GBC WORKING GROUPS

Starting in 2004, GBC has been offering its members selected regional, industry and issue-based working groups to pursue key areas of interest. Chaired by distinguished member companies, the working groups provide a forum for GBC members to discuss HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria policy issues that affect their sector, as well as seek to educate senior policy makers on issues of concern to corporations and generate new thinking and approaches. Each of the working groups produce reports; convene discussions groups or expert meetings which will inform responses to HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria that will lead to new forms of action. Working groups share three distinct goals: to share best practices, foster collaboration and generate innovative approaches to fighting HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.

Organizational Structure of Working Groups

Each working group consists of up to 10 member companies that are organized by region, sector or issue. Membership is for one year and is renewable. Member companies can apply to join a working group at any time by contacting GBC's New York office.Working groups are chaired by representatives of GBC member companies who have demonstrated expertise and a track record of leadership in the area. Chairing of a working group is by invitation from the Coalition's Executive Director.

Working groups communicate via teleconferences, organized by GBC. Working Group members can also access a password protected discussion board on our website.Support and coordination of the working groups is managed by both the GBC New York office and the working group Chair Company and is designed primarily to bring members together to work collaboratively on a common issue.  However, the drive and initiative of each working group is generated from the member companies themselves to ensure committed action and a sustained response.

As part of their efforts, each working group issues a report that will be accompanied by aggressive communications efforts. These reports will evolve into an online database, thus creating a valuable forum for the exchange of ideas and the establishment of a common agenda.

Industry Working Groups

While companies differ across employee demographics, operations and consumer profiles, there are critical elements that allow collaboration for a unified response and the generation of new approaches within each industry. Critical are the unique skills of each industry such as transport, communication, information exchange, to name a few, that can be applied to enhance current responses to the epidemic.