The Partnering Initiative

The Partnering Initiative (TPI) was founded in 2003, with the passionate belief that only through collaboration among business, government, NGOs and the UN can we achieve the shared vision of a prosperous economy, thriving societies and a healthy environment. With roots going back to 1990, TPI is the world’s longest-established organisation dedicated to multi-stakeholder partnering. It remains internationally recognised as a pioneer of the field and continues to combine cutting-edge partnering theory, with direct action globally to drive effective partnering. TPI uniquely spans a spectrum from influence at the highest levels of international policy (including through our strong engagement with the United Nations system and international business organisations), through to drawing out learning and codifying practice from partnering managers on the frontline. TPI’s cutting-edge thinking, foundational concepts, frameworks and tools have helped to shape and define the field of multi-stakeholder partnering. TPI’s tools and guidebooks on all aspects of partnering have been downloaded over 50,000 times and have been used as the basis for multiple organisations’ internal guidance. TPI has trained over 4,000 people in effective partnering both through open and tailored training courses. It has guided the development of six in-country partnership platforms, resulting in the creation of multiple partnerships around the world. It has supported organisations such as Unicef, World Vision, the World Food Programme, Care International, Ikea Group, to develop their partnering strategies and build their institutional capacity to partner. And it has developed policy pieces that have influenced the United Nations system and international donors in their engagement and support of partnering. TPI’s work is guided by a UK-based core team, and delivered through a global network of associates and sister organisations based in over 20 countries.