World Business Council for Sustainable Development２．What lessons can be
drawn from previousexperiences with theMDGs, and in particular,what models of publicprivate partnerships havebeen successful?

⇒An example of WBCSD:Development Focus AreaThe role of business in Development Business:– Engine of economic growth and employment, source oftechnology and innovation– Critical role in providing solutions towards a moresustainable and equitable world Business case:– Business cannot succeed in societies that fail– Risk management– Build positions in tomorrow’s growth markets– Transition to a more sustainableworld: major business opportunityWBCSD’s role in Development Create awareness among business onrisks and opportunities Define the business role in sustainablyaddressing key development challengesand advocate business perspectives topolicy makers and other relevantstakeholders Demonstrate leadership by promotingbusiness-led action on the groundMembers of the Working GroupThought leadership Platform for leading-edge thinking and messaging onbusiness and development– Advocacy piece on the business role in development, outliningWBCSD vision on DevelopmentTools Platform to access WBCSD tools to enhancecompanies awareness and capacity to respondto development risks and opportunities Example:– Measuring Impact Framework• Helping companies measure and assess impactsto inform investment decisions and conversationswith stakeholders• Focusing on uptake by members and partnersand on providing input to external measurementframeworks such as Business Call to Action onthe Millennium Development Goals, Oxfam, andothersInitiatives Platform for companies to launch developmentrelated projects under the umbrella of theWBCSD A Example: Mobility for Development3-year project completed in 2009• Public-private partnerships, if well planned andexecuted, can help governments attract privatesector investment for projects that would otherwisenot be possible. They can shift construction andmaintenance risk to the private sector and enablecost savings and service improvement, freeing upthe public sector to focus on outcomes.Advocacy Platform to access and influence internationalprocesses and initiatives Examples– Global Platforms• Business Call to Action on the Millennium DevelopmentGoals• UNDP Growing Inclusive Markets Initiative• Financing for Development• UN Development Cooperation Forum– Regional Initiatives• Inter-American Development Bank• Asian Development Bank Energy for All Partnership• Energy Poverty Action with WEF and WEC

Key messages – 1 Business is a solution provider– As an engine of economic growth and employment and a source oftechnology and innovation, business can provide solutions to criticaldevelopment challenges.

 Business is the major source of capital for developingcountries– Aid is important, but the transition towards sustainable development indeveloping countries will require mobilizing private sector investments, whichaccount for 85% of global financial flows.

 The sustainable development of developing countries is abusiness opportunity– Major technological and infrastructural investments to sustainably meet theneeds of a growing population in developing countries areneeded. This represents a major business opportunity forcompanies that anticipate trends and respond with smartsolutions.

Key messages – 2 Business cannot succeed in societies that fail– By understanding and proactively addressing socio-economic and environmentalrisks, companies can underpin their license to operate, innovate and grow.

 Inclusive business equals a win-win for business and society– By including low-income communities in their value chains, companies can meettheir aims of growth and profitability, while addressing societal needs.

 What gets measured gets done– By measuring the impact of business on society companies can understand theirrole and contribution to development and make better operational and investmentdecisions to improve this contribution.

 Business cannot solve poverty, but poverty will not be solvedwithout business– For business to effectively contribute to sustainable economicgrowth, the appropriate legal, institutional and financialframework conditions need to be in place – globally, regionallyand nationally.Partnerships