The World Bank has committed $3 million to a “Business Partners for Development” initiative to undertake studies and pilot projects involving companies, NGOs and governments.
The rationale for the 3 year programme is that
“we are moving from a world in which business maximized profits independently of the interests of society at large and the state was seen as sole provider and/or financier of the public good, to a world where success depends not just on complementarity of actions among business, civil society and state, but on synergy.”
The Bank believes such partnerships could make a great contribution to social and economic inclusion and that its initiative will help demonstrate to all parties that they are in their interest.
The partnerships will tackle:
- Natural resources industries;
- Water and sanitation;
- Education;
- Youth development.
These sectors will be facilitated by
CARE, WaterAid, ActionAid and the International Youth Foundation respectively. Secretariats and steering groups comprising representatives from the three different sectors are currently being established and criteria for selecting case studies are being framed.
Contacts: Nigel Twose, World Bank, ntwose@worldbank.org
For the water sector: Julie Jarman, Water Aid, Prince Consort House, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UB, UK, wateraid@compuserve.com
