Both in Agenda 2030 and in the Addis Ababa Agenda for Action (AAAA), the private sector is presented as one of the most important 'new' actors in achieving the sustainable development goals. The sector is mobilized to commit itself as a partner in sustainable development, to invest in sectors that are essential for sustainable development and to make the transition to more sustainable consumption and production processes. In this way, the private sector can be a driving force for productivity, inclusive economic growth and job creation. More and more attention is also being paid to supply chain management, not only from the point of view of waste reduction and recycling of resources, but also with regards to decent work and fair prices throughout the production chain. NGOs, trade unions and other civil society organizations therefore engage in dialogue with resource suppliers, producers, brokers and final trade.
But how do you engage the private sector? In what aspects lies the gain for them? What are the barriers for entering into partnerships, where do commercial interests conflict with sustainability interests, and what are the solutions? What experience can classic development actors bring to the table that is interesting for the private sector and vice versa, which expertise can the private sector provide?
Organization: The Clothing Bank, supported by Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Clothing Bank has built strategic partnerships with most of South Africa’s major clothing retailers who donate their excess stock. This is stock that is made up of customer returns and end of season merchandise. Unemployed mothers join a two year training programme and start their own small business by trading the merchandise they buy from The Clothing Bank at discounted prices.
- Co-creation
- Private sector on board
- Innovation as a key to succes
- Innovative finance
Organization: Belgapom
The potato industry is supporting the potato farmers in the high lands of Ecuador and Peru with expertise. By making the potato cooperatives more professional, the farmers can obtain a stronger position on the market and get a higher income.
In partnership with:
- Trias, international development organisation
- ILVO
- VTI
- Rotary
- Boerenbond (Farmers Union)
- Province of West Flanders
Organization: Merck For Mothers (MfM)
Ferring Pharmaceuticals has developed a new medicine resistant to warm temperatures to prevent maternal death. Merck for Mothers, the foundation of the pharmaceutical company Merck, finances the research for the use of this medicine in developing countries. MfM is working with HRP, the specialized programme of the UN on Human Reproduction, for this research.