How can business help tackle the refugee crisis

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 60 million people, including 19.5 million refugees, have been displaced by conflict in 2015. Next week’s summit will – quite rightly – focus on government efforts to diminish the suffering of people forced to flee conflict and support solutions for the resulting widespread societal disruption. But the role of the private sector in tackling the refugee crisis should not be understated.

Companies of all sizes and from all sectors have already pledged to respond to the refugee crisis through a series of initiatives – from funding campaigns through to delivering essential training programmes. As the world business organization, ICC is encouraging companies to do more where they can based on their own assets and capabilities.

Here are nine views that pinpoint how business can take action to assist refugees and help manage mass migration.

World Bank Group

“We need much more than political solutions to end conflict. We need to create jobs first and foremost… Boosting economic growth and creating jobs in fragile settings is an urgent task.”

Jim Yong Kim
President
World Bank Group

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

“Increasingly we are hearing the voice of the private sector in the discussion about refugees. We can and should draw on its resources and the innovation it can bring.

Filippo Grandi
High Commissioner for Refugees
United Nations

United Nations

“States and the private sector must help to create jobs both for refugees and natives through investments in and free trade regimes.”

Peter Sutherland
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for International Migration
United Nations

Vodafone

“The Vodafone Foundation Instant Classroom puts the best technology that educators have to offer into the hands of children and young people living in the toughest of environments.”

Andrew Dunnett
Director
Vodafone Foundation

Unilever

“The Unilever Foundation has developed a more strategic approach to support our partners on humanitarian response. We are working with them on preparedness, relief and rehabilitation post an emergency.”

Paul Polman
CEO
Unilever

ThyssenKrupp AG

“Employing refugees is not a solution to the shortage of skilled workers, but it is an extremely important contribution to successful integration and part of our corporate responsibility. Training is key to this as the commitment needs to be worthwhile for both sides in the long term.”

Heinrich Hiesinger
CEO
ThyssenKrupp AG

International Chamber of Commerce

“This is an important moment for expanding private sector involvement in tackling the short- and long-term impacts of mass migration. We are committed to working with governments to help mobilise private sector resources and expertise in addressing the global refugee crisis.”

John Danilovich
Secretary General
International Chamber of Commerce

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

“It’s time for us to focus on the enormous potential of our fellow human beings so cruelly forced from their homes and families. Enough of the blame game. Let’s get on with doing what we do best – helping those who need a hand.”

John WH Denton AO
CEO
Corrs Chambers Westgarth

First Vice-Chairman
International Chamber of Commerce

International Monetary Fund

“Migrants can boost a country’s labour force, encourage investment and boost growth. Preliminary IMF calculations show a modest positive impact on growth from migrants in EU countries.”

Christine Lagarde
Managing Director
International Monetary Fund

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