Private Sector Engagement
© UNHCR/F. Noy
The private sector plays a pivotal role in providing opportunities for refugees. From employment and business opportunities, to providing critical goods and services, refugees’ livelihoods are very closely linked to private enterprise.
Companies can benefit from working with refugees who provide a source of skills, knowledge and expertise, as well as markets for products and services. Private-sector engagement with refugees creates shared value for all stakeholders – from the refugees and companies concerned, to the host communities, local economy and wider society in which refugees live.
We engage directly with companies and other actors to jointly design and implement innovative concepts and programmes that contribute to refugees’ livelihoods. For example:
- Working with financial institutions to develop financial products that suit refugees’ needs
- Establishing links with global supply chains for products made by refugees
- Linking with private companies to increase hiring of refugees
We are involved in a number of leading platforms to gather evidence, conduct research and promote the business case and best practice for private sector engagement with refugees.