Business UNusual: Partnerships as Strategic Investments was organized by the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi), the Global Compact, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and the Hertie School of Governance with substantial financial support from DaimlerChrysler and Deutsche Post World Net. The conference explored the concept of public-private partnerships as strategic investments.

We examined the role of partnerships in promoting reform at the United Nations. Presentations and panel discussions focused on themes such as how to transform the United Nations into an effective player in the emerging system of “global governance” and the significance of partnerships as strategic investments (rather than philanthropic activities) for business as well as the current impediments to such partnerships.

The panel discussions on both December 12th and 13th touched on the isses of United Nations reform, the future of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, how to establish long-term sustainable partnerships and many other related themes. These issues were explored further in small workshops focusing on partnerships in the areas of disaster relief, health, harnessing markets for development, and promoting sustainable reporting.