(New York, 7 November 2014) – As spread of the Ebola virus is still intensifying in many affected areas in Western Africa, the UN Global Compact is calling on all companies with a footprint in Western Africa to sign the Business Action Pledge on Ebola Elimination.
The number of reported Ebola cases now exceeds 13,500 and the number of reported deaths is nearing 5,000 according to UNMEER (UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response). As the World Health Organization has declared, this is a “public health emergency of international concern”.
Many UN Global Compact participants responded to the Special Appeal in September, and the Global Compact continues to encourage companies to financially support UN Agencies and partners responding to Ebola. However, business leadership in this crisis can extend far beyond cash donations.
Signatories to the Business Action Pledge are asked to support Ebola elimination, take leadership within their own companies to stop Ebola’s spread, and help communities and the economy recover. Any senior executive or business association leader can join the pledge. Numerous major companies with operations in Western Africa have already signed (view the list of current Pledge signatories).
The Pledge online form can also be used by companies to describe the actions they are already taking or committing to take in support of the Ebola response – making this an important tool to gather best practices and recognize private sector contributions to date. Each signatory should determine how best to support the Pledge based on their own assets and capabilities.
For more information on the Pledge, the UN Ebola response efforts and how to help, please contact us.
Sign the Business Action Pledge: http://business.un.org/pledge
Contact
Angus Rennie
UN-Business Partnerships
UN Global Compact
rennie@unglobalcompact.org
