Public-private partnerships: Joining core business interests with global development

This September, a new set of Sustainable Development Goals will replace the expiring Millennium Development Goals, which for the past 15 years have guided global development efforts—alleviating poverty, educating children, boosting health, and more. One key difference expected with these new goals will be the hugely enhanced role of the private sector, including through public-private partnerships. Such partnerships match core business interests, like developing new markets and building a consumer base, with development strategies, like building resilient communities and empowering women.

On May 7, Brookings and Project Concern International (PCI) hosted a discussion on how public-private partnerships can contribute to future development. The discussion focused on how these partnerships are best structured, the role of social responsibility and core business units, and how to measure the value and sustainability of results.

After keynote remarks by Roger Ford, a panel conversation was moderated by George Ingram.