The United Nations released the results of its most extensive investigation yet into the ability of its agencies to engage in partnerships with the business world on Tuesday. Based on case studies and more than 60 interviews with UN staff members, business executive, governments and civil society organisations, “Business UNusual” takes a long hard look at partnerships across the UN system and finds that, while progress has been made, the picture is a mixed one.

The report stresses importance of the UN’s new-found recognition of the need to work with business. “In order to effect change and improve the living conditions of billions of people in a sustainable manner, partnering with civil society and business is more than just an option,” it says. “In many ways, it has turned into a necessity for the United Nations in order to ‘get the job done’.”