Twenty-eight more global companies have committed to including refugees in their post-Covid recovery by joining the Tent Partnership for Refugees. They will support the integration of refugees in their businesses as well as communities.
Founded by Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, Tent is a network of over 130 major businesses committed to improving the livelihoods of refugees around the world, by integrating them in their core business operations. Ulukaya believes that businesses that take the lead, shape humanity. Today’s development demonstrates that that even in times of crisis, businesses “will step up for a better tomorrow”, he noted.
Many of the companies joining Tent have already taken steps to include refugees, and are exploring ways to do even more. Virgin Megastore, for example, is supporting refugee entrepreneurs by selling refugee-made products in some of its stores.
Woolworths Group is the first Australian company to join the Tent Partnership. As one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading retail groups, it has already hired 150 refugees across its supermarkets. Europe’s banking giant BNP Paribas is also hiring refugees on the continent with plans to scale up these efforts. In addition, the company is adapting its financial products to make them more accessible to refugees. It is also partnering with social businesses to help refugees become more employable.
GLOBAL COLLABORATION
Major businesses from around the world across all industry sectors join Tent along with these three companies. They include the Adecco Group, Arup, Bloomberg, BNP Paribas, Brightview, CIBC, Cisneros, Day & Ross, Doordash, Dugotex, FEMSA, FIEGE, FrieslandCampina, Gegenbauer, Grant Thornton, Jones Day, Keolis, Orbia, Rosetta Stone, SodeSalamanca, Alimentos, Sforza Holdings, STEF, TenneT, Travers Smith, Telus, Virgin Management and Wayfair.
Today’s announcement was made during a virtual event that was hosted by Ulukaya. Both community organisation and global business leaders attended the event. They included Mayor of London Sadiq Khan; former Unilever CEO Paul Polman, EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson; Executive Chairman of Empath and former US Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez; UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements; former French Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem; and global leads for diversity and inclusion of companies such as L’Oreal, Sodexo and Barilla.
UPLIFTING IMPACT
Commenting on today’s event, Ulukaya stated: “It’s encouraging to see so many companies stepping forward at a time of crisis to show that refugees are needed on the road to rebuild our businesses and strengthen our communities. When given the chance, refugees will make our companies stronger and better. But it’s up to us to open the door and provide the opportunity.”
Carlos Gutierrez pointed out that he was a refugee from Cuba who travelled to the US as a child. Yet as a refugee he worked up to highly respected positions, such as US Secretary of Commerce. “I have achieved personal and professional success beyond anything I could have imagined,” he explained. “I believe that the private sector can have a transformational and uplifting impact on communities and whole societies. Businesses will stand a lot to gain if they open their doors to refugees.”
BNP Paribas is one company that already has. “At BNP Paribas, we are already recruiting refugees in our operations, and have had a really positive experience,” commented Director of Company Engagement, Antoine Sire. “We’re thrilled to be joining the Tent Partnership today, to share our experiences and learnings of supporting refugees, and encourage more companies to include refugees as we emerge from this crisis.”
RESPONSIBLE ACTION
Adding to his comments, Paul Polman said: “Covid-19 has shown that businesses, more than ever, must keep social impact front of mind. Those companies that act responsibly now, will be the ones that succeed in years to come. As we start to rebuild, companies have a responsibility to help refugees integrate in their communities, as well as create the conditions to help them live a dignified life where they can support themselves and their families.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, agreed. “The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the importance of uniting towards a common goal. I am confident that by working together, across nations, we can help ensure dignity and security for all refugees,” he commented. Everyone deserves the right to live in peace and safety. I am encouraged to see so many organisations committing to supporting refugees through the Tent Partnership for Refugees.”
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