Private Sector Engagement

Importance of partnering with the Private Sector 

UNDP considers partnerships with the private sector a critical lever to bridge the gap between policy design and implementation of climate and energy solutions promoted through UNDP Rome Centre’s programmatic offer. The private sector is an indispensable partner in driving systemic transformation and sustainable economic growth. As outlined in the UNDP’s strategic plan 2026-2029, the agency has the mandate to work closely with businesses to align innovation, capital and technical expertise with developing countries. 

By strategically engaging with the private actors, the Rome Centre intends to: 

     • Accelerate the energy transition
     • Mobilize public and private finance
     • Scale and enhance programmatic impact
     • Co-design innovative solutions to development challenges by combining UNDP expertise with private sectorknow-how
 

Request for Information (RFI): Building a Private Sector Database 

In order to facilitate a systematic private sector engagement in multilateral cooperation, the UNDP Rome Centre is building a dedicated database of companies and organizations interested in collaborating with the UNDP ecosystem. The database supports the matching of private sector capabilities and geographic presence with concrete UNDP programmatic needs. 

Through a structured Request for Information (RFI) process, companies are invited to submit key information that will enable the Centre to: 

     • Conduct targeted outreach
     • Identify relevant partner
     • Facilitate efficient matchmaking between project needs and private sector solutions
     • Identify capacity-building opportunities

 

Submit the request for information


 

Written submissions through the RFI allow companies to present their profile, products and services, technical capacities, qualifications and relevant experience. The database will serve as a dynamic knowledge and engagement platform, capturing: 

     • Sector expertise
     • Geographic presence
     • Technical competencies
     • Sustainability commitments & ESG commitments
     • Training and partnership interests
 

The database will also serve as a strategic intelligence and matchmaking asset for the UNDP Partnerships and Strategy Team, supporting a systematic, evidence-based approach to: 

     • Partner identification
     • Engagement prioritization
     • Technical competencies
     • Project co-design and pipeline development
 

Concrete Opportunities for the Private Sector 

For private sector entities, submitting information through this RFI provides a structured channel to increase visibility within the UNDP ecosystem and to enable consideration for relevant collaboration opportunities. 

By registering in the database and engaging with the Centre, companies may gain access to: 

 • Market Intelligence and strategic insights. Opportunities to access market analyses, policy reports and sector insights that support informed strategic positioning and business development in emerging and developing markets. 

 • Matchmaking and participation in trade fairs or events. We share concrete business opportunities generated through our programmatic activities and facilitate B2B matchmaking, including coordinated participation in trade fairs and sector events. 

 • Speaking and thought leadership platform opportunities. Companies can showcase their expertise and innovative solutions in dedicated events, roundtables and dialogues, contributing to the co-creation of new market, learning, and partnership opportunities. 

 • Webinars on accessing the UN ecosystem. We design targeted sessions to strengthen private sector understanding of engagement pathways within the UN system, including procurement processes, due diligence requirements, SDG alignment, project design standards, and impact measurement frameworks. This enhances the firms’ ability to become effective, compliant, and mission-aligned partners. 

 • Institutional and policy engagement. Through our networks and channels, companies gain access to institutional networks and information on UN funding mechanisms, enabling dialogue, partnerships, and participation in public procurement and development programs.