UN-supported initiative releases business guide on COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the world is facing an unprecedented challenge that affects people, communities and economies everywhere. While the pandemic is, above all, a health crisis, it also has significant socioeconomic implications that are particularly devastating to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

In collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact and in consultation with UN colleagues, the Connecting Business initiative has updated the UN Business Guide on COVID-19, providing guidance for the private sector. Business leaders globally are being encouraged to support communities and companies affected by COVID-19, and take internal measures to contain the pandemic.

The Guide offers companies an overview of how the private sector can join with the UN to take collective action to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. The first edition was issued on March 3 and it will be updated as additional information becomes available.

The Connecting Business initiative aims to transform the way business engages before, during and after natural and human-made disasters and humanitarian crises to create more resilient communities, increase local capacity and alleviate human suffering.

Operational and technical support is provided by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and OCHA.