Global Partner Network
The Global Partners Network reflects the developing worldwide focus on responsible business, and the emergence of global community investment programmes implemented by multinational companies, for whom the network offers a valuable infrastructure of local expertise and support.
Partners operate as honest brokers, facilitating dialogue between business, government and civil society. This process helps to create partnerships that can reduce risk, build trust and develop innovative approaches that benefit from local market opportunities.
The network complements global organisations such as the International Business Leaders Forum and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and initiatives such as the UN Global Compact (UNGC), which address global issues but need a network of intermediaries to make an impact at a local level.
The Global Partner Network vary according to local circumstance, but generally they:
- are not-for-profit organisations
- are associated with business networks
- engage with key stakeholders
- have the capacity to help business to translate policy into action at a local level.
Partners in the network share:
- a common ethos and aims, working with business, at local, national and international levels, to improve and extend its positive impact in the community
- charitable or not-for-profit status, depending on local and national regulations
- links with the business community, and understanding of their local community
- a commitment to sharing experience, tools and case studies with the rest of the network, and to providing collaborative support to international programmes and projects
- a focus on applying business skills and resources to the needs of the most disadvantaged communities, and contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Business in the Community is grateful to BHP Billiton for their generous support to the development of the Global Partner Network.
