2016-09-20

"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:



President Obama is calling on business leaders to aid refugees. [White House Graphic/UNHCR Photo]

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 some companies are pledging their support and saying #RefugeesWelcome:

We believe in a world where you can #BelongAnywhere. Today there are millions of displaced refugees in need of belonging somewhere.

— Airbnb (@Airbnb) September 19, 2016

#Citi is proud to support President Obama's Call for Action to help solve the global #refugee crisis. https://t.co/nFRqb9SZor — Citi (@Citi) September 20, 2016

We're proud our little start up is standing w/ @facebook @LinkedIn @Citi & other businesses in support of #refugees https://t.co/GjN6RkTamK

— Alight Fund (@alightfund) September 20, 2016

Mastercard & @mercycorps partner to provide #refugee aid at the most critical times https://t.co/rkpkO68T5V #UNGA pic.twitter.com/GdvPp10CvH — Mastercard News (@MastercardNews) September 15, 2016

#RefugeesWelcome! Proud to join these other companies answering @whitehouse CTA https://t.co/CYLF9ZZtEv pic.twitter.com/J0DOoUEIqE

— Sparrow (@sparrowmobile) September 20, 2016

About the Authors: Jazmin Kay and Grace Aranow serve in the White House Office of Digital Strategy.

Editor's Note: This entry originally appeared on the White House Blog.

For more information:

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

Check out this Fact Sheet on new Private Sector Engagement on the Global Refugee Crisis.

Read the latest Fact Sheet on the Leaders' Summit on Refugees.

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