"Business and the United Nations might seem to have different purposes.  Business   has traditionally focused on growth and profit.  The United Nations focuses its energies on peace and security, poverty reduction and human rights.  But many of our objectives are the same: building and supporting strong economies and communities, providing opportunities for people to pursue a livelihood and ensuring that everyone can live in dignity.  In these goals, the UN and businesses are partners."

Ban Ki-Moon's address to UNA/USA Business Council January 2007
Secretary-General of the United Nations

This guide describes the role of various UN agencies during an emergency, and identifies ways in which companies can support relief efforts in a timely and appropriate manner, be it through cash contributions, in-kind donations, or volunteer expertise. Businesses that are interested in selling products or services to the UN to meet emergency relief needs should contact the appropriate UN procurement service.

  (Source: IRIN, UN Photo, Fred Noy)

 

The Orientation Guide is divided into the four sections listed below and is intended to provide information that will help your organisation make a contribution with the greatest positive impact on communities affected by a humanitarian crisis.  A review of this guide is highly recommended before contacting the UN, particularly for companies considering donations of products or services rather than financial contributions.  

 

	Impact of Emergencies Globally
	UN Role in Emergency Relief
	How Can My Company Help?
	What to Expect When Donating to the UN

 

 

For additional assistance in determining where to direct your enquiry or for help in developing a partnership, please contact:

Christelle Loupforest
Donor & External Relations Officer
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
tel:  1-212-963-1375
fax: 1-212-963-1312
e-mail:  loupforest@un.org
 

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(!) This website provides information specifically for businesses to contribute. If you are an individual who would like to make a donation to the UN, please click here for Donation Links.

The site is intended as a resource for business, and is not exhaustive in scope. If you have any comments or questions on the site, please e-mail us at businessguide@un.org