The Global Humanitarian Action Executive Alliance (GHAEA) met virtually with UN leadership to discuss private sector support on promoting SDG 17 in the humanitarian arena. The health, political and socio-economic challenges facing the world require dynamic partnerships between the public and private sector now more than ever.
The meeting highlighted that there are companies - represented by the GHAEA - and others who want to support UN and corporate engagement in the humanitarian space. The GHAEA stands ready to support the pre-positioning of relationships between companies and the UN. Doing so would facilitate a deep understanding of the strengths, expertise and competencies of each actor.
Mr. Mark Lowcock on behalf of the United Nations noted in the meeting that growing humanitarian challenges can benefit from more dynamic partnerships.
Stan Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein stated:
“If we work in our own silos, we miss the opportunity for exponential impact and synergies that come from collaboration with one another.”
Present at the meeting were executives from Henry Schein Mr. Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO; Qatar Financial Centre CEO Mr. Yousef AL Jaida; Becton, Dickinson and Company, Mr. Gary Cohen, Executive Vice President, Global Health BD and President, BD Foundation; Mastercard, Amb. Michael Froman, Vice Chairman & President, Strategic Growth; Salesforce.org Ms. Charlotte Kirby, Vice President, Global Strategic Relations; The UPS Foundation Ms. Nikki Clifton and Willis Towers Watson Mr. Rowan Douglas, Head of Climate & Resilience Hub. Chaired by Dr. Ahmed Al Meraikhi, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, GHAEA members met with the UN Undersecretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. Mark Lowcock.
The GHAEA is a unique private sector led alliance of corporate leaders seeking to combine the expertise and innovative skill of the private sector to work with the United Nations and respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies to meet growing global needs.