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Business for DevelopmentThe Australian Government working with Australian businesses to achieve the Millennium Development Goals'This is not a call for more philanthropy. It is a call to recognise the business case for helping poor countries develop.' Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, 2008 Business for Millennium Development National Summit 24 October 2008International development relies on commerce to create the wealth and jobs that will reduce poverty, and businesses can win a competitive edge and expand their markets by tailoring goods and services to meet the needs of poor people. That's why business is good for development and why development is good for business. Many companies are already reaping the benefits by working to explore business opportunities which increase profits and fuel growth in poorer countries. The Millennium Development Goals Business Call to Action The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight targets that respond to the world's main development challenges. The MDGs were adopted by 189 nations in 2000. There has been some progress on achieving the goals but we know that unless a serious commitment is made over the coming years we will fail to improve the health, education and lives of millions. In 2008, responding to the urgent need to refocus attention on the MDGs, Australia joined the international Call to Action - which includes a specific Business Call to Action to harness the skills and expertise of the private sector. Competing effectively in developing countries The Business Call to Action (BCTA) challenges the private sector to contribute to development through core business initiatives. Companies are asked to explore ways of realigning, adjusting or changing their products and services to be both commercially viable and contribute to development. Good examples include:
Already over 60 businesses have signed the international declaration under the Business Call to Action committing to contributing their skills and resources to making a positivie impact in an emerging economy. To read the pricate sector declaration and find out more about this initiative visit the Business Call to Action website. Business for Millennium Development (B4MD) B4MD has been established to support Australian businesses to operate, innovate and grow in true partnership with the communities in which they operate. This business-led coalition, supported by AusAID, aims to create sustainable development in the emerging economies of the Asia Pacific. B4MD works with companies, actively brokering initiatives that encourage poverty alleviation and harness business expertise and knowledge. AusAID and the United Nations Development Programme supported the B4MD National Summit held in Melbourne on 24 October 2008. The Summit brought together business leaders to discuss the role of the private sector in contributing to the Millennium Development Goals. To find out more about this initiative visit the B4MD website. The Enterprise Challenge Fund for the Pacific and South East Asia - AusAID can help grow your business The Enterprise Challenge Fund helps the private sector develop commercially successful ventures that otherwise would not get the chance to go to market. By providing up to half of the project's funds, AusAID shares the project's setup costs and some of the risk. Grants ranging from $A100 000 to $A1.5 million are available for business ideas where commercial viability can be established within three years. Projects are considered in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, southern Philippines, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Lao PDR, East Timor and selected providences in Indonesia. Businesses from any country can apply, providing the project is carried out in one or more of these countries. To date, two bidders have been awarded ECF grants. Nature’s Way Cooperative (Fiji) Ltd, an expansion of a fruit quarantine facility, was awarded $263,000. This contribution will enable Nature's Way Cooperative to significantly expand its fruit exports to improve the livelihoods of approximately 1,200 rural people in Western Viti Levu. Cagayan de Oro Handicrafts in the Philippines, a handmade paper company, was awarded $346,000. This funding will help to expand the project which will support greater livelihood options and wealth generation for the poor (including the Higaunon Tribal Community). To find out more visit the Enterprise Challenge Fund Website. The Australian Leadership Fellowship Awards Australian businesses have the opportunity to strengthen links with organisations in the Asia Pacific region by working with them to offer opportunities for short term professional placements and study to senior officials and mid-career professionals who have the potential to influence policy and development outcomes in their countries. Under AusAID's ALA Fellowships program Australian organisations can apply for funding of up to $35,000 per Fellow to support a range of activities that will develop expertise and leadership capacity in our region. Applications relating to international trade, security, pandemics, disability, climate change, clean water and sanitation are particularly encouraged. More information on the Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships Volunteering There are many exciting and innovative ways for Australian businesses to engage in our development assistance program. The Australian Government’s volunteer program provides four different mechanisms for Australian businesses to raise their profile in the Asia Pacific region and offer an enriching professional experience for their staff. Australian businesses can:
More information on volunteering. International Initiatives International standards and initiatives can provide concrete evidence for shareholders and the public that companies are meeting their responsibilities as international citizens.
For more Information, please see:
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