Potential of the poor to power growth, private businesses
Kemal Dervis & Jean-Michel FOR too long, private businesses have not been seen as key drivers of human development. Yet as the world becomes more interdependent, doing business with the poor can not only boost firms' competitiveness, but also help in the fight against poverty. A UNDP report released on Monday offers compelling examples of opportunities that create value for all: both achieving the Millennium Development Goals that have galvanised unprecedented efforts to address the needs of the world's poorest, and attracting business returns.