A beneficiary of Vanuatu Unblocked Cash project
A beneficiary of Vanuatu Unblocked Cash project
A beneficiary of Vanuatu Unblocked Cash project

About CBI

Bridging the Gap Between the Private Sector and Humanitarian Action

The Connecting Business Initiative (CBI) is a joint OCHA-UNDP programme that strengthens disaster resilience by facilitating meaningful partnerships between the private sector and humanitarian and development actors.

Our Approach

We empower local businesses, regional bodies and UN agencies to work together more effectively before, during and after crises.

Before Crises Risk assessment and preparedness planning Business continuity framework development Pre-positioned coordination mechanisms
During Crises Rapid needs assessment and mapping Resource mobilization and coordination Real-time information sharing
After Crises Economic recovery and reconstruction Lessons learned and capacity building Long-term resilience programming

10 years of operations

Private Sector Resilience Forum 2026

This 5 minute video offers key insights and takeaways from the virtual event, which took place in May 2026 as a celebration of CBI’s 10-year anniversary. The Forum brought together more than 20 experts around seven conversations, ranging from crisis resilience to mental health, innovative technology, recovery and more.

Our Areas Of Focus

CBI operates through three interconnected pillars that drive our mission forward.

National & Regional CBI Member Networks

Partnering with business networks at regional and country levels to facilitate better preparedness, rapid coordination during crises, and a smoother recovery.

  • Country-level business platforms

  • Regional coordination mechanisms

  • Local business engagement strategies

APAD search and rescue (SAR) teams deployed in Biyagama amid severe flooding. PC: APAD SL
The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) search and rescue teams deployed in Biyagama amid severe flooding. Photo: A-PAD SL

Knowledge & Tools

Sharing insights and lessons learned from around the world to enable the adaptation and adoption of good practices related to crisis resilience. Explore our Knowledge Hub for reports, case studies and more.

  • Business continuity planning guides

  • Partnership frameworks and templates

  • Training programmes and capacity building

Participants at the “Economics of Environmental and Climate Action in the Face of Humanitarian Impacts” workshop. Photo: European Humanitarian Forum
Participants at the “Economics of Environmental and Climate Action in the Face of Humanitarian Impacts” workshop in XX. Photo: European Humanitarian Forum

Policy & Advocacy

Advocating private sector engagement in preparedness, response and recovery through better policies and frameworks to ensure business has a seat at the table to learn as well as to share their experience and skills.

  • Global policy dialogue facilitation

  • Evidence-based advocacy campaigns

  • Integration with UN frameworks

HNPW is one of the largest gathering of humanitarians, taking place online and in-person in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: OCHA
The Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) is one of the largest gathering of humanitarians, taking place online and in-person in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: OCHA

CBI’s Impact since 2016

Facts & Figures

0

Crises Responded to

0M

People reached through preparedness, response and recovery activities

US$0M

Mobilized through in-kind and financial Contributions

0

Businesses represented, including micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)

CBI Report 2024-25

Our global impact at CBI helps the business community to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in a coordinated and collective manner.

CBI Annual Report 2024-25

Publication

CBI Annual Report 2024-25

The Connecting Business Initiative (CBI) Annual Report 2024-25 provides an overview of our activities in private sector disaster preparedness, response and recovery during an 18-month period of unprecedented global challenges, together with stories and learning curves that demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships.

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