Contact: Dan Shepard
United Nations Development Programme
+1 212 906 5325
Contact: Madonna Jarrett
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Director, Global Public Relations
+1 212 492 3738
United Nations, May 25, 2005 — A number of member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, one of the world's leading professional services organizations, have begun providing 14,000 hours of pro bono advisory services to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNDP hopes that this advice will help it to mobilize tsunami reconstruction funds efficiently and transparently.
The first Deloitte team (consisting of people from various member firms), recently began work in Indonesia and will review UNDP reconstruction operations in affected areas. The team will recommend methods to improve reporting, review existing control mechanisms, and seek to identify opportunities to strengthen accountability. Deloitte teams will also tour UNDP operations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Deloitte member firms in Australia, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States are participating in this landmark initiative. Deloitte member firm people will work with UNDP to review and advise on opportunities to strengthen financial systems, processes, and procedures. Donor governments have contributed more than US$112 million to UNDP for tsunami reconstruction programs.
"This is a critical time for UNDP. Deloitte’s help will definitely increase our capacity to respond to pressing reconstruction needs in these hard hit areas," said Jan Mattsson, Director of UNDP's Bureau of Management.
William G. Parrett, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, says the initiative came about because people of Deloitte member firms wanted to support the relief efforts. "Following the tsunami, our people responded generously, donating millions of dollars," said Mr. Parrett. "Now, we are extending that commitment by contributing our expertise."
"Deloitte firms actively support communities around the world. This project is a clear example of how we see co-operation between business, government, and society addressing the world’s development challenges. We are pleased to be supporting the good work of the UNDP, particularly in response to pressing needs in the wake of the tsunami," added Mr. Parrett.
This project between Deloitte and UNDP comes as the tsunami humanitarian relief effort winds down and attention turns to longer-term reconstruction projects. The tsunami killed more than 170,000 people, left more than a million homeless, and destroyed the livelihoods of many others.
The initiative builds on U.S.-based Deloitte Consulting LLP's long-term agreement to advise UNDP on financial issues, change management, organizational design, strategy and planning.
NOTE: For interview requests, members of the media should contact Deloitte's Madonna Jarrett using contact details at the top of this page. Individuals interested in participating in this relief program should contact Deloitte via email at: globalwebmaster@deloitte.com.
About UNDP
UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organization of member firms around the world devoted to excellence in providing professional services and advice, focused on client service through a global strategy executed locally in nearly 150 countries.
As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte," "Deloitte & Touche," "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu" or other related names.
