United Nations Foundation Announces Michael Dell as Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship

Today, the United Nations Foundation introduced Michael Dell as the Foundation’s Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship. The announcement was made at the Global Accelerator, a gathering of top entrepreneurs and UN leaders seeking creative approaches accelerating progress on global development goals. In attendance at the UN event were global entrepreneurs, high-level UN officials and global leaders.

In his role as United Nations Foundation Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship, Michael Dell will advocate for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship to solve global problems in support of UN programs. He will work closely with the Foundation and its Global Entrepreneurs Council. The vision for this new role aligns with Dell’s efforts to engage with global entrepreneurs for positive social impact, and with UN programs which embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Michael Dell’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to using technology for positive social change show what people around the world can do to help the UN address global challenges,” said Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of the UN Foundation. “Michael has been a risk taker and change maker from the day he built a global company from his college dorm room. Now his company Dell Inc. affects lives of people around the world. We know Michael will bring this same drive and passion to his new role for the UN Foundation. He will work to maximize the power of entrepreneurship by helping people support international development and global priorities for growth, prosperity and peace.”

The announcement comes at a moment in which key global trends are aligning to create new opportunities to leverage the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in the effort to reduce poverty, increase health, and improve lives around the world. Global leaders and experts are starting to rally around the idea that entrepreneurs are central to increasing economic growth, generating solutions to major global issues, and contributing to positive social change globally and locally.

“At this time of economic uncertainty and global challenges, it’s more important than ever that the business community work closely with organizations, elected leaders and policymakers to help our global economy grow and prosper,” said Michael Dell. “I’m honored to accept this position and look forward to championing the growth of entrepreneurs globally.”

This concept of entrepreneurship to solve global challenges was explored at today’s Global Accelerator. The event, which was developed by the UN Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council and is co-hosted by the UN Department of Public Information, is a forum for social impact entrepreneurs and UN officials to connect and explore innovative solutions to the global challenges of youth employment, water and sanitation, and gender equality. The 100 entrepreneur delegates were specially nominated to take part in this day-long program focused on solutions-oriented discussions and interaction.

The Global Entrepreneurs Council, chaired by Elizabeth Gore the UN Foundation Entrepreneur-in-Residence, brings together ten leading entrepreneurs under 45 and includes Neil Blumenthal of Warby Parker, Barbara Bush of Global Health Corps, Troy Carter of Atom Factory, and Tina Wells of Buzz Marketing. The Council works together for a two-year term to help the UN Foundation – through its campaigns, partnerships, and programs – support the UN’s efforts to increase innovation and impact. Council members represent various industries including, corporate, creative community, and media.

An interview regarding the announcement can be found in Fast Company.

More information on the UN Foundation please visit: www.unfoundation.org.

Visit the Global Accelerator at: www.unfoundation.org/GlobalAccelerator.

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About the United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.