UN development chief opens new centre to promote role of business in fighting poverty

The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today inaugurated a new centre that aims to encourage the private sector to take a greater role in anti-poverty efforts and create more jobs.

Helen Clark opened the UNDP International Centre for Private Sector in Development in Istanbul, Turkey, on the second day of a four-day visit to the country by the agency’s Administrator.

“We can help connect local, national, and global actors, and identify approaches which will create value for business and advance Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) progress,” Miss Clark said at the opening, adding that Turkey’s contribution to international development makes it an ideal location for the institution.

Miss Clark highlighted the private sector’s critical role in fostering inclusive growth and development.

“UNDP sees many companies making conscious decisions to purchase locally, thereby helping communities to grow small businesses from the micro level and up and generate new jobs and livelihoods.”

Meanwhile, pointing to the protests which have swept across a number of States in the Middle East and North Africa in recent weeks, Miss Clark also underlined the global importance of inclusive and sustainable growth and development.

“People in country after country are calling not only for new freedoms and an end to injustice, but also for the chance to earn a decent wage and improve their standard of living,” she said. “To meet their aspirations, countries need dynamic and competitive businesses creating jobs and spurring innovation.”

Earlier in the day, Miss Clark and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also signed a partnership agreement to support global poverty reduction.