US Business and Government Leaders Urged UN Security Council for More Public-Private Partnership Solutions

With global humanitarian needs increasing due to climate change, conflict, and the continuous impact of COVID-19, many speakers at a UN Security Council open debate called for a new model that will leverage the private sector more to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The debate, held during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, sought to identify and advance public-private partnership solutions to promote international peace and security by addressing current and future humanitarian needs.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke to members of the UN Security Council about increasing collaboration with the private sector. “The public sector must do more to proactively work with the private sector, especially as we look to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The public sector must harness the expertise of the private sector and translate it into action,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said. “It is past time to invest and scale this relationship. And it is past time for us to welcome the private sector through the front door.”

Jared Cohen, President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs, said, “The largest employers in the world are not just Governments — they are also businesses.” He noted that five American companies have more than 500,000 workers. Recognizing that globalization has put the private sector at the geopolitical table, he spotlighted the importance of sustained partnerships and real-time innovation.

Michael Miebach, Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard, said that “the private sector stands ready to tackle the challenges at hand in partnership with the public sector.” He said the UN must be even more direct and deliberate in its outreach so that actors can align on objectives, underscoring the importance of structured public and private partnerships. Detailing how technology has facilitated the provision of life-saving assistance, he affirmed: “You have a willing and committed partner in the private sector. We just need to be engaged.”

The UN Global Compact works with the private sector in taking strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

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Watch the Advancing public-private humanitarian partnership - Security Council, 9,418th meeting here.

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