New Guide to Food Sustainability and the Role of the Private Sector

(New York, 24 September 2008) - The UN Global Compact Office, in partnership with a broad alliance of UN agencies, today launched Food Sustainability -- A Guide to Private Sector Action at the first UN Private Sector Forum, held at UN Headquarters in New York.

The new publication features more than 30 examples of best and emerging practices in seven topical areas that relate to food sustainability: water management; agricultural inputs and infrastructure; financial mechanisms and risk management instruments; nutrition; energy and biofuels; the role of information and communication technology; and job opportunities for rural low-income populations. The guide also provides suggested actions for businesses to undertake to contribute in these areas.

"With this guide, we hope to demonstrate how responsible business can be a force for good and present practical ideas for how business can support the work of governments, the United Nations and other stakeholders to solve the current global food crisis", said Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact.

Guide available for download at http://www.unglobalcompact.org/NewsAndEvents/news_archives/2008_09_24d.html