WASHINGTON, DC -- During its Annual Forum on May 8, InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.- based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people, recognized Nokia for its corporate citizenship and track record for building effective NGO partnerships. The International Youth Foundation (IYF)’s eight-year collaboration with Nokia was highlighted as part of the event.

 

“Multinational corporations have been donating to good causes for years,” said IYF President and CEO William S. Reese in addressing participants at the Forum, which brought together over 800 leaders from the nonprofit community, think tanks, universities, government, and foundations.

“What’s new is the seriousness, rigor, and relevancy with which corporations have turned donations into partnerships... Nokia is a thought leader that supports programs that have real results and lasting impact,” he added, citing Nokia’s ongoing partnership with IYF and other leading international NGOs including the World Wildlife Fund and Plan International.

 

“We have a lot of people using Nokia products around the world,” said Gregory Elphinston, Nokia’s Director of Community Involvement, in presenting the company’s corporate citizenship philosophy and approach. “They are very powerful devices for improving education and health. Most of the good ideas won’t emerge from within Nokia but from the people here in this room. We’re very much at your service in terms of how we can maximize the use of mobile technology to address critical needs.”

 

Since 2000, Nokia and IYF have collaborated in implementing a global youth development initiative that has reached nearly 400,000 young people in 26 countries, as well as BridgeIT, an innovative, e-learning program serving disadvantaged rural youth in developing countries. Nokia’s partnership with IYF is also contributing to long-term recovery efforts in areas affected by the Asian tsunami and providing educational assistance to the children of victims of 9/11.

 

A panel discussion focused on the role of NGO-business partnerships in combating global poverty also highlighted Nokia’s corporate citizenship approach. With 65 percent of InterAction members engaged in formal relationships with the business sector, the session explored barriers to developing effective partnerships and existing best practices.

 

For further information on the event, please visit: http://www.interaction.org/forum

 

To learn more about IYF’s partnership with Nokia, visit: www.iyfnet.org and www.nokia.com/communityinvolvement