Ten business-driven projects from countries as diverse as Mozambique, Turkey and Mexico have been selected to receive World Business Awards − the first worldwide business awards to recognize the significant role business can play in reducing poverty around the world.

ICC will announce the winners and present the awards in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) on 10 May 2006 in a special ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

Selected from 73 nominations in 33 countries, the 10 projects − chosen by an independent international selection panel − have been recognized for their outstanding efforts to reduce poverty and stimulate development in support of the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The projects were drawn from business, labour, research and academic organizations, environmental groups and the United Nations. The judging panel was chaired by Mary Robinson, president of Realizing Rights: the Ethical Globalization Initiative and former president of Ireland. The panel included representatives of the International Chamber of Commerce, UNDP, IBLF and other leading international agencies, non-governmental and labour organizations.

The MDGs were established by world leaders at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000. They consist of eight primary goals including: universal primary education, promotion of gender equality, the eradication of extreme hunger, improved maternal health, environmental sustainability, a global partnership for development and the reduction of child mortality. The challenge for business has been to translate these goals into practical, local projects with real impact whether through their core business activities, philanthropy, or advocacy work.

Business enterprises, large and small, are making a difference in all countries, often in partnership with governments, development aid organizations and relief workers. By deploying the innovative and productive skills of enterprises and entrepreneurs, all the projects recognized are striving to address the development challenge.

Nominations for the awards were sought from every kind of business entity, including business associations, confederations and individual companies of any size from any country.

Further information:

The eight Millennium Development Goals offer an integrated framework for tackling major challenges that afflict individuals, countries and the global community. They set quantitative and measurable targets to be achieved by 2015 for the reduction of poverty, hunger, disease and tangible improvement in education, healthcare, drinking water, shelter and environmental protection. For full details visit: www.undp.org/mdg