Develop a global partnership for development

The eighth goal is essentially a commitment between rich and poor countries to work together to achieve the first seven goals. The private sector is an integral part of that partnership.

Targets

Develop an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system which includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction - both nationally and internationally.

Business can contribute to MDG 8 by:

• Contributing to the global partnership
  Continue to grow your business in emerging markets and work with the Federal Government for the liberalisation of trade. The World Bank estimates that full liberalisation of trade could increase growth, enough to lift 300 million more people out of poverty by 2015
• Creating local capacity
  Ensure long-term sustainable development of emerging markets through infrastructure development and the transfer of knowledge and technologies

Primer questions

• Has your company committed to the UN Global Compact?
• Does your company have policies to tackle bribery, corruption and money laundering with compliance mechanisms?
• Have you ensured that the procurement of goods from the Asia Pacific does not involve human rights abuses which affect the poor?
• Could you cooperate with local think tanks to understand and communicate the value you create for the local economy?
• How confident are you in your ability to understand local politics? Could you ‘outsource’ intelligence on your political concerns to local people?
• What do local people in government, the media and the grass roots think about your operations?
• How much do you know about how your host country is changing? Do you have a migration plan to deal with these changes?
• Can you assist the local government to integrate principles of good governance within their policies and operations?
• Can you engage with governments and international finance organisations to provide financing for large development projects - particularly infrastructure?