The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released an open letter to the business community, signed by 49 companies, which highlights how the private sector is working to empower refugees through education, employment, and enablement.

“The business community is uniquely equipped to leverage its core business capabilities and philanthropic efforts to aid those displaced around the world,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “These 49 companies, who are leaders in the private sector, are answering an important call to action and urging fellow private-sector influencers to join the effort.”

The letter was released in advance of today’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, hosted by President Obama, in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly. The letter’s release follows the White House’s Call to Action, which asked companies to make new, measurable, and significant commitments that will have a durable impact on refugees in the United States and around the world.  

The U.S. Chamber Foundation, serving as the convener of signatories for this letter, has taken the lead in bringing together the private sector to address the global refugee crisis. In July, the U.S. Chamber Foundation hosted the U.S. Department of State and private sector leaders for a Global Refugee Crisis Roundtable.

“The Chamber Foundation is committed to helping galvanize private sector support for families and individuals who have been displaced,” said DeCourcey. “We hope this letter will shine a light on the work these businesses are doing to aid refugees and serve as a catalyst for more private sector engagement.”

Companies interested in engaging and learning more can visit the Partnership for Refugees website.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

The U.S .Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.