Dear Friend,

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works closely with governments, civil society and the private sector, to help design solutions to address global and local development challenges.

UNDP and Edelman along with EMF Films invite you to a breakfast panel discussion to examine the obstacles and opportunities for leadership through corporate responsibility to address the world's greatest challenge: global poverty.
　

The breakfast will take place from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. on 10 May 2005 at the Delegates' Dining Room - in the United Nations (Room 6).

For companies wrestling with how to engage stakeholders on this ubiquitous problem, the discussion will spark critical thinking and offer tangible solutions. During the event, UNDP representatives will explain how the organization helps to broker pro-development business opportunities around the world. Edelman staff will illuminate communication imperatives in the global marketplace and EMF Films will preview highlights from an upcoming PBS documentary series and media project. The panel will include:

• Bruce Jenks is the Assistant Administrator and Director for the Bureau for Resources and Strategic Partnerships (BRSP) of UNDP. Mr. Jenks will discuss how UNDP leverages its development experience and global reach to become a trusted partner in connecting governments and businesses to local development projects throughout the world with a high level of confidence and transparency - ensuring the best possible impact and results.

• Joost van Loon is Executive Producer of EMF Films, which, with the support of UNDP and the World Bank, is developing a six-part series about individuals and organizations collectively engaged in poverty alleviation to be aired on PBS and in Europe. The documentary and presentation will address how to develop a public engagement campaign and highlight opportunities to engageproduction partners and underwriters. Most recently, EMF produced and distributed a PBS series and accompanying public engagement campaign called Water: The Drop of Life. Heineken and ITT were key sponsors of the series.

• Chris Deri is Senior Vice President in Edelman's Corporate & Public Affairs practice and counsels clients on communications, issues management and engagement strategies around social and environmental topics.

The morning discussion will offer strategies and solutions for tackling issues at the intersection of business and development. There will be ample time for a lively discussion among the panel members and audience. We hope you can join us.

Please click here for more information on the event and to RSVP for you and/or any of your colleagues. For security reasons, please reply by 5 May and present this invitation to enter UN premises on the day of the event.

I hope to see you on May 10.

David Morrison
UNDP
212-906-5300