10 Million Girls Empowered to Change Their Futures with a Five Year, $2 Million Partnership Between The UPS Foundation and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

New York, September 21, 2010

Focus on Leadership Development and Advocacy Opportunities for Girls to Engage in Global Issues

Today at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting, The UPS Foundation and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) announced a five-year, $2 million commitment that supports young women to become advocates and leaders on issues such as environmental sustainability, the Millennium Development Goals and community development.

The programs will provide girls and young women in 145 countries advocacy and leadership training, opportunities to speak out and take action at global platforms, deliver grass roots projects and learn through innovative education programs.

"We are very excited to grow our partnership with WAGGGS - which reaches 10 million girls in 145 countries - by working to ensure young women are included in discussions that address significant challenges facing the world today," said Eduardo Martinez, Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations, The UPS Foundation and Board Member of the WAGGGS Global Girls Fund. "Diversity of perspectives is a core part of what has helped UPS succeed as a company. So, creating growth opportunities for women and girls reinforces UPS corporate culture and priorities for inclusion."

"This commitment will equip young women with the skills and opportunities to use their own voices, talents and passions to have a positive impact on their communities and our world," said Mary McPhail, Chief Executive of WAGGGS. "Girls who reach their full potential and whose contributions are valued really are the most effective agents of change."

Girls' voices are often excluded from meaningful conversations on major global issues. Yet many of these issues - including poverty and environmental sustainability - disproportionately affect girls and young women. One out of every eight people in the world is a young woman aged 10 to 24. The developing world alone is home to more than 600 million adolescent girls. This commitment helps to address this imbalance.

Key programs of this commitment will include:

• Young Women's World Forums: A series of events inviting young women within WAGGGS' global network to develop leadership and advocacy skills and take action on global issues - particularly those related to the Millennium Development Goals. Following the events, girls have the opportunity to act on their views, participating in key international events and running MDG projects and campaigns in their home countries
• Environmental Advocacy Program: A program helping girls address climate change and conservation by supporting their participation in global advocacy platforms, implementation of community projects, and engagement in campaigns and lobbying activities.
• Leadership Development Program: An online and in-person program to help young women develop the leadership skills needed to become leaders in their communities, their nations, and on the global stage.
• Country-Focused Programs: WAGGGS and The UPS Foundation have selected three focus countries where we feel we can have a significant impact at grassroots level and support girls' leadership development and community engagement directly. These countries are Brazil, South Africa, and India. Each program will specialize on issues and skills that correlate with regional needs.