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Public Private Partnership Union (PPP Union)

International Administrative & Organizing Union for PPP and SDG Facilitation

The Public Private Partnership Union (PPP Union) is an international administrative and organizing union dedicated to promoting global PPP knowledge and supporting social and economic development through projects aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Union operates under activity codes 7020002 and 7020003, in accordance with the rules, regulations, and legal frameworks of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Arab Emirates and is a member of UNECE.

PPP Union is not a contracting party, not a financier, and not a project participant. It functions strictly as an enabler, facilitator, and regulatory support platform for PPP stakeholders worldwide.

1. Mandate and purpose of PPP Union

1.1. Promotion of the 17 SDGs

PPP Union supports governments, private-sector entities, and development partners in:

• Understanding SDG‑aligned PPP models
• Structuring projects according to UNECE’s People‑First PPP standards
• Ensuring that PPPs deliver social value, environmental value, and economic sustainability

1.2. Legal and Administrative Facilitation

PPP Union provides:

• Legal guidance for PPP registration and documentation to our members and Facilitators
• Support in overcoming regulatory barriers related to cross‑border payments, compliance, and administrative procedures
• Assistance in contract‑related legal steps under PPP frameworks
• Neutral oversight between contracting parties
• Standardized PPP frameworks based on UNECE best practices

1.3. Enabling Global PPP Practitioners

The Union:

• Creates legal and administrative pathways for successful PPP facilitators worldwide
• Ensures that no legal obstacles hinder project implementation
• Helps stakeholders navigate international PPP compliance requirements
• Supports SDG‑aligned projects to access grants, development programs, and non‑commercial funding mechanisms

2. PPP Union’s Non‑Financial Nature

PPP Union has received numerous requests from clients seeking:

• Loans
• Direct funding
• Financial assistance
• Project capital

It is essential to clarify that PPP Union does not and cannot provide any type of direct project financing.

PPP Union role is:

• Facilitation, not financing
• Legal support to our members as international top PPP Facilitators, not capital provision
• Administrative coordination, not investment

PPP Union only creates the enabling environment for PPP practitioners to work within legal, regulated, and internationally recognized frameworks.

3. Clear Distinction Between “Grant” and “Finance” in PPP Terminology

This distinction is critical in PPP and SDG‑related projects.

3.1. What is a Grant?

A Grant is:

• Non‑repayable financial support
• Provided by governments, development agencies, or international Facilitator organizations
• Intended to support SDG‑aligned public‑benefit projects
• Not commercial, not profit‑driven, and not interest‑bearing

Key Characteristics of Grants:

• No repayment obligation
• No interest
• No commercial risk transfer to the beneficiary
• In cases of force majeure, beneficiaries may request waivers, extensions, or damage relief
• Grants are used to enable, not to profit

This aligns with UNECE’s definition of People‑First PPPs, where grants are used to support social impact.

3.2. What is Finance?

Finance refers to:

• Loans
• Credit facilities
• Commercial investment
• Capital with repayment obligations
• Instruments that do not absorb risk on behalf of the borrower

Key Characteristics of Finance:

• Repayable
• Interest‑bearing
• Risk remains with the borrower
• No waivers in force majeure unless contractually negotiated
• Provided by banks, funds, or private investors

Finance is commercial, whereas grants are developmental.

4. PPP Union’s Legal Position

PPP Union, by its nature and mandate:

• Cannot be a contracting party in any PPP agreement
• Cannot sign PPP contracts
• Cannot act as a project sponsor or investor
• Cannot provide loans, credit, or direct funding

Instead, PPP Union:

• Acts as a legal and administrative bridge between stakeholders/ Facilitators and all relevant institution  
• Supports 193 UN member states in SDG‑aligned PPP processes
• Provides regulatory clarity, documentation support, and oversight
• Ensures that PPP projects follow UNECE standards
• Helps remove legal obstacles in project execution and cross‑border operations

5. Final Clarification for All Clients

Due to repeated inquiries, PPP Union formally states:

PPP Union does not provide loans, direct funding, or financial assistance of any kind.

PPP Union only facilitates legal, administrative, and regulatory pathways for PPP practitioners.

It supports:

• Compliance
• Documentation
• Registration
• Legal coordination
• SDG alignment
• Oversight

But never:

• Funding
• Lending
• Investing
• Financial participation