As more than 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine and at least 2 million others have been internally displaced since February 24, the private sector is working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since the start of the war, more than $200 million in donations has been raised to support UNHCR’s emergency response in Ukraine.
“I want to thank companies, foundations and philanthropists around the world for their kindness and generosity in helping people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Millions of people are in urgent need of emergency aid. As the crisis worsens, I call on the private sector to continue their support.”said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.
In just over two weeks, the efforts of companies, foundations and philanthropists have raised more than $200 million to support UNHCR’s emergency response in Ukraine. This solidarity is given shape through direct contributions and crowdfunding campaigns within companies, the UNHCR said in a press release.
Convoys, material and psychological assistance
For its part, the organization has made an urgent appeal to raise $510 million. Objective: to provide immediate assistance to displaced persons and refugees across the region. For now, corporate donations have already made it possible to organize air and road convoys of aid to refugees, deploy emergency aid so that displaced persons can find safe shelter, heating and food. UNHCR also provides psychosocial support and targeted care to the most vulnerable.
“At the moment, all eyes are on Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with people who are fleeing for their lives and whose families are being torn apart. We thank the private sector for their tremendous generosity.”said Cate Blanchett, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
Of the many donors, the IKEA Foundation, a long-standing partner of the UNHCR, has pledged 20 million euros in particular to support the work of the organization. Per Heggenes, CEO of the IKEA Foundation called “ governments, businesses and philanthropic organizations around the world to join them in increasing emergency aid to people fleeing Ukraine.”†
In its press release, the UNHCR highlights the companies mobilized alongside it. Generous private sector donors include: IKEA Foundation, XTX Markets, CTP, Fast Retailing, Akelius Foundation, Samhällsbyggnadsbolaget i Norden AB, Schörling Foundation, BNP Paribas Foundation, INDITEX, Google.org, Volkswagen, Binance Charity, de Novo Nordisk Foundation, HEARTLAND, Latter-day Saint Charities, Liberty Mutual Insurance, SONY, TikTok, Zegna, Generali, Cargolux, Pernod Ricard, Kering Group, Shiseido, The Foundation at Sanofi, the Chanel Foundation, de La Caixa Foundation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation, Deloitte, JYSK, Z Zurich Foundation, Bain & Company, Cisco, BioNtech, Royal Humanitarian Foundation of Bahrain, Fujitsu Ltd. , Supercell, Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively, NTT, Restaurant Brands International, Capcom Co, AUDI, Marks & Spencer, Banco Santander, Vodafone Foundation, Banco BBVA, Isine Foundation, Haldor Topsoe, Software AG, Armani, BASF Foundation, Continental NEXI, Valentino, Prada Group, SAP, Boehringer Ingelheim, Toyota Motor Corporation, Kao Corporation, Adidas, Roschier, Gucci, Fujifilm, Jones Day Foundation, Ripple, Koei Tecmo Holdings.