Oxfam launches Briefings for Business

Oxfam GB has launched a new series 'Briefings for Business'. The purpose of this series is to explore a new form of dialogue with companies through which they can share experiences of how poor people are affected by business operations.

The first in the series looks at business and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim, amongst other things, to halve poverty, lower levels of hunger, reduce maternal and childhood mortality, and increase access to water and sanitation.

The MDGs epitomise some of the key challenges facing the world today. Oxfam has been encouraged by the level of interest and commitment shown by companies in working as part of the international community to try and achieve those important goals.  Retail is one of five business sectors analysed in terms of examples of responsible practice and examples of nagative impact.

Oxfam's briefing highlights seven issues for companies to take into account in order to maximise their contributions towards meeting the MDGs:  

• Conduct core business operations responsibly
• Fight inequalities in business operations
• Develop trust by ensuring responsible policies and practices are consistent throughout the business
• Ensure social value and benefits to poor people are the primary driver
• Make initiatives sustainable
• Anticipate any adverse consequences that their decision-making might have on poor communities.
• Support governments in achieving the MDGs

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/policy/private_sector/businessmdgs.html