About the WBCSD-SNV Alliance (www.inclusivebusiness.org)

[Daniel Oporto]

In March 2006, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and SNV Netherlands Development Organization created a strategic Alliance to work together to address sustainable poverty alleviation through business-led initiatives across a number of Latin American countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru).

Working through the local representatives of both organizations, the Alliance focuses on 3 areas of activity:

Awareness raising of inclusive business models - negocios inclusivos in Spanish - that are both profitable and have a clear development benefit for the low-income segment. More specifically, inclusive business engages low-income communities across a company’s value chain – through direct employment; the development of suppliers, distributors and service providers from low-income communities; or through the innovative development and delivery of affordable goods and services that address unmet needs of low-income communities.

Brokering of new business opportunities that benefit low-income communities in the target countries
Advocacy to improve framework conditions for this type of inclusive business
Alliance results up to mid-2009

The Alliance, in close collaboration with the WBCSD's Regional Network partners, co-hosted a series of eight CEO led forums in each of the focus countries. These executive dialogues generated over 80 inclusive business ideas, of which some 40 are currently being implemented by the Alliance.

http://www.inclusivebusiness.org/