Business Partnership for Sustainable Urbanization (BPSU)
Given the recognized tremendous contribution of the private sector to urban shelter and infrastructure development, cooperation with the private sector is increasingly seen as a necessity, and not just an option, to ensure sustainable urbanization. The Business Partnership for Sustainable Urbanization (BPSU) is a strategic alliance of business companies, including foundations and other partners working towards sustainable urbanization. UN-HABITAT’s brokering role is to promote dialogue between partners and help them to take concrete actions. The platform will also provide with leading edge information on urbanization issues, business models that address shelter and basic services needs in low income urban areas. Why?
Better managed cities, and cities with better infrastructure and services mean more efficiency and productivity. They also mean more inclusiveness. The private sector is not only part of the solution, but a vital part that must be engaged if the world’s cities are to achieve sustainability. The private sector and the UN share common objectives of more efficient, productive and inclusive cities. While the corporate sector needs the best conditions to run its business, the UN is engaged in improving the living conditions of people who will work and buy products and services from the private sector.
Opportunities There is tremendous market potential for private sector investment in sustainable housing and services for the poor. The private sector should explore business models that work and develop new ones in the areas of shelter and services delivery to support sustainable urbanisation.
Objectives - To disseminate and share first hand knowledge of the problems facing cities around the world, stimulate the private sector’s interest and create a framework that allows business to contribute effectively to sustainable urbanization.
- To identify untapped market opportunities and business models that works to address sustainable urbanization in order to attract business investment, particularly through corporate social responsibility.
- To offer brokering solutions between partners in cities bringing together business partners, local authorities, urban environmental activists and local communities.
- To encourage and initiate locally driven initiatives that address the urban poor.
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Download the Business Partnership for Sustainable Urbanization brochure