater need for public-private partnership to forward innovative alliances. For detailed agenda and more information about the Forum, please visit the official website: http://www.womens-forum.com Regional Roundtable on “Democratic Reforms in the Arab region: A Focus on Socio Economic Policies” 10 Oct. 2008, Beirut Roland Rich, Executive Head of the United Nations Democracy Fund, delivered a statement at the Regional Roundtable on “Democratic Reforms in the Arab region: A Focus on Socio Economic Policies” in Beirut on 10 October 2008. In his statement, Mr. Rich mentioned the role of the United Nations Democracy Fund in supporting the voice of civil society in promoting democracy. Mr. Rich wished the round table great success, mentioning that the role of UNDEF is not to engage in the debate but to help Arab civil society have a voice. For complete statement made by Roland Rich, click
here. “Harmonious Cities: Music, Technology, Culture and Health” High-Level Working Session 07 Oct. 2008, New York
The first roundtable focused on assessment of present situation and the need to create an inventory of information sources. The second urged participants to consider future possibilities for using technology to disseminate knowledge and training, and as an education tool. The third focused on the development of public-private partnerships and the implementation of m-technologies as a means of enhancing quality of life in developed and developing countries. The event was organized by the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC), and co-sponsored by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Ms. Axumite Gebre-Egziabher, Director, United Nations Human Settlements Program(UN-Habitat, NY) chaired the event and Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director, United Nations Office for Partnerships made opening remarks. For more information on this event, please click here. UN Focal Points Meet in Geneva to Discuss Business Partnerships 03 Oct. 2008, Geneva UN Office for Partnerships, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Global Compact Office co-hosted seventh annual conference of UN private sector focal points at Centre International de Conférences (CICG) in Geneva on 2-3 October under the title “Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Collaboration throughout the Partnership Life Cycle”. About 80 representatives of UN agencies gathered and focused their discussions on on issues and challenges linked to the key stages of the partnership life cycle - beginning with strategic planning, through to evaluation and renewal. Specific sessions were organized on the UN Business guidelines; partnership selection and risk management; developing partnership agreements; core-business approaches to partnerships; communicating partnership success and partnership assessment and evaluation. Unilever, Shell and IKEA, were few of the Companies who were invited to share their motivations with regard to UN-business collaboration and provide their perspectives on the benefits and results that these partnerships can achieve. For viewing the meeting agenda, Please click here. Children Call for Action "Paint for the Planet"
Part of the campaign is a special exhibit called "Paint for the Planet" as well as an auction of children's art to launch the global campaign starting at UN Headquarters in New York on 23 October at 12:30pm. On 25 October, a selection of the paintings will be auctioned at the Harvard Club of New York City to raise emergency funds for children affected by climate-related disasters, such as the recent storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean. Proceeds will go to an emergency fund for children affected by climate-related disasters, such as the recent storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean. For more information on this event, Please click here.
PRESS CONFERENCE AND AWARD CEREMONY ON 2008 MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 26 September, New York
The General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann of Nicaragua
presented the spiral-shaped MDGs Award sculpture, designed by the artist,
William Ho. At the press conference Mr. Spencer stated that he accepted
the Award “on behalf of all the people of the South”. The press conference and ceremony was chaired and moderated by Mr. Amir Dossal, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, who emphasized the importance of fostering and strengthening public-private partnerships in achieving the MDGs. For the press release please visit http://www.un.org/News/briefings/docs//2008/080925_MDG_Award.doc.htm. Private Sector and Foundation executives join world leaders
for a discussion of the Millennium Development Goals. 25 Sept. 2008, New York The High-level Event brought together nearly 100 Heads of State or Government, UN officials, representatives of the private sector and civil society partners to discuss specific ways to intensify efforts towards achieving the eight established Goals in all countries by 2015. Dr. Dong Kum Lee, President of Rotary International, Mr. Steven Gunderson,
the President and CEO of the Council on Foundation, and Dr. Amos Namanga
Ngongi, the President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, spoke
on behalf of the private sector, foundations and civil society, providing
an important view on the lessons learned and ways forward in achieving
the MDGs. New commitments to meet the Millennium Development Goals, as part of the High-level Event in New York UN Headquarters 25 Sept. 2008, New York Governments, foundations, businesses and civil society organizations announced significant new commitments to meet the Millennium Development Goals, as part of the High-level Event on the MDGs held at United Nations Headquarters on 25 September. The UN Office for Partnerships, in cooperation with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, compiled a conference room paper issued during the opening plenary and a supplement issued at the closing session, on commitments made in the events leading up to the High-level Event. The paper captures commitments and planned outcomes announced in support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at a selection of the partnership events that took place between 22 September and 25 September. Around 60 partnership events took place during “MDG Week” including events on 22 September with a special focus on Africa. Events reflected in the conference room paper spanned the range of initiatives required to reach the MDGs. Some have a focus on advocacy and raising long term awareness, while others concern major campaign initiatives to be launched in support of specific MDGs. A final report will be issued in October in all UN languages. The UN
Office for Partnerships will follow-up on the commitments and, together
with the UN Development Programme, present a report in 2010 on the status
of these new commitments. African Heads of State Reception hosted by Microsoft Corporation 24 September, New York
Reception honoring the UN Secretary-General for his Leadership and Commitment to the Millennium Development Goals 24 September, New York
Clinton Global Initiative Members Continue Contributions to Reaching UN MDGs September 23, New York  The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) and the United Nations today announced plans to continue their joint efforts towards addressing global challenges and achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Since 2005, nearly 20 CGI commitments have been made in partnership with the United Nations. During this week's fourth CGI Annual Meeting, more than 10 new commitments involving various UN agencies will be announced. "Through their Commitments to Action, CGI members are delivering practical, tangible solutions that have furthered international efforts towards realizing the eight antipoverty targets," said Amir A. Dossal, executive director of the UN Office for Partnerships, following a CGI-United Nations joint press conference last week. "CGI provides a forum for the public, private and non-governmental sectors to work together and devise lasting solutions to the world's pressing issues." "The objectives of the Clinton Global Initiative closely align with the Millennium Development Goals," said CGI Chief Executive Bob Harrison. "President Clinton's goal of 'democratizing' the achievement of the MDGs—so that we all do our part—is on its way to being realized, in part through the work of CGI members." Since its inception in 2005, CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments valued at upwards of $30 billion, impacting more than 200 million lives in over 150 countries. These commitments come from non-profits, corporations, foundations, governments, universities, think tanks and individuals. More than 230 CGI commitments have been fully completed and have already helped to reduce poverty and hunger, work towards education for all, combat disease, increase environmental sustainability and more. Attendees at CGI's fourth Annual Meeting will include UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon, Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the UK, President Paul Kagame
of Rwanda, President Shimon Peres of Israel, Senator John McCain, Lance
Armstrong, Bono, Craig Barrett, Bill Gates, John Chambers, several heads
of UN agencies and many others. Senator Barack Obama also addressed CGI
via satellite. Please visit ClintonGlobalInitiative.org. Roundtable dialogue “Confronting the Diseases of Poverty to Meet the MDGs: Digital He@lth and African Development” 22 Sept. 2008, New York United Nations announced on Monday, 22 September, the “Digital He@lth Initiative” at the UN General Assembly’s historic “High Level Event on Africa’s Development Needs.” The release is in conjunction with the interactive roundtable dialogue “Confronting the Diseases of Poverty to Meet the MDGs: Digital He@alth and African Development”. The year 2008 marks the midpoint for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To date, the health-related Goals on reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases are most off-track. Slow progress has been attributed to broken health systems, the human resources for health crisis, and persisting inequities in access to interventions that could save millions of lives. Without new commitments many countries will miss the health-related Goals, leading to dire consequences for the broader global development agenda. Among the speakers were Cheick Modibo Diarra, Chairman for Microsoft Africa, Mr. Bill Roedy, President of the MTV Networks, and Ms. Ms. Kathy Bushkin Calvin, Executive Vice President & COO of the United Nations Foundation. The event highlighted the establishment of a major coalition - including the UN-system’s eight major health agencies, private sector partners, civil society and international organizations - to create a strategic framework to accelerate the delivery of the health-related MDGs.
Discussion with Mathew Bishop, author of "Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World." 18 Sept. 2008, New York Today, UNOP and Changing Our World, Inc. co-hosted a pre-launch discussion of a new book by Mathew Bishop, The Economist 's Chief Business Writer/US Business Editor, entitled "Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World" at the United Nations Headquarters. Bishop's book, co-authored by Michael Green, focuses on the global explosion of philanthropy, the new forms of giving and volunteering, and the many variations of social entrepreneurship providing insights into the growing significance of the new philanthropists and their commitment to use their wealth to change the world and deploy their wealth with capitalistic rigor. Participants ranging from heads of foundations, senior UN officials to representatives of the corporate community engaged in a lively discussion.
High-Level Roundtable on Sovereign Wealth Funds, SRI and the MDG’s in Africa 16th Sept 2008, NY The United Nations Office for Partnerships in collaboration with Africa investor (Ai), the NEPAD Secretariat and the NEPAD Business Group co-hosted this roundtable on socially responsible investments in Africa. The morning session of the roundtable explored and presented opportunities for Sovereign Wealth Funds to pursue responsible economic investment opportunities in Africa. This comes on the call by the World Bank to sovereign wealth funds to invest 1 percent of their approximately $3,000bn in Africa. This portion of the roundtable agenda was developed with the cooperation and support of the Sovereign Investment Council and the Sovereign Wealth Institute. The afternoon session introduced and launched the first-ever Pan-African SRI benchmark index that is intended to bridge the information gap, which currently deters global socially responsible investment in Africa. This index was developed by Africa Investor at the request of NEPAD and is the outcome of extensive consultations with an expert review group that includes the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Investec, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), FTSE4Good and Fraters Asset Management.
UNDEF Event on International Democracy Day 15th Sept 2008, New York The first International Day of Democracy was celebrated on 15 September 2008, following the designation of this date by General Assembly Resolution 62/7. The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Democracy by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1997. UNDEF was hosting an information event for UN delegations and interested members of the public to explain how the UN Democracy Fund operates and to hear from voices from the field undertaking UNDEF funded projects. The Event was opened by the Secretary-General. Apart from presentations about UNDEF and its projects, there was a question and answer session on UNDEF.
G-STAR and MDG’s 11th Sept 2008, NY A unique collaboration between the United Nations and international denim
brand G-Star Raw sets out to raise awareness for the eight Millennium
Development Goals (MDG’s) during New York Fashion Week.
Lord Bruce-Lockhart dies aged 66 29 August 2008, New York Lord Bruce-Lockhart - a leading British politician and a
senior figure in English local government - passed away on August 14,
after a battle against cancer.
Global SRI Community Support Africa investor SRI Index Initiative 20 August 2008, New York The European Social Investment Forum (EUROSIF), Social Investment Forum (SIF), SRI World/Social funds.com and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) have joined Africa investor, the UN Office for Partnerships and New Partnership For Africa’s Development (NEPAD) to co-convene a roundtable to launch the first Pan African investable SRI Index initiative.With African capital markets delivering greater returns for investors than most international capital markets the NEPAD Secretariat and the NEPAD Business Group commissioned Africa Investor, a leading Africa research and index provider, to launch an initiative to attract socially responsible investment (SRI) flows to Africa. Africa investor convened an expert policy review group, which included the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Investec, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), SRI academics and Fraters Asset Management, to develop a set of preliminary principles for an investable Pan African SRI benchmark/ index, based on global best practice adapted to the realities of the African business environment. Commenting on the initiative Hubert Danso, Vice Chairman, Africa investor, said: “We are delighted with the interest and support received from the Social Investment Forum, EUROSIF, the ICCR and the UN Office for Partnerships, our co-convenors. It is now well documented that Africa offers globally competitive returns for investors and this momentum offers a unique opportunity for SRI investors to stimulate listed businesses operating in Africa to support the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa.” The upcoming Roundtable will discuss how the new Africa SRI benchmark and index can act as a catalyst to position Africa as a viable destination for global SRI investment flows. The Roundtable will follow the Africa investor Index Series Summit held in association with the NYSE Euronext the day before at the NYSE, New York. For further information, please click here.
Denis Gilhooly Gives Columbia Business School Speech 30 July 2008, New York Denis Gilhooly, Principal Adviser for the United Nations Office for Partnerships, gave a speech entitled “The Millennium Development Goals and the Networked Economy” at the Columbia Business School on 30 July 2008. The speech discussed the convergence of of global risks and rewards for developed and developing countries in a new age of unprecedented flows in information, products, services, people, capital and ideas.“Most experts now concede that the MDGs can be attained if, and only if, ambitious, yet realistically nationally-determined priorities and initiatives are promoted at the global level. These globally supported goals and initiatives must embed models based on the bottom-up, grassroots business value chains and partnerships as evidenced in mobile and Internet-based efforts today,” he remarked.
UN Foundation-Funded Indian Solar Loan Programme Receives UN 21 Award 18 July 2008, New York The field-based Indian Solar Loan Programme was awarded a UN 21 Award on Friday, 18 July. In 2003, the United Nations Environment Programme initiated the programme in Southern India to establish a consumer credit market for helping rural households and small businesses finance the purchase of Solar Home Systems. The long-term goal of this initiative was to make modern sources of energy more affordable and accessible to poorly served rural and peri-urban Indian households. In addition to providing financial support in the form of interest rate subsidies for borrowers, UNEP provided assistance with technical issues, vendor qualification and other activities to develop the institutional capacity for this type of consumer finance instrument. By 2007, the Programme had directly financed 19,533 loans through 2,076 participating bank branches, helping provide off-grid electrification to over 100,000 people. The fastest growth in loans was in rural areas, thanks in part to the increasing participation of the Grameen banks. The programme was structured as a partnership with two of India's largest banking groups, Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank, along with their nine associate Rural Grameen Banks. The UN Foundation and Shell Foundation provided funding for the initiative, which was facilitated through the UN Office of Partnerships. The success of the project serves as a catalytic blue-print for similar schemes across the developing world, leading to scaling up of renewable energies everywhere. For more information on the Indian Solar Loan Programme and other UNOP
Partnership Initiatives, click here.
Africa Business Forum 2008 3-4 July 2008, London The annual Africa Business Forum convened in London on 3 and 4 July under the theme “Accelerating Growth: Partnerships for Reaching the MDGs in Africa” prior to the G8 Summit this week in Japan. The event enables business and government leaders to jointly assess progress in promoting growth and development in Africa, and to take steps towards meeting emerging challenges.The Forum also considers how African businesses are addressing the challenges of meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and contributes to the thinking behind the MDG “Call to Action” launched by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2006 and being held at the United Nations in September 2008. Despite strong growth in many African economies, the continent is still lagging far behind in meeting the targets set with the international community to meet health, education, and other key development indicators. The UN Office of Partnerships partnered with the Commonwealth Business Council and Paul Skinner, Chairman of Rio Tinto, for the African Business Forum 2008. The results of the Forum will be communicated to the G8 and the MDG Call to Action programme.
Mission Sanitation Event for the High-Level Segment of ECOSOC
The program included a fashion show featuring scavenger women accompanied by prominent models wearing hand-embroidered Indian garments. 3 July 2008, New York Sulabh
International Social Service Organization hosted an event, "Mission
Sanitation," in cooperation with the United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in observance
of the International Year of Sanitation to raise awareness about and
accelerate progress on sanitation. The event was arranged in partnership
with UN agencies, civil society organizations, private sector companies
and academia in the margins of the High-Level Segment of ECOSOC.
UNOP Hosts ECOSOC Ministerial Breakfast: "Safe Drinking Water for All - Investing in the MDGs" 1 July 2008, New York As part of the ECOSOC
high-level segment occuring from June 30 - July 3 2008 in New York, the
United Nations Office of Partnerships arranged a ministerial roundtable
breakfast to examine how partnering between corporations, governments,
and civil society can create strategic opportunities for investment in
providing safe drinking water and basic sanitation while ensuring sustainable
use of water.
Governance Board Meeting of the International Council of Toy Care Industries 23 June 2008, Paris
The International Council of Toy Care Industries (ICTI) CARE Foundation convened its Governance Board Meeting in Paris on 24-25 June 2008. The ICTI Care Process is the pioneering ethical manufacturing program of the International Council of Toy Industries. Its goal is to ensure fair labor treatment throughout the industry’s supply chain, worldwide. As a member of the Governance Board, Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), attended the meeting to provide support to the toy industry’s commitment to manufacture products in a manner that is caring, aware, responsible and ethical. UNOP has assisted ICTI in partnership building with the United Nations system. Launch of the Council of Young Leaders of the Greater Tumen Initiative 4 June 2008, New York/London The launch of the Council of Young Leaders (CYL) of the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) took place on 4 June 2008 in London and New York. The Steering Committee of the GTI's Business Advisory Council created the CYL as a way to further engage the private sector, to promote investment and tourism in the region, to expand the capacity of the Tumen Secretariat and to increase awareness of the GTI among young professionals. Mr. Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, as a member of the GTI's Business Advisory Council, assisted in designing the CYL. European Foundations Centers 2008 Annual General Assembly Conference 31 May 2008, Istanbul, Turkey
The overall theme for the conference was fostering philanthropy and creativity. The central theme was divided into four focus groups including: analyzing practice, building effective organizations, fostering partnerships and tackling global issues. Ms. Shari Klugman, Chief of Operations for the United Nations Office for Partnerships, attended the conference and delivered briefings on the creative approaches for building partnerships between non-state actors and the UN system. International 2008 Summit for Community Wireless Networks 28 May 2008, Washington DC Amir Dossal, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, delivered a keynote speech at the International 2008 Summit for Community Wireless Networks (ISCWN) addressing a group of international leaders, innovators, activists, and community networking visionaries in the field of communication technologies. The 2008 Summit was hosted by the New America Foundation, the Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Human Rights Program, and the Acorn Active Media Foundation. The focus of the Summit was on global integration and local control over the wireless communications media. UNOP's Executive Director, a guest at Dow Chemical's Annual Meeting 15 May 2008, Midland, Michigan Amir Dossal, the Executive Director of UN Office for Partnerships, attended the Dow Chemicals Annual Meeting in their headquarters in Midland, Michigan, to discuss ways Dow Chemicals can further assist the United Nations in our strive to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Dow Chemicals is committed to the principles of corporate social responsibility and successfully demonstrated how a global company can mobilize its human, technical, scientific and organizational capacities to contribute to solving the world's most pressing issues, particularly those related to water sustainability and sanitation. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Call for Action Event on the Millennium Development Goals 6 May 2008, London, UK British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, hosted a Call for Action Event in London on 6 May. The event was hosted jointly by the UNDP and the UK Government and focused on bringing together CEO's and Chairpersons from the world's largest companies in order to strengthen private sector activity on the MDGs. The event built on the commitments made by 21 business leaders that signed the MDG Declaration, which was signed in July 2007, and presented initiative that moved beyond philanthropy, by contributing something that is core to the businesses community. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, attended the event to speak about the private sector's engagement with the UN System.
Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro with the UNF Board of Directors Deputy Secretary General meets with UN Foundation Board of Directors 23 April 2008, New York
Deputy Secretary General, Dr.
Asha-Rose Migiro, met today with the UN Foundation Board of Directors
to discuss the UN reform process and provided a review of the Foundation's
strategy and goals for sustainability. The DSG briefed the members of
the Board on the programmatic progress of current projects addressing
issues such as clean energy and the environment, young women and children's
health, the status of US-UN relations and the preservation of world heritage.
Also discussed was the outreach educational project, the Better World
Campaign, which uses publications on issues such as climate change in
order to promote US investment in UN projects concerning such global challenges. Ted Turner launches Global Partnership to advance the fight against malaria 1 April 2008, New York
Ted Turner, Chairman of the United Nations Foundation (UNF), announced a collaborative effort with the United Methodist Church and Lutheran World Relief to fight malaria in Africa. The announcement was presented during a special thematic debate of the United Nations General Assembly which took place on the 1st and 2nd of April. Together with the UNF, the organizations strive to raise US$ 200 million to fight the spread of malaria, and to contribute to achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Second Meeting of the Business Advisory Council for the Greater Tumen Initiative, Shanghai 24 March 2008, Shanghai
Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, attended the second meeting of the Business Advisory Council for the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) in Shanghai on 24th March. Members of the Council, as well as observers from regional and international businesses and institutions, overviewed strategic activities for the GTI and sector-wise investment opportunities in the region. The Council also discussed policy recommendations for the governments of the five GTI countries including China, Russia, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The UN Office for Partnerships has been supporting the Tumen Secretariat and the UNDP China in the establishment of the Greater Tumen Inititative Business Advisory Council as an important platform for public-private cooperation.
Women for Peace Cultural Event at the UN Headquarters 11 March 2008
In conjunction with its "Women for Peace" project, the United Nations Delegations Women's Club (UNDWC) hosted a unique cultural event in the General Assembly Hall at Headquarters last Tuesday, 11 March 2008.
The event celebrated opportunities for peace in the context of International Women's Day and featured artists from around the world. The goal was to build awareness of the power of women to influence the peace process. The event featured a special, multi-cultural production that reflected the richness of diverse cultures and showed, through song and dance, how differences among people can be overcome. It highlighted unity and solidarity in the celebration of peace and invited the world community to join in the effort. In addition to the UNDWC, the event was sponsored by the UN Foundation, the UN Office for Partnerships, the Women for Peace Executive Committee, and the Honorable Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, Spouse of the Secretary General. Click here to watch the Women for Peace webcast. Deputy Secretary-General signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Business Council 26 February 2008
Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro (center) in a meeting with Mohan Kaul (right), Director-General of the Commonwealth Business Council; and Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships. The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and the Director General of the Commonwealth Business Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing a partnership between the two organisation today. The MoU establishes a Global Business Council as cooperation between the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Commonwealth Business Council, an organization which serves to foster cooperation between business and governments. The objectives are to formulize the cooperation of the parties with activities designed inter alia to: set up a Global Business Council, organize global business forums, build regional and global partnerships, strengthen the business climate in developing countries and enhance support enterprise development to help achieve the MDGs. The Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro commented, "The partnership that we have established with the Commonwealth Business Council is an important milestone towards achieving the MDGs. Investments in developing countries are crucial towards addressing the MDGs." "CBC is honored to work with the United Nations to contribute towards achieving the MDGs through increased economic empowerment of wider segments of society, to lift people out of poverty and give them new opportunities. This can be achieved by bringing business and investments to developing countries," said Dr Mohan Kaul, Director General, Commonwealth Business Council. Further information on the CBC can be found at the following link. Special Event on Corporate Philanthropy and the MDGs 26 February 2008
On 25 February, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) convened a special meeting with participation of more than 200 corporate executives and foundation chiefs to discuss the ways in which corporate giving can best support the objectives of sustainable development and the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The programme in the ECOSOC Chamber was jointly organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Office for Partnerships, and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), an independent international forum of business CEOs and chairpersons undertaking philanthropic missions. The welcome by ECOSOC President Léo Mérorès was followed by addresses by UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro and CECP Executive Director Charles Moore. Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, gave the closing remarks. In her remarks Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro stressed the important role Corporate giving can play in advancing the MDGs. The first panel discussion, on “Applying strategic philanthropy to the MDGs” was moderated by Jeffrey Sachs, Special Advisor to the Secretary-General on the MDGs. Participating on this panel were Steve Gunderson, President and CEO, Council on Foundations; Ad Melkert, Associate Administrator, UN Development Programme; Jane Nelson, Senior Fellow and Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, Harvard University; and Akhtar Badshah, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Community Affairs. Kathy Bushkin Calvin, Executive Vice-President and COO of the United Nations Foundation, moderated the second panel, on leadership and partnerships. Participants of this panel were the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Hilde Johnson, former Goldman Sachs co-chair John C. Whitehead, and Western Union CEO Christina Gold. Other corporate leaders at the event included top executives of Mitsubishi International, Microsoft, Time Warner, KPMG, J.P. Morgan Chase, and heads of foundations such as the Aga Khan, Newman's Own, Merrill Lynch, and CitiBank. Please click here to see the UN press release. 
National Corporate Philanthropy Day 25 February 2008
Today, in celebration of National Corporate Philanthropy Day, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), a strategic partner of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, presents the Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Awards to the CEOs of PNC Financial Services Group and Moody’s Corporation. The winners, both financial firms, focus their efforts on critical education initiatives. In addition, nonprofit organization Community Voice Mail (nominated by Cisco Systems) receives the CECP Directors’ Nonprofit Award, including a $25,000 cash donation, for its integrated corporate partnerships. To see the full press release, please click here.
United Nations Hosts Investor Summit on Climate Risk 15 February 2008
On 14 February 2008, the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships, together with Ceres and the United Nations Foundation hosted the largest gathering of financial and corporate leaders from around the world at the third Investor Summit on Climate Risk. The summit has been attended by more than 450 investor, financial, and corporate leaders – together controlling $10-15 trillion in investment capital - from around the world. A number of leading experts and practitioners have been discussing the challenges relating to climate risk during the Summit. Former Vice President of the United States and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mr. Al Gore has been the key luncheon speaker. The Secretary-General in his remarks (delivered by Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director, UN Office for Partnerships) urged participants to “join hands with the United Nations in crafting a forceful yet flexible response to climate change.” The summit can be considered a significant success since nearly 50 leading U.S. and European institutional investors managing over $1.75 trillion in assets released a climate change action plan that will boost investments in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies and require tougher scrutiny of carbon-intensive investments that may pose long-term financial risks. Additionally, European investors managing $6.5 trillion in assets supported the action plan "in principle." A webcast of the summit is available at: http://www.un.org/webcast. 14 February 2008
In Barcelona and London, 13 February 2008, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Foundation, and the Vodafone Group Foundation announced a ground-breaking "global partnership for emergency communications." The partnership will improve the effectiveness of the information and communications technology (ICT) response to major emergencies and disasters around the world. The United Nations Foundation and the Vodafone Group Foundation pledged together $4.3 million while the WFP pledged a further $1.8 million to develop the first-ever ICT training programme which will be open to the global community of humanitarian relief organizations. The United Nations Foundation has been set up in 1997 to administer Ted Turner’s historic contribution of $1 billion in support of UN causes. In turn, the Secretary-General established UNFIP as the central interface with the UN Foundation. Worldwide Forum Mobilizes Organizations to Combat Human Trafficking14 February 2008
The first-ever global forum to fight human trafficking took place in Vienna from 13-15 February 2008. Bringing together 1,200 experts, legislators, law enforcement officials, business leaders, NGO representatives and human trafficking survivors from 116 countries, the forum provided the platform for a new campaign of coordinated action to tackle the crime. In a rallying call to raise international awareness on the eve of the Forum, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Mr. Antonio Maria Costa said that the crime is so widespread within the global economic system that we have all become complicit in it: "The blood, sweat and tears of trafficking victims are on the hands of consumers all over the world. This is a crime that shames us all." Celebrities and public figures from across the world have been participating in the Forum. In cooperation with United Nations Office for Partnerships, Ms. Joan Rivers, a highly-regarded US actress, writer, businesswoman and jewelry designer, donated specially designed pins for the participants of the Vienna Forum. In her message Ms. Rivers thanked all participants for their commitment to ending human trafficking. She stated “Human Trafficking is a crime that shames us all, and each of us has a role to play in its abolition. I am honored to be among the supporters of the UN Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, and hope you will enjoy this small gift as a token of my respect and appreciation for your efforts.” United Nations Office for Partnerships is a core partner of UNODC and
supported a number of the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
events leading up to the Vienna Forum. 17 January 2008
On 17 January 2008, Google.org, partner of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, announced its five core initiatives to combat climate change, poverty and emerging threats. Google's founders have the commitment to devote approximately 1 percent of the company's equity plus 1 percent of annual profits to philanthropy, as well as employee time. This way, they are including more than $25 million in new grants and investments to initial partners for the new initiatives: 'Predict and Prevent'; 'Inform and Empower to Improve Public Services'; 'Fuel the Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises'; 'Develop Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal'; and 'Accelerate the Commercialization of Plug-In Vehicles'. The United Nations Office for Partnerships has facilitated numerous partnerships between Google.org and the United Nations including with The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the United Nations Foundation. To see the press release, please click here. 19 December 2007
On December 7, the UN Office for Partnerships, in collaboration with the International Section of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), hosted the event “Win-Win Partnerships with UN Agencies - Achieving Your Organization’s Social Responsibility Goals” at the United Nations Headquarters to brief on partnership opportunities with the United Nations. A panel of representatives from major UN entities including UNICEF, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UNDP, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNAIDS presented their objectives and guidelines on cooperation with the private sector, providing concrete examples of successful partnerships. For the webcast of the event visit the following link. International Social Franchise Summit - Economic Theory for Doing Good 17 December 2007
On December 6, 2007, the first International Social Franchise Summit organized by the Association of German Foundations and its partners (Compagnia di San Paolo, Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, Fritz Thyssen Foundation, Vodafone Foundation, ZEIT-Foundation Ebelin and Gerd Bucerius, Foundation Fritt Ord) brought together 190 participants from 19 countries in Berlin. On the occasion of the conference, Ms. Constanze Westervoss, Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, met with high level decision makers of foundations, other non-profit organisations, donor institutions and CSR programmes presented insights, and a number of workshops provided both practical guidelines and fora for discussion. The Summit also featured the German Award Ceremony for the Social Entrepreneur 2007 of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. A comprehensive English manual containing know-how, relevant literature, case studies as well as practical guidance was presented, and can be accessed shortly at the following link.
Celebration of French Filmmaker and Writer Romuald Sciora's Work on the United Nations 7 December 2007 On 5 December 2007, the UN Office for Partnerships hosted a reception to celebrate Romuald Sciora and his wide-ranging work on the United Nations - together with some of its private sector partners, Ambassadors and UN system colleagues. Mr. Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public
Information, who has been a strong supporter of Romuald’s work,
delivered remarks in which he pointed to the importance of Mr. Sciora’s
work in informing the public, and particularly the world’s young
people, about the United Nations and the ideals it represents. 21 November 2007
At the 9th Consultative Commission Meeting of the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI), on November 15th 2007 in Vladivostok, Russian Federation, a Business Advisory Council (BAC) was formally launched. This new institutional platform consists of senior business leaders from the countries of the Greater Tumen Region (the People's Republic of China, Mongolia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea and Russian Federation) and foreign investors operating in these countries. The BAC will operate as non- governmental entity and be private sector led and founded. All participants of the 9th Consultative Commission Meeting welcomed the creation of the BAC, which aims to promote permanent dialogue between governments and private sector representatives to strengthen regional development and cooperation.
The BAC has been developed by the UN Office for Partnerships in consultation
with UNDP Regional Office in China and the Tumen Secretariat. The Executive
Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, Mr. Amir Dossal, himself
an institutional member of the BAC, chaired the Investment Forum of
the GTI, in Vladisvostok last week. 1 November 2007
Today the UN Secretary-General, the UNDP Administrator and representatives from Google and Cisco launched the MDG Monitor website. This unique web application tracks real-time progress toward the Millennium Development Goals in countries around the world. It has been developed by UNDP in collaboration with various UN agencies. The new online resource will serve as an educational and advocacy platform to realizing the MDGs. Created as a tool for development practitioners, policymakers, journalists, students and others, the MDG Monitor website can be used to track progress, to learn and to support the MDGs around the world. Please click here to see the MDG Monitor website.
Global Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability Seminars: Companies Exploring New Routes as Corporate Citizens to Create Sustainable Opportunity 26 October 2007
On 23-24 October 2007, executives from around the world gathered to explore Corporate Responsibility on the cusp of extraordinary change and opportunity at the Conference Board’s Global Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability Seminars in New York. The themes of the two seminars were ‘Leading 21st Century Corporate Citizenship’ and ‘Taking a Giant Leap Toward Sustainability’. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, participated in the first seminar, giving a keynote speech and discussing how corporate leaders are partnering to expedite progress in areas as for instance education, environmental sustainability and international development.
18 October 2007
On 18th October the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met to discuss the Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Office for Partnerships, which updates the Assembly on the work of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP), the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), as well as Partnership and Advisory Services and Outreach.
UNDEF Executive Head Roland Rich Appointment of Executive Head of UNDEF 5 October 2007
The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Roland Rich, an Australian national, as its Executive Head. Mr. Rich took up his duties on 1 October 2007. He brings to the task broad experience in diplomacy and democracy promotion. In Search of Creative Approaches to Address Global Challenges 26 September 2007
From 23-25 September 2007 the Louise T Blouin Foundation hosted the second Annual Global Creative Leadership Summit in New York in collaboration with the UN Office for Partnerships which provided them with strategic advice. The foundation aims to encourage a better understanding of foreign affairs and culture beyond borders through international cooperation, exchange and dialogue for the 21st century.
Louise T. Blouin MacBain, Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika, Mrs. Grímsson, and Iceland President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. In a unique peer-to-peer environment, the summit brought together 100 delegates, including Heads of State, Nobel-Prize winners, global CEOs and the most influential thought-leaders, to stimulate a cross-disciplinary creative approach in addressing common global challenges. Measuring and Fostering the Progress of Societies 20 July 2007
The second OECD World Forum, “Measuring and Fostering the Progress of Societies: The OECD World Forum on Statistics, Knowledge, and Policy”, which took place in Istanbul, Turkey, from 27-30 June, brought together 1,200 participants from developing and developed nations across the world. The Forum’s participants spanned the public, private and civil sector, comprising individuals from all areas of society. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, chaired a session entitled “Tackling Global Problems: The Role of Foundations”, which explored the role that major foundations play in fostering projects, how they can better coordinate with each other to enhance outcomes, and how their contributions can be measured. The panel featured Darren Walker, Vice President of the Ford Foundation, Paul Brest, President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Gordon Hein, Vice President for Programs of the Asia Foundation, and Steve Killelea, founder of the Global Peace Index. More information about the session can be found here.
From left to right: Will Kennedy, Kimberly Gamble-Payne, Sarah Papineau, Camilla Schippa, Amir Dossal, Karen Thoreen, Shari Klugman, Doris Law and Roxana Garcia Director Romuald Sciora Chronicles UN Past, Present, and Future 11 July 2007
Sciora has now moved on to capturing the larger picture of the Organization today and in coming years with his next work, a full-length documentary called “The Wilson Syndrome”. The Office for Partnerships' staff will be featured in the film, as well as its Executive Director, Amir A. Dossal, who spoke in front of the camera about Mr. Ted Turner's contribution and how the UN is now working with the private sector. World Votes for New Seven Wonders 8 July 2007
On 7 July, 2007, during a live gala event in Lisbon, Portugal, the “New 7 Wonders of the World” were announced, as decided by over 100 million votes from around the world. The event was presided over by New7Wonders Founder and President, Mr. Bernard Weber, and was attended by United Nations Office for Partnerships Executive Director, Mr. Amir Dossal, in recognition of the efforts of N7W to promote the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.
1,200 Participants gathered
in Istanbul for the OECD World Forum 1 July 2007
The second OECD World Forum, “Measuring and Fostering the Progress of Societies: The OECD World Forum on Statistics, Knowledge, and Policy”, which took place in Istanbul, Turkey, from 27-30 June, brought together 1,200 participants from developing and developed nations across the world. The Forum’s participants spanned the public, private and civil sector, comprising individuals from all areas of society. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, chaired a session entitled “Tackling Global Problems: The Role of Foundations”, which explored the role that major foundations play in fostering projects, how they can better coordinate with each other to enhance outcomes, and how their contributions can be measured. The panel featured Darren Walker, Vice President of the Ford Foundation, Paul Brest, President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Gordon Hein, Vice President for Programs of the Asia Foundation, and Steve Killelea, founder of the Global Peace Index. More information about the session can be found here. Greater Tumen Initiative Breakfast Draws International Business Leaders 28 June 2007
On 26 June 2007, Amir Dossal and Camilla Schippa, Chief of Office, of the UN Office for Partnerships and Khalid Malik, UN Resident Coordinator, and Nataliya Yacheistova, Director of the Tumen Secretariat, of the UNDP China Office hosted a breakfast at the House of Lords in London to promote the Greater Tumen Initiative’s Business Advisory Council (BAC), which is soon to be created. The Business Advisory Council would bring regional and international business leaders to the Tumen region (comprised of parts of China, DPR Korea, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, and Russia in Northeast Asia). The breakfast provided the UN Office for Partnerships the opportunity to inform influential business leaders about the BAC and receive their feedback and suggestions. The leaders will have the opportunity to join the Council when it is established at the 9th Meeting of the Consultative Commission—where all five countries in the Tumen region come together—in Vladivostok this October. The Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI), originally the Tumen River Area Development Programme (TRADP), is a regional cooperation mechanism joined by five countries including the People’s Republic of China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Republic of Korea and Russian Federation since 1995. It is a unique intergovernmental platform for economic cooperation and exchanges for Northeast Asia and serves as a catalyst in expanding policy dialogue and strengthening fundamentals for improving the business environment. Our sincere thanks go to the Lord Bruce-Lockhart for his gracious hospitality!
1 June 2007
A truly global around-the-world run started on June 1st on the North Lawn of the United Nations Headquarters in New York to raise attention for over 1 billion people without access to safe drinking water. The Blue Planet Run kicked off events for the World Environment Day celebrated all over the world on June 5th to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and action. On the occasion of the launch of the Blue Planet Run Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships announced that "the United Nations is pleased to be collaborating in support of this historic run to bring practical water and sanitation solutions to poor people who lack such basic services in the developing world". For Mr. Amir Dossal's remarks, please click here.
Microsoft CEO Summit
- Private Enterprises Addressing Public Issues 15-17 May 2007
On 15-17 May 2007, Chief Executives from Fortune 1000 companies worldwide gathered to explore top business topics and the role of IT at the Microsoft CEO Summit in Seattle. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, participated in the Summit to discuss with CEOs strategies for addressing global problems. The Microsoft CEO Summit brings together the world's leaders in business to discuss emerging social, political, economic, technological and demographic trends. Each year, more than 100 CEOs from the world's top companies meet to explore these trends and discuss how they will shape the future of global business. On the occasion of the Summit, Amir Dossal was interviewed by Mr. Lou Gellos about the role of the enterprise in addressing global problems. For the full interview please, click here.
Launch of Microsoft Africa Programmes 15 May 2007
Yesterday, the United Nations Office for Partnerships hosted an event to further advance Africa's partnership strategy. Participants included several ambassadors to the United Nations, senior Microsoft representatives, foundation and business leaders, including philanthropist Ted Turner, founder of the United Nations Foundation, Louise MacBain, founder of the Louise T Blouin Foundation, and senior United Nations officials. United Nations Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro stated that "African development is one of the highest priorities of the United Nations. We will need to work on many fronts if Africa's people are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, triumph over poverty and enjoy sustainable peace and well-being." She underscored that, "recently, [Microsoft] announced that it is increasing its commitment and investments to bring new social and economic opportunities to developing and emerging segments around the world through Microsoft Unlimited Potential. Africa will be a key focus for this programme, and we welcome this important effort. I thank everyone involved in making it possible, and look forward to the positive results it will no doubt bring for the men, women and children of Africa." The Deputy Secretary-General noted that she was "delighted that Microsoft is working with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, which is facilitating innovative alliances for the entire UN system." Orlando Ayala, Senior Vice-President, Emerging Segments Market Development, Microsoft Corp., detailed Microsoft efforts "to use technology, training and partnerships to help bring sustained social and economic opportunity to the estimated 5 billion people who are not yet realizing the benefits of technology". He continued by noting that, "through the expansion of Microsoft Unlimited Potential, the company is renewing and accelerating its long-term commitment to transform education, foster local innovation and enable jobs and opportunities to help give the people of Africa a chance achieve their full potential". For the press release, click here. For the Deputy Secretary-General's remarks, click here.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with US foundations Leaders 9 May 2007
Today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with several key US foundations leaders in order to thank them for their outstanding work towards realizing the United Nations' goals and to express his interest in even closer ties between the UN and the foundation community in the future. The event was co-hosted by Mr. Stephen Heintz, President of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Dr. Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, Mr. Timothy Wirth, President of the UN Foundation and Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships. Attendees included Mr. William White, President and CEO, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation; Ms. Pamela Flaherty, President and CEO, Citigroup Foundation; Ms. Joan Spero, President, Doris Duke Foundation; Mr. Gregory Miller, Managing Director, Investment and Legal, Google.org; Ms. Carol Larson, President and CEO, Packard Foundation; Mr. Robert Dunn, President and CEO, Synergos Institute; Ms. Kathryn Bushkin Calvin, Executive Vice President and COO, United Nations Foundation. The participants were briefed by Assistant Secretary-General Robert Orr about Secretary-General Ban Kin-moon’s priorities, and then engaged in a discussion with the Secretary-General about the various opportunities and challenges of strategic partnerships linking together philanthropic foundations and the United Nations system. For the statement by the Secretary-General, click here.
Sharp Increase In Corporate Giving In 2005
4 May 2007
As reported in the newly released "Giving In Numbers" 2006 Edition, which is published annually by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), corporate giving saw a sharp increase in 2005. The total giving of companies in 2005 equaled more than $10.5 billion. This money was allocated across various program areas, with the typical company giving 34% of its total giving to health and social services, and education ranking second across all program areas. More findings from the same report include the fact that giving is fast-paced with the typical corporate giving professional being responsible for making 154 grants per year, and the companies placing volunteerism as a top priority in their corporate giving. "Giving In Numbers" is a report prepared by the Corporate Giving Standard philanthropy measurement initiative, who surveyed 103 companies on the full breadth and depth of their 2005 corporate giving initiatives. For the full report, please click here.
Amir Dossal & Mr. Al-Rumaihi. 7th Doha Forum for Democracy,
Development and Free Trade 23 April 2007, Doha, Qatar
The 7th Doha Forum for Democracy, Development and Free Trade was opened today in Doha, Qatar, by the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Forum, which will continue until April 25, will serve as a framework for a dialogue aimed at promoting reforms and working out future strategies regarding the strengthening of mutual efforts to maintain security, peace and stability. United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, addressed the conference during the opening ceremony. On the occasion of the conference, Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, met with Mr. Al-Rumaihi, Qatar Foreign Minister's Assistant for Follow-Up Affairs and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee also to discuss a proposal for the establishment of a Centre for Partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa. Further attending was The RT. Hon. Lord Howe of Aberavon, CH, QC, who is a member of the House of Lords and also serves as Chancellor of the Esquire. For the statement by the Secretary-General, click here. |
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The
United Nations Office for Partnerships serves as a gateway for partnership
opportunities with the United Nations family. It promotes new collaborations
and alliances in furtherance of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
and provides support to new initiatives of the Secretary-General. 
The
UN Office for Partnerships (UNOP) worked with the X PRIZE Foundation,
BT Global Services and the John Templeton Foundation to stage the Incentive
to Innovate Conference which highlighted two essential tools with
which to solve today’s challenges: open collaboration and incentivized
competition. Incentive to Innovate took place at the United Nations
Headquarters in New York on June 8-9 2009 and brought together leaders
from the private sector, foundations, NGOs, and the United Nations. 
The
goal of the Conference was to encourage discussion that will lead to fresh
ideas and will foster new relationships and partnerships all with aim
of creating a better world for all its citizens.
The
U Thant Institute hosted, in cooperation with the United Nations Office
for Partnerships and the United Nations Department of Public Information,
a Special Luncheon in celebration of the Centennial Birth Anniversary
of the third Secretary-General of the United Nations, U Thant. 
The
U Thant Institute, established in 2003, is centered on U Thant’s conception
of “One World”—a world safe for diversity and a place of peaceful co-existence.
Its goal is to promote and achieve peace through education.
Hip-hop
pioneer and renowned celebrity, Russell Simmons, was confirmed as the
Goodwill Ambassador for the Permanent Memorial at the United Nations to
honor the victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade at a ceremony
held at the United Nations Headquarters, on Wednesday, 20 May 2009. The
hour-long ceremony also doubled as the official launch of the Trust Fund,
which will be managed on behalf of the Secretary-General by the United
Nations Office for Partnerships, which provides technical advice and strategic
guidance to this important initiative.
Ambassador
Raymond O. Wolfe, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
and Chairman of the Permanent Memorial Committee, and Mr. Kiyotaka Akasaka,
Under-Secretary-General for Communication and Public Information, made
welcoming remarks. 
Among
the other speakers, were Ambassador Lila Ratsifandrihamanana of the African
Union; Ambassador Mohamad, Chair of CARICOM; Ambassador Merores, Permanent
Representative of Haiti; Ambassador Touray, Permanent Representative of
Sierra Leone; Ambassador Williams, Permanent Representative of Grenada
and Ambassador Monteiro Lima, Permanent Representative of Cape Verde.
In
advance of the second annual World Malaria Day, Medicines for Malaria
Venture (MMV), the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) and Novartis
hosted a luncheon panel – “Working in Partnership: Innovating Medicines
to Eradicate Malaria” –on 22 April 2009 at the United Nations. Malaria
experts and United Nations officials discussed the progress made by public-private
partnerships toward achieving the Millennium Development Goal of halting
and reversing the incidence of malaria by 2015. The critical role of science,
medicine and integrated strategies in the eventual eradication of malaria
was discussed as well. Central to the panel discussion was the importance
of public-private partnerships in the discovery, development and delivery
of essential anti-malarial medicines to save lives in malaria-endemic
countries. 
On March 27th the members of the Executive Board
of the Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP) met in New York with
Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director, UN Office for Partnerships (UNOP).
GSCP is one of UNOP’s partners in addressing sustainability and labour
conditions, including the fight against corruption, around the world.
A ministerial-level meeting of the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) tool
place from 22nd to 25th March in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The aim of the
meeting was to improve regional cooperation for economic growth and
sustainable development in Northeast Asia. 
The 9th annual InfoPoverty World Conference March
18-20, focused on the role of Information and Communication Technologies
(ICT) in
the support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The conference
took place simultaneously in Milan and at the United Nations Headquarters
in New York. Development Gateway, a sponsor of the event, was represented
by Anna Lauridsen in Milan and by Elizabeth Corley and Ramsey Ben-Achour
in New York. The United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development
(UNGAID) co-hosted the conference with the Italian organization Observatory
for Cultural and Audiovisual Communication in the Mediterranean and
in the World.
The Fortune Forum Summit was held on 3 March 2009 at
The Dorchester Hotel in London. The event marked the launch of the Mehta/Mirrlees
(MM) Initiative, developed by Nobel Prize-winning economist, Sir James
Mirrlees, and Renu Mehta, MM sets out to raise an additional $75 billion
dollars across the G8 countries from voluntary donations for international
development projects aimed at meeting the UN MDGs. The Summit also took
the occasion to honour Mr. Ted Turner, founder of CNN and the UN Foundation.
On 23rd of February 2009 the second Special Event of the Economic
and Social Council on “Philanthropy and the Global Health Agenda”,
jointly organized by the UN Office for Partnerships, the Department
of Economic and Social Affairs, the World Health Organization and
the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, was held. 
The Secretary-General of the United Nations will open
the event, which will take place from 3 - 6 PM. The event features interactive
leadership dialogues on the contribution of philanthropy to the global
health agenda and in particular towards the achievement of the health-related
Millennium Development Goals. Themes to be explored will include “improving
the health outcomes for women and girls” and “raising the profile of neglected
tropical diseases”. 
The
United Nations Office for Partnerships is honored to announce the “2009
International Essay Contest”, jointly organized by the Goi Peace Foundation
and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO).
The third Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) took place from the 23rd through the 27th of January 2009
in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, organized by the Saudi Arabian General Investment
Authority (SAGIA). The GCF is an annual meeting of international political
leaders, top business executives, and academics to discuss the issue
of global competitiveness. The theme of the 2009 forum is “Competitiveness
as an Engine for Economic Growth,” and it aims to draw attention to
the macroeconomic benefit of competitiveness and to position competitiveness
as a key global challenge.
The
UN Office for Partnerships works closely with SAGIA, providing them with
strategic guidance and advice on partnership building between Saudi Arabia,
the United Nations System and other key international actors, such as
non-governmental organizations, philanthropic and private sector umbrella
organizations.
The United Nations Department of Public Information in conjunction with
the United Nations Office for Partnerships, and the generous support
of the Permanent Missions of France and Switzerland to the United Nations,
hosted the world premier of Romuald Sciora’s documentary film "Planet
UN". The screening took place on the 21st of January, 2009
at the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium at the United Nations Headquarters.
is a documentary focusing
on the United Nations at the beginning of the 21st century as it confronts
the enormous challenges of the future. In addition to numerous academia,
international personalities and diplomats, this film will feature interviews
with a number of senior UN Officials, including Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon. Through three major themes – Peacekeeping, Development and Human
Rights – the whole UN System
is highlighted.
The Fortune Forum has contributed to raising awareness
of the scourges of poverty, preventable diseases and environmental degradation
and serving to invigorate international focus and committed action. The
Fortune Forum platform has supported life-giving projects through the
work of its charity partners: British Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, African
Renaissance, Alliance for the New Humanity, International Clean Energy
(ICE) Circle, the UN Foundation and others.
The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed staff around the world at
the start of the new year calling for a renewed sense of commitment,
pride and dedication. UN staff in Arusha, Geneva, Haiti, Nairobi, Santiago,
Vienna, Darfur, Goma and Kabul were participating by video and telephone.
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro and Under-Secretary-General
for Management Angela Kane joined the Secretary-General. 
President-elect
Barack Obama has appointed a team of 30 prominent individuals to assist
the incoming administration plan and implement the “innovation agenda.”
The working group is divided into four committees: Innovation and Government,
Innovation and National Priorities, Innovation and Science, and Innovation
and Civil Society.
The “Peace and Sport” Forum is a unique international gathering which enables
the world highest political, sportive and economic authorities to discuss a common issue:
how can sport help connecting communities and getting them to tolerate their differences?
Phelophepa means 'good clean health'- a service that has been brought to over 500,000 people since the Train's launch in 1993.
The 16 carriages have so far covered a massive 60,000 miles in order to bring healthcare
to areas without access to national health services.
On Thursday, November 20th, 2008 The American Friends
of the Phelophepa Train held their 7th Annual Gala Awards Dinner, at the
TimesCenter in the New York Times building. This year, the Phelophepa
Achievement Award for Excellence was presented live to Archbishop-Emeritus
Desmond M. Tutu, by Award Winning Actress, Whoppi Goldberg, for his support
and commitment to advancing health care for the poor in South Africa.
musician and founder of Yele Haiti – Wyclef Jean. The Heart of Gold Award
honored the work of Carol and Steward Rahr, President and CEO of pharmaceutical
company Kinray, David Hryck, senior partner at DLA Piper and Jeffrey Tarrant,
Chief Executive Officer of the hedge fund company, Protégé Partners. 
s through
sustainable education programs in disaster affected areas. 
The Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum convened the
international public policy debate on 13-15 November, 2008 in Paris, France.
The Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum is an independent, multidisciplinary, and action-oriented worldwide gathering that engages
the inter-linked sets of challenges, and initiate new actions to discuss timely issues in the field of cultural diplomacy,
share information and experiences on the development of diverse media, arts, and cultural resources for the strengthening of
international relations, mutual understanding, security, and peace-building efforts
The
His Royal Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Dhabian Holdings PLC and the World Trade Centers Association and the World Trade Centers Management Company announced a joint $3.2billion initial capital proposal, ‘The Triangle of Peace’, which is ‘a global peace initiative’.
The initiative is planned to involve more than one million corporations, these are global members of the World Trade Centers Association, in nearly one hundred countries and is planned to be a significant sustainable social economic stimulus and development program’ capitalizing the current global situation and outlining a framework, which will help provide long-term, social and ecological balance.
Amir Dossal, Executive Director of UNOP was a key-role speaker at the launch event of the Triangle of Peace.
"During times of economic crisis, some may be tempted to turn inward -- focusing on our problems here at home, while ignoring our interests around the world,
[…] This would be a serious mistake. America is committed, and America must stay committed, to international development for reasons that remain true regardless of the ebb and flow of the markets." 
BioMarine is a unique international forum that brings together business, science, government, civil society and media to
advance ocean sustainability. The first edition of this international platform for dialogue will take place from 20 to 24
October, 2008 in Toulon and Marseille, France. The United Nations Office for Partnerships joined the Biovision and the
European Union in co-hosting this important maritime event. The main goals of BioMarine are to discuss and develop a
strategy for preserving the oceans and the livelihoods they sustain.
The Fourth edition of the Women’s Forum Global Meeting takes place in Deauville, France on 16 - 18 October 2008. Women’s Forum Global Meeting is a prestigious, international event, established in 2005. Each year, it welcomes 1,200 leaders from public and private sectors to address the most pressing issues of today’s world. The discussions at the Forum will focus on the three following areas:
As
part of the “Age of Connectivity: Cities, Magnet for Hope” Windsor Dialogue
series, October’s working session addressed “Harmonious Cities: Music,
Technology, Culture and Health.” International decision makers and experts
were asked to consider actionable plans for scaling up Millennium Development
Goal interventions in areas of health, education, habitat and peace using
music as a natural resource. The event set the stage for charting a consensual,
cross-cutting and cross-sector approach to the convergence of health,
music and technology for the 21st century. 
In an
effort to engage actors from all sectors – be it private sector, phylanthrophic
community or public entities – to support children affected by climate
change, the UNEP launched a UN-wide campaign "UNite to Combat Climate
Change" leading up to the climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark,
in December 2009. 
H.E.
Mr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and
current Chair of the Group of 77 developing countries, was honoured on
25 September with the 2008 Millennium Development Goals Achievement Award
for his commitment and contributions to promoting partnerships between
the United Nations and the private sector in achieving the global anti-poverty
goals.
In
tandem with the High-Level Event on The Millennium Development Goals on
25 September 2008 at the UN Headquarters, Microsoft Corporation, Africa
hosted a reception for a group of Heads of State and Government from the
African Continent. Mr. Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft Corporation and
Co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered the key-note
speech on the role of technology for Africa’s development. The list of
speakers also included Mr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, Chairman of Microsoft
Africa, who addressed the issue of access to technology and Dr. Cheick
Sidi Diarra, Under Secretary General, High Representative for the Least
Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island
Developing States, who delivered the opening statement. Mr. Amir Dossal,
Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, moderated
the event. 
The UN
Foundation, Global Business Coalition for AIDS, TB and Malaria, United
Nations Office for Partnerships, the UN Millennium Campaign, the Global
Compact, and others, co-hosted an evening reception honoring Mr. Ban Ki-moon,
the UN Secretary-General, for his Leadership and Commitment to achieving
MDGs. Among the speakers highlighting the achievements triggered by the
Secretary-General towards the world’s most pressing problems were Mr.
Tim Wirth, President of the UN Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, Co-founder
and Trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and activist and
musician Bono.
