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BITC to launch International Award for companies adhering to the UN Millenium Development Goals

Business in the Community has added the International Award as a category to the 2013 Awards for Excellence. BITC’s Awards for Excellence showcase the best of responsible business in action and recognise the powerful and positive role that business plays in society.

The International Award recognises company programmes that can demonstrate positive impact on those in greatest need globally through one or more of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Leading companies now recognise that it is in their long-term interest to invest in building safe, secure societies.  Business are also seeing global challenges as a driver of innovation and looking for new market opportunities in developing countries. Business can play a fundamental role in scaling up the fight against global poverty.  Business brings a range of benefits, including jobs, skills, technology, innovation, and access to markets. Foreign direct investment now outstrips official aid in many developing countries.

Adopted by world leaders in the year 2000 and set to be achieved by 2015, The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the most broadly supported, comprehensive and specific development goals the world has ever agreed upon. The MDGs break down into eight goals of 21 quantifiable targets that are measured by 60 indicators. 

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are: 
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;
2. Achieve universal primary education;
3. Promote gender equality and empower women;
4. Reduce child mortality;
5. Improve maternal health;
6. Combat HIV, AIDS, malaria & other diseases;
7. Ensure environmental sustainability;
8. Develop a global partnership for development.

Business can contribute to meeting these goals through working with their supply chains and employees, providing products and services for the global poor and through their social investment activities and advocacy.

Learn more about the International Award here

(Source: BITC)

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18 October 2012