Winner 2019

Herbert Smith Freehills and the UN Refugee Agency

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is advising the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on its ground-breaking initiative, MADE51 that empowers refugees by giving them access to global markets, enabling them to use their skills and heritage to earn a living in the countries in which they find themselves displaced. UNHCR launched MADE51, which partners refugee artisans with local social enterprises that have product development and export expertise. HSF serves an organizational and strategic role in addition to its legal work, which includes complex advice on corporate structure, intellectual property, and refugees’ right to work. Together, HSF and UNHCR developed saleable product lines that are purchased by major retailers and consumers. MADE51 has already directly supported 1,000 refugees. According to Bain & Co, by 2030, MADE51 will help 300,000 refugees, generating $30 million for refugee artisans and allowing the UNHCR to reallocate funds currently required for livelihood projects to emergency situations.

Shortlisted Projects

Four tremendous projects were shortlisted for this category.