"We need a new understanding on business ethics and governance, with more compassion and less uncritical faith in the “magic” of markets."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Address to the 63rd Session
of the UN General Assembly
23 September 2008
The relationship between the United Nations and the international business community has grown over the past several years due to a series of partnerships and alliances between the Organization and the private sector. The result has been a new standard of responsibility for business, as well as cooperation between business and the Organization in meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Partnerships and Alliances
The international business community is working with the UN system and civil society in order to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
The UN Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
The UN Office for Partnerships promotes new United Nations partnerships and alliances, engages corporations, foundations and civil society to achieve the millennium development goals, and is the interface between the UN Foundation and the United Nations system. It is also the institutional hub for the United Nations Democracy Fund.
Many international corporations have joined the UN Foundation as partners, in order to help solve global problems. The UN Foundation was set up through a $1 billion gift from entrepreneur Ted Turner.
How to Become a UN Supplier or Vendor
The United Nations Procurement Division website is designed to meet the increasing demands of vendors seeking registration and business opportunities with the UN.
On the UN Global Marketplace website, a company’s details can be submitted to UN agencies for approval to become a potential supplier.
UN Development Business is a business publication providing a comprehensive source of information on opportunities to supply goods, works and services for projects financed by the United Nations, governments and the world's leading development banks.
Business Groups
Through its network of partnerships in economic development, health, education, and technology, the Business Council for the United Nations advances the common interest of both the UN and the business community in working toward a more prosperous and peaceful world.
The International Chamber of Commerce is the voice of world business, championing the global economy as a force for economic growth, job creation and prosperity.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a CEO-led, global association of some 200 companies dealing exclusively with business and sustainable development. It provides a platform for companies to explore sustainable development, share knowledge, experiences and best practices, and to advocate business positions on these issues in a variety of forums, working with governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations.
The Guidelines on UN Business Cooperation 
are meant to facilitate the formulation and implementation of co-operation between the UN and the business community in a manner that ensures the integrity and independence of the Organization.