UN Business Guide on COVID-19

The world is facing an unprecedented challenge that affects people, communities and economies everywhere. The COVID-19 pandemic is above all a health crisis that requires decisive action to suppress the spread of the virus. However, it also has significant socio-economic implications that are particularly devastating to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The United Nations calls on all businesses and corporations to take three primary actions: • Adhere to health and safety guidelines and provide economic cushions to workers, including through ensuring worker safety and social distancing and secure wages for those working from home. • Provide financial and technical support to governments by contributing to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. • Repurpose their facilities and business plans to focus on meeting the needs of this crisis. This Guide offers companies an overview of how the private sector can join with the UN to take collective action to stem the pandemic.