Did you know that outreach to the global business community and “supplier diversity” (e.g. the strategy to engage with women-owned companies) are key to the UN’s supply chain management strategy?
While the vision of the Office of Supply Chain Management in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) is to provide its clients with agile, responsive, cost effective and accountable support, the team is also working hard to support the organization’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
One particular area of focus is Sustainable Development Goal 5: women’s empowerment and gender equality. The Office of Supply Chain Management is striving to provide greater opportunities to women-owned businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises from developing countries, to compete for UN business.
With this goal in mind, Christian Saunders, Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, recently conducted an interview with Africa Renewal – a flagship UN publication that covers critical topics related to social and economic development in Africa – to announce that the UN is actively looking for new sources of supply.
The African business community is innovating in many fields, including information technology, 3D printing, mobile banking, medical devices, low cost transport, and renewable energy. The DOS supply chain team wants to tap into that creativity to provide the best ‘fit for purpose’ solutions to our clients – especially those at the field missions.
To conduct business with the UN, potential suppliers can register with the United Nations Global Marketplace and compete for procurement requirements across the UN system.
When asked about global business outreach activities, Mr. Saunders said, “Our clients’ matter and an important part of ensuring excellent client service is finding the right suppliers to partner with! I'm passionate about women’s empowerment and gender equality.”
“We want to provide opportunity, particularly for women owned small and medium-sized enterprises, in Africa, as well as other developing countries, to compete for the UN’s business," he said.
Watch the full inteview below or on UNTV's website: