Jump to main content

This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

Here's How the Private Sector Is Addressing the Global Refugee Crisis

September 20, 2016 at 10:45 AM ET by Jazmin Kay, Grace Aranow
Summary: 
Today, businesses from across the nation committed to helping aid refugees in the United States and around the world.
"We have to open our hearts and do more to help refugees who are desperate for a home."
President Obama, September 20, 2016

There are currently more than 21 million refugees across the globe, part of the largest mass displacement on record since World War II. To address this global crisis, President Obama put forward a call to action in June, challenging private sector companies to provide the following:

  • Support for more than 6.3 million refugees across more than 20 countries
  • Educational opportunities for more than 80,000 refugees, including through digital content, mentorship, and classroom support
  • Employment opportunities for more than 220,000 refugees, including through mentorship, training, internships, and job placements
  • Greater financial inclusion and economic integration for more than 4 million refugees 
  • Partnerships with more than 70 refugee-serving NGOs.

Today, 51 U.S. companies -- which represent more than 2.5 million employees, more than $775 billion in annual revenue, and more than $3.2 trillion in market capitalization -- have stepped up and are standing with the Administration to demonstrate that private sector innovation and resources can make a difference and catalyze real solutions. Together, they have committed to investing, donating, and raising more than $650 million.

While there is still work to be done, today's commitment represents a significant step towards ensuring a safe haven and a new start for millions. 

Here's how a few companies are pledging their support and saying #RefugeesWelcome. Read the full list of companies who are taking the pledge.

 

Find out more about how you can get involved with supporting refugees and share #RefugeesWelcome.

Jazmin Kay and Grace Aranow are interns in the Office of Digital Strategy.