The New Global Citizen - Fall 2013 by New Global Citizen

FALL 2013 | newglob alc i t i ze n .co m

INSIDE Hult Prize Fights Hunger With Crickets p. 6

GSK & Pfizer Tackle Black Fever in India p.10

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oil & Gas Frontier Transformed p.14

Pro Bono Cultivates Global Leadership Competencies p. 20

IBM & State Department Promote Pro Bono p. 24

Social Enterprise Takes Off in China p. 40

Corporate Service Corps Changes Lives p. 56

FALL 201 3

MANAGING EDITOR Alicia Bonner Ness

PUBLICATION MANAGER Melissa Mattoon

PROOFREADERS Matt Clark â&#x20AC;˘ Daniel Elliott

Published daily at:

www.newglobalcitizen.com

Tel: (202) 719-0656

@BeNewGlobal facebook.com/BeNewGlobal

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR or records. Games themselves are often

hind traditional conceptions of CSR in

an ongoing rehashing of personal and

favor of a new multi-sector framework

team records, and adjacent televised

of global engagement and partner-

programming, like A Football Life, the

ship. In so doing, it focuses on five key

NFL Network’s Emmy-award winning

themes: Leadership, Impact and Innova-

documentary series, goes inside the lives

tion, Citizen Diplomacy, Enterprise De-

and legacies of players and coaches in

velopment, and Global Pro Bono. The

extended format. In no other reporting

magazine seeks to simultaneously bring

medium are commentators and their au-

to life the ground-level impact of effec-

dience so squarely focused on telling

tive solutions and innovative practices,

the stories of individual and collective

while also creating a forum for leaders

success.

and influencers to share their opinions and experience about what works, and

At the same time, dominant American

what does not. The magazine provides a

news sources constantly focus on the

bridge to cultural understanding of how

negative—murder, fraud, negligence,

others exist, innovate, and drive shared

death, and corruption. Who doesn’t re-

value around the world.

September is my favorite month. In the

call the media legacies of Terry Schiavo,

American northeast, the days are sunny

Anna Nicole Smith, Enron, and most re-

Today, our world is more connected

and warm and the mornings and eve-

cently, Treyvon Martin?

through technology than ever before, and new institutions—yes, they have

nings brisk. But the joy of the change in the weather pales in comparison to

Yet, in the domain of corporate respon-

become institutions—like Twitter, Face-

the joy of the best part of the year—the

sibility, a few dynamic media sources

book, Instagram, Pinterest, and others

beginning of football season.

have emerged, eager to showcase the

have become the foundation of a new

positive impact of CSR, shared value,

global discourse. Technology has not

Football is a challenging sport, both on

and social good, on global develop-

only increased our connectivity, it has

and off the field. Most players get less

ment. CSRwire, 3BL Media, and Business

increased a thousand fold the stream

than three years of professional play be-

Fights Poverty are leaders in this space,

of information coming at us each day.

fore injuries or other factors force them

encouraging corporations and others

to retire, and those that do endure often

to be bolder and louder in their com-

In this over-saturated world, it becomes

suffer physically as a result. The window

munication about their commitment to

increasingly important to prioritize our

in which they can be recognized at the

impact. By launching a new storytelling

information intake. While many online

highest level for their accomplishments

forum within this space, I acknowledge

publications have made an enormous

is fleeting, at best.

the legacy that precedes this publica-

contribution to greater efficiency in

tion, and I am eager for opportunities to

information consumption through ag-

collaborate across these media.

gregation and summary, this is not our

Given these natural time constraints,

domain. We will continue to favor the in-

football reporting is almost always focused on the progress players and teams

The New Global Citizen is inherently

depth deep-dive over the 30-thousand-

are making towards positive milestones

different. In many ways, it leaves be-

foot view.

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

Within each issue, we highlight the most impactful stories and influential insights on each of the five key themes. We have also sought to distill insights from many of the most influential convenings of the past quarter. Most excitingly, we ensure each issue has global reach. Within these pages, we’ve highlighted some of the most exciting transformations taking place in China, Thailand, Morocco, Nigeria and beyond. As the Editor, my perspective is inherently shaped by my upbringing. I grew up in upstate New York, in a small rural town, steeped in holistic thinking. At birthday parties when I was a little girl, we didn’t have clowns, we had the Storycrafters, Barry and Jerri, a quirky couple who somehow discovered how to make a living doing the impossible—telling stories to children. I remember the eagerness and anticipation I experienced as a child listening to their stories, and the way they used songs and sound effects to bring those stories to life. How vividly I remember that duo, even today, is a testament to their influence on me. Those first memories of the Storycrafters inform how I view my own role in storytelling. As the Editor of this magazine, I hope to convey stories of real people doing amazing things that will inspire each of us as the Storycrafters once inspired me. In a world filled with endless negative press, The New

Global Citizen creates a forum focused on ‘bright spots’ of collaboration, innovation, and exchange around the

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Today’s world demands individuals and organizations prepared to thrive in a globally interconnected network of challenges and opportunities. Greater social awareness and innovative approaches have allowed a growing number of individuals and organizations to cross borders and cultural boundaries to create shared value and understanding. The New Global Citizen chronicles the stories, strategies, and impact of innovative leadership and international engagement around the world. This publication seeks to capture the groundlevel impact of these approaches, providing an avenue through which beneficiaries and implementers alike can showcase their impact. Today’s transformed and increasingly interconnected world has spurred a revolution in our global culture, reinforcing collaborative approaches to addressing complex challenges. The New Global Citizen elevates the ways in which individuals, corporations, and others are championing a better future for our world.

globe. By sharing stories and insights, I hope we can better understand how innovative and unheard-of solutions to big problems are actually working. By embracing the opportunity to celebrate success, perhaps we can each make this brave new world a little bit brighter.

Alicia Bonner Ness

This is the world of the new global citizen. THIS IS YOUR WORLD

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

CONTENTS COMMENT 6

HULT PRIZE CHAMPIONS INSEC T PROTEIN TO FIGHT HUNGER

Fe ar le s s G lobal En gagement B y D e i rd re Wh ite

FEATURES 10

B y G av in Cepel ak

FROM A HANDOUT TO A HANDSHAKE

R oc ke fe lle r Centen n ial

DID YOU KNOW YOUR COMPANY COULD CHANGE THE WORLD?

SHIFTING GEARS IN AFRICA’S OIL AND GAS FRONTIER B y Har r y Pas tu s zek

HAPPENINGS 8

GSK & PFIZER INC TEAM UP TO FIGHT BLACK FEVER IN INDIA

LOOKING FOR THE PATH TO GLOBAL LEADERSHIP? B y Al ic ia B o nner N es s

BUILDING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES B y Lau ra As ial a

State D e par tment I C V Fo rum

YOU HAD ME AT {HELLO}

Ci ti ze n Di plomac y Campaign

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE?

MBAs Wi thout B o rders

CUPID SHUFFLE TO MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING B y B enj am in Or bac h

AR OUN D THE WOR L D

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

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THE RISE OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN CHINA

B y Dan iel Ellio tt

THAILAND’S ORGANIC FARMING MOVEMENT TAKES OFF

B y Amy Crumb l is s

SMART AGRICULTURE DRIVES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNIT Y IN MOROCCO

B y Jailan Adly

IBM OPENS A WORLD OF POSSIBILIT Y

B y M at t B er r y

Cover Image ‘Moroccan Caravan’ by Triin Visnapuu

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

H U LT P R I Z E C H A M P I O N S I N S E C T P R OT E I N TO FIGHT HUNGER

COMMENT

This March, Deirdre White, President and CEO of PYXERA Global, had the oppor tunit y to ser ve on the Cambr idge, MA regional judging panel of the Hult Prize. She and the other members of the jur y had the privilege of selec ting the M cGill Universit y “Power Flour ” team as the regional winner. The M cGill team went on to win the Hult Pr ize this S eptember at the Clinton Global I nitiative in New Yor k . Eeewwww. I would be lying if I were to pretend that was not my first thought as the team from McGill University presented their solution to the Hult Prize case challenge. The McGill students proposed to address the problem of food security in urban slums by farming and processing—wait for it—crickets! But don’t worry, you don’t have to eat a cricket whole (though that is one option). Instead, the crickets will be processed and served up in a product called “Power Flour”.

B y D eirdre White

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While I cringed at the idea of crick-

sible? Second, did it have the potential

tion, and the final winner will be selected

ets in my crepes, the team put forth a

to disrupt and transform the landscape

less than six months later. There is no

number of compelling arguments: 35

of food security at large? From my per-

extended drum-roll, no wait-and-see.

percent of the world’s people already

spective as a judge, the McGill approach

Hult ensures that these great ideas have

consume some form of insect; crickets

did more than meet those criteria.

the potential to be realized almost as

are relatively cheap and easy to grow,

quickly as humanly possible. Indeed,

providing potential income-generating

As I listened to nearly 20 teams offer

Hult reminds us, the international de-

opportunities for slum dwellers; crick-

their solutions to urban food security,

velopment practitioners, that an idea

ets have nutritional advantages over

I thought back to Bill Clinton’s Time

in the abstract is no good at all. Many

traditional animal-based proteins; and

magazine article last fall, “The Case for

NGOs spend years talking about new

the environmental footprint of cricket

Optimism”. In this piece, President Clin-

ideas or approaches, and only after

farming is much smaller than farming

ton specifically named the Hult Prize

white papers have been written, vet-

other types of protein. I came away from

for its ability to change the world. After

ted, presented, discussed and discussed

the presentation squeamish, but also

having the honor to serve as a regional

again, are those ideas actually put into

convinced that cricket farming could

judge for the second year now, I could

action, sometimes after the evolution

have a transformative impact on urban

not agree more.

wave that bore them has expired. Hult

food security and that the students who

forsakes circumspection for speed, often

dreamed up the idea had the passion to

Many people may think that the Hult

see it through.

Prize’s transformative promise is born

to great effect.

out of the funds it delivers—the win-

As I reflected on these important les-

Our panel of judges heard many fantas-

ner of the challenge goes home with

sons, I was reminded of the Case Foun-

tic ideas, each compelling and aspira-

$1 million to launch the proposed social

dation’s Be Fearless campaign. I was

tional in its own right. Harvard Business

enterprise. While that kind of money is

inspired by Jean Case’s passion on the

School offered an elegant and simple

certainly nothing to sneeze at, it’s only

topic at Ernst & Young’s Women Execu-

solution to exploit inefficiencies in the

part of the answer.

tives Connect Forum last year, and her

rice market in Ghana, while the Uni-

words stuck with me. The premise of Be

versity of Wisconsin proposed a cost-

The Hult Prize successfully solicits cre-

Fearless is that most of us who are work-

effective plan to grow micro-greens.

ative ideas from all over the world, ideas

ing to solve global challenges use the

Georgia Tech’s “Ubuntubox” leveraged

that truly have the potential to address

same tools, ideas, and approaches, and

existing social structures in South Africa

their target challenge. This year, Hult

move all too slowly and cautiously in

to distribute high-nutrient food and HEC

received over 10,000 entries from more

doing so. Jean Case argued that we must

Paris proposed “Aquapods” that use the

than 350 schools in 150 countries. Each

“rethink traditional models…to be bold,

waste from small-scale fish farming to

team I saw had members from at least

act with urgency, and embrace risks with

feed vegetable growth in a closed-loop

three different countries, all bringing

potential to produce exponential social

system.

unique life experience to attacking the

returns.”

problem posed by Hult, IXL Center, and It was incredibly difficult to select just

the Clinton Global Initiative.

one regional winner from among the

The Hult Prize is certainly aligned with those key tenets of “being fearless.” And

diverse and brilliant approaches and tal-

Second, and perhaps most importantly,

I’ve got just one thing to say about being

ented teams, but two factors weighed

the Hult Prize selection process moves

bold:

more heavily than any others for me.

at a lightning pace. Regional winners are

First, was the idea proposed actually fea-

chosen within hours of their presenta-

CRICKETS!

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

HAPPENINGS hosted by the Rockefeller Foundation as part of the Foundation’s Centennial Series. I was honored to be invited to participate in a convening of the most creative and innovative minds in African development.

FROM A H A N D O U T TO A HANDSHAKE I nsi g ht s f ro m t he R o c k e fe l l e r Fo u n dati o n S um m it o n I n n ovati o n Agr i c u l t u re

As the CEO of an international development NGO, I have seen the catalytic impact robust development of the agriculture sector can have on a community, with initiatives ranging from capacity building for small-holding farmers, to association development, to nucleus farming, to technology innovations around pricing strategies and market access. While these types of successes were highlighted, much of the summit emphasized next generation approaches and opportunities for scaling up and the pervasive challenges that hinder effective development of the sector. The stakes could not be higher: according to one expert at the event, 23 percent of the population in Africa is undernourished versus, on average, 16 percent in

B y D eirdre White

the rest of world. And the demand only grows. According to research by Jason

Goodluck Jonathan, the President of

food.” Jonathan’s bold statements were

Clay of the World Wildlife Fund, to feed

Nigeria, stood on the dais in front of a

a call to action for all those assembled to

the planet, we will need to produce as

hundred or so of the most influential

transform the concept of farming from

much food in the next 40 years as we

people in Africa.

an approach to managing poverty to

have in the past 8,000.

one of wealth creation for Nigeria and “Oil is old news—agriculture should be

for the African continent.

the new frontier of Nigeria’s growth…

One major constraint to agribusiness development and to the replication of

The concept that farming is only for

Jonathan was among those who gave

successful innovations in Africa is that

rural people, only for poverty allevia-

opening remarks at this week’s summit,

land is not treated as an asset. While

tion must go…There is no reason that

Realizing the Potential of African Agricul-

this may be a simplification of the chal-

Nigeria should be a net importer of

ture: Catalytic Innovations for Growth,

lenge, it is certainly fair to say that until

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

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many African governments clarify land

(and then some!), will require greater in-

exactly the right tone for how to move

ownership, leasing, and usage rights

vestment from the private sector, which

forward—in cross-sectoral partnership

from a policy perspective, it will be dif-

in turn calls for government attention

toward a common goal. After this week’s

ficult to scale agribusiness. Additionally,

to the enabling environment and civil

summit, it would appear that many of

scientific study to advance agriculture

society sector involvement in capacity-

the requisite stakeholders are on the

is underfunded and underperformed.

building. To drive change on this issue,

same page.

Advances in agriculture require constant

we must shift the mindset that agricul-

investment in innovative technology,

tural investment is charity support for

In closing, Goodluck Jonathan posed

possibly stimulated by universities and

subsistence farmers. With strategic in-

a challenge to those convened. “We’ll

government, but tested by the private

vestments in agriculture development,

know our work is done when not one

sector. As one commercial farm execu-

jobs are created up and down the value

Nigerian goes hungry…I challenge all

tive noted, “R&D must happen at the

chain.

the ‘eggheads’ gathered here to find

farm level, not in a university or a laboratory.”

new approaches, new solutions to realAn executive from Oxfam noted that in-

izing the growth potential of agriculture

novation happens “when great ideas,

in Africa.”

Much of the focus was on how to engage

appropriate incentives, and political

youth in a sector that they find unap-

will align.” Likewise, President of the

pealing. The attraction of urban areas is

Rockefeller Foundation Judith Rodin,

strong, and it becomes ever more criti-

Goodluck Jonathan, and others called

cal to reinvent farming as a high-value

on those convened to move the conver-

occupation. Increasing and enhancing

sation from a handout or a hand up to a

opportunities for women farmers were

handshake. These sentiments represent

also seen as critical to the future of the agriculture sector and to economic stability in general. As President Jonathan noted, “When you empower women, you change the destiny of nations.” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Finance Minister of Nigeria and former Managing Director of the World Bank, demanded a shift in attitude from misconceptions of Africa as a starving continent: “There is absolutely no doubt that this continent can feed itself and be an exporter…We must agree that no more will we have other people feeding us. The face of hunger should not be the face of an African child.” Heeding Ngozi’s call, and ensuring Africa’s agriculture can feed the continent

I hope to count myself and my team at PYXERA Global among those eggheads.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

IMPACT & INNOVATION

GSK & PFIZER INC T E A M U P TO F I G H T BLACK FEVER IN INDIA B y G avin Cepelak

GSK PULSE Fellow, Clara M ar r (lef t) and Pfizer Global Health Fellow, M att A zzara (secondf rom l e f t ) , are wo r k i n g w i th th e C ARE I nd ia team (shown) to researc h ways to e l i mi n ate K a la az ar, t h e wo r l d â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seco n d l a rges t p arasit ic k iller.

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This spring, pharmaceutical giants Pfizer Inc and GSK forged a new partnership. They committed to sending two of their employees to work together to address one of South Asia’s most deadly but infrequently discussed health challenges, visceral leishmaniasis or “black fever.” When it comes to insect-borne infectious diseases, health experts often reference the world’s deadliest insectborne disease, malaria. Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as “black fever,” or by its Hindi name, Kala azar (KA), is similarly deadly but less well known.

A p osit ive K ala azar test.

Each year the world’s second-largest parasitic killer, KA, infects an estimated

Matt and Clara came into this project

tantly, UMP knowledge and awareness

500,000 people. Transmitted by small

with no prior experience with KA and no

of proper diagnostic and treatment

sand flies, it is especially prevalent in

experience working in rural India. With

techniques for KA has been demonstrat-

India and South Asia.

the help of CARE India program leads,

ed to be quite poor, leading to patients

Dr. Raj Mohan Singh and Dr. Indranath

becoming very ill or dying of the disease

To assist CARE India in researching ways

Banerjee, Matt and Clara embarked on

instead of being cured.

to eliminate KA, Pfizer Inc and GSK de-

the journey with clear goals and a strong

veloped a new and unique partnership

commitment.

through their corporate volunteering

Clara and Matt are designing a research study to investigate how these UMPs

programs. The collaboration brought

Their objective is to better understand

(as well as some qualified doctors with

together a GSK PULSE Fellow, Clara Marr,

the role of private medical providers, es-

private practices) interact and manage

and a Pfizer Global Health Fellow, Matt

pecially Unqualified Medical Practitio-

Azzara.

ners (UMPs) in rural India, with regards to identifying, diagnosing, and treating KA

Clara is a clinical research and infectious

patients. UMPs far outnumber qualified

disease specialist from England and Matt

doctors in India, and a high proportion

is a market researcher and oncology

(estimated to be over 80%) of rural vil-

strategist from the United States. Given

lagers rely on UMPs as first-line providers

the competitive nature of the pharma-

for their basic health needs. However,

ceutical industry, Clara and Matt are an

as UMPs operate outside of any public

unlikely duo, but Matt’s experience in

system, they receive no formal training,

strategy development and market re-

there is no tracking or regulation of their

search complements Clara’s deep clinical

activities, and no reporting of patients,

research and infectious disease exper-

which would help the Government of

tise. Together, they make an exception-

India understand where to direct their

ally skilled and knowledgeable pair.

resources to combat KA. Most impor-

“Matt’s experience in strategy development and market research complements Clara’s deep clinical research and infectious disease expertise. Together, they make an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable pair.”

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

suspected and confirmed KA patients,

Matt spoke with a KA patient, a young

the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While it may not have been

and to help determine a way for these

man named Prasanth*. Prasanth had

representative of all cases, we were left

practitioners to be included in the effort

been sick for ten days with a fever and

with a vivid portrait of a family who had

to eliminate KA.

an upset stomach when he first sought

limited control over their own health

medical help from an unqualified medi-

needs in a complicated health care sys-

cal practitioner. He was treated for jaun-

tem,â&#x20AC;? said Matt.

Meeting a Patient

dice for two months. His skin turned

Hope for Elimination

In 2011, in the Indian state of Bihar alone,

black as often happens with KA patients

over 30,000 cases of KA were reported,

and he went through several additional

with many more cases unreported. Clara

months of treatment before being sent

and Matt visited Bihar several times to

to a public health facility. Finally, he was

Although the volunteers found local

meet with local stakeholders and pa-

admitted to the emergency room and

physicians knowledgeable about the

tients to better understand the dynam-

was diagnosed with KA, seven months

disease, the doctors were not always

ics of the disease. They saw first-hand

after falling ill.

aware of the latest protocols and more

the devastating effects that the disease can have on patients. While at the hospital in Bihar, Clara and

effective, new treatments. Matt and While Prasanth was expected to fully

Claraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field trips and meetings with

recover from KA, he had not received

relevant stakeholders enabled them to

any information on how to prevent it in

design their research protocol, establish

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goals, and determine how best to moni-

the role of the private sector in the man-

GSK’s and Pfizer’s commitment to work-

tor and evaluate progress of their work

agement of KA. The research study is

ing together with CARE India to elimi-

over time. “Reporting and tracking new

planned to be conducted next year; the

nate KA speaks to a growing willingness

KA patients in order to identify KA hot-

evidence generated from the study will

among corporations to look past their

spots and measure progress against the

enable CARE India to facilitate changes

competitive differences and to collabo-

elimination goal is critically important,”

to public policy for a new approach to

rate to solve big problems. The potential

said Clara.

both treating and raising public aware-

success of innovative teamwork, like that

ness of KA.

of Matt and Clara, encourages the need

While travelling to villages and health

for collaborative approaches to address

centers throughout the region, Matt

Clara and Matt have come a long way

global health challenges, one patient

remarked “In some places, it seemed

in the three months—visiting patients,

at a time.

like a lot of progress had been made to

UMPs, private doctors, public health

combat the spread of KA, including pre-

facilities, social health activists, and re-

vention activities like spraying homes

search institutions in Bihar. They have

with insecticide to reduce the number

worked together, capitalising on their di-

of disease-carrying sandflies, and aware-

verse backgrounds to build their survey

ness of the disease was high among vil-

and a comprehensive research protocol

lagers. In others areas, KA still seems to

to implement it. To ensure the project’s

be relatively unknown.”

sustainability, they will train the CARE India team to conduct next year’s broad-

By the end of Matt and Clara’s six month

er study. Matt and Clara have also com-

project in India, they will have complet-

mitted to be available to provide support

ed a pilot study and also designed a ro-

after their assignment if needed.

Hopefully, GSK’s and Pfizer’s willingness to collaborate will inspire other corporations to adopt the same impactful approach towards solving tough global problems.

bust research protocol to further assess * Name has been changed

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

SHIFTING GEARS IN A F R I C Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S O I L A N D GAS FRONTIER B y Har r y Pastuszek

About a month ago, I received a phone call from the lead consultant on a team hired to advise the Ministry of Energy for a small African nation on issues regarding local content. Local content is a term at risk of falling into the abyss of development jargon. Put simply, it means the extent to which local people and companies are able to participate in the workforce and supply chains of a given industry. It is most often a focus area in sectors that require technical sophistication to exploit natural resourcesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;namely extractive industries such as mining, oil, and gas. The phone call from this lead consultant was one of four such contacts I received in that week alone. As the Vice President of Enterprise and Community Development at PYXERA Global, I have seen a growing interest in advisory services designed to aid local companies in entering the oil and gas supply chain in sub-Saharan Africa. This shift highlights

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

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the fact that a new day is dawning in the

tries are recognizing the importance of

for indigenous businesses and people,

oil and gas industry in this part of the

establishing NOC preeminence from the

keeping more jobs and money in-coun-

world. The claims in a recent Economist

outset of new exploration and project

try. Many smaller, local firms, however,

feature that the death knell is sounding

development. Increasingly, IOC’s are

struggle to compete with larger, inter-

for the integrated international oil and

navigating the murkier waters of the oil

national firms that have always been the

gas company (IOC) may be overcooked;

industry—accessing oil that is harder to

ones to supply the procurement needs

however, there is no question that the

find and to extract for geological, chemi-

of the oil and gas industry.

rising relevance of national oil compa-

cal, or political reasons. More than ever,

nies (NOC) in new markets is driving pro-

IOC’s are sharing the steering wheel with

PYXERA Global has been engaging in

found attention to issues of small and

NOCs. Many would even argue that in

local content development since our

medium enterprise (SME) development

some African settings, they are just rid-

first supplier development project in

among regulators, NOCs, and IOCs.

ing shotgun.

Russia in the mid 1990s. PYXERA Global

The Changing Role of the IOC

Keeping Jobs and Money In-Country

While it is true that IOCs such as Exxon-

As this shift in influence continues, gov-

bique. In each of these interventions,

Mobil, Chevron, and Shell remain among

ernments in developing countries are

PYXERA Global is implementing a pro-

the world’s most valuable companies,

exerting their influence in this domain

gram to first understand the demands

there is still no doubt that the IOC’s role

by passing local content laws. These

of the oil industry and the ability of local

in the global oil industry is changing.

laws aim to ensure that countries with

companies in a given market to meet

Oil demand in developed countries has

large oil reserves retain the greatest

those demands in order to then design

been falling since the mid-2000s, a re-

economic benefit from their natural re-

and implement a program to help local

sult of more efficient vehicles and overall

sources. Local content legislation seeks

companies enhance their competitive-

demographic changes in car ownership.

to maximize the opportunities available

ness for oil company tenders.

Simultaneously, we are seeing a greater demand for oil from the developing world—a demand that is only expected to increase as living standards improve in developing countries. Today, it is estimated that between 70 and 90 percent of oil reserves are controlled by NOCs. IOCs have to-date played a leading role in exploration, project development, and operations because NOCs lacked the technological expertise and global reach of the big multinational oil companies to produce, refine or sell their own oil. The gap in expertise between NOCs and IOCs is closing, and perhaps more essentially, coun-

currently has local content development programs, at varying degrees of implementation, underway in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, and Mozam-

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

Ensuring Effective Enterprise Development

ing an invitation to tender in the local

remain a primary source of energy for

language.

the next century. The international development community should ensure

Winning work with oil and gas firms is

that each additional unit of carbon di-

not an easy matter for the Schlumberg-

oxide emissions enabled by discoveries

This is where it gets interesting. As NOCs

ers, Halliburtons, Fluors, and Bechtels

of oil in developing countries yields the

assume greater control of the mar-

of the world—so imagine the effort re-

greatest possible economic benefit—in

ketplace, the question remains—will

quired of a 10-person start-up enterprise

the place most deserving of that impact.

NOCs be motivated to, and perhaps

in an emerging market. The past reality,

In order for Africa to realize its greatest

more importantly, will they be able to

in which IOCs shouldered the entire bur-

potential, circumstances will demand

tackle challenges around local content

den in meeting regulatory requirements

that NOCs are equipped to champion

development to enable local companies

for local content, presented numerous

local content initiatives.

to participate in the oil and gas supply

sustainability challenges. Extractive in-

chain?

dustry sectors are notorious for their

Much remains uncertain as roles among

failure to expand economic growth op-

and between IOCs and NOCs continue

Early returns from countries seeking to

portunities—on a dollar-for-dollar basis,

to evolve, but one thing is clear—a mo-

enforce strict local content quotas sug-

the mining and oil and gas sectors tend

tivated and properly resourced NOC

gest that NOCs and regulators often

to have a much smaller impact on local

and local regulator that is involved in

struggle to close the gaps between local

economies than manufacturing, for ex-

the effort to develop local content from

SME performance and the oil and gas

ample.

the start will improve the way in which

industry’s demands. These first movers

natural resource discoveries enhance

are discovering that the IOC tendency

Furthermore, oil projects are not static—

local livelihoods. That IOCs and NOCs

to work with foreign suppliers and con-

they are constantly evolving from ex-

are increasingly willing to think of one

tractors is driven by more than a blind

ploration to construction to production,

another as true partners presents a criti-

unwillingness to work with locals—find-

and ultimately, to closure. Each stage

cal opportunity for Africa’s future.

ing qualified and competent local sup-

brings with it contractors and service

pliers is more difficult than simply issu-

providers specifically geared to the de-

“The international development community should ensure that each additional unit of carbon dioxide emissions enabled by discoveries of oil in developing countries yields the greatest possible economic benefit.”

livery of short-term value to the “owner” of the asset. Where the owner is an IOC keeping its eye on the next viable resource, maintenance of opportunities for local small and medium enterprises is far from a priority. Making NOCs the custodians of oil reserves and the opportunities they bring presents a game changer for international development. The perception that oil can be a “resource curse” for countries “lucky” enough to have discovered it is strong and lasting. While it is a major contributor to climate change, oil’s affordability means it will

The road will not be easy, and many conflicting interests remain unresolved, but these changes have the potential to improve the economic environment in some of the most underdeveloped parts of the world. And that’s all for the best.

Leadership in Action Dow Addresses Community Development in Ghana In a new twist on talent development, The Dow Chemical Company provided a unique opportunity for 35 high performing employees to use their skills to enhance local non-profit organizations and social entrepreneurs in Ghana. Under the Leadership in Action-Ghana Community Development Project, employees worked in teams from May to September 2013 to solve some of the challenges facing these seven organizations. Projects included efforts to address STEM education, sustainable farming, issue surrounding access to water, and urban housing.

Sponsored Content

This program is the first of its kind for the H.H. Dow Academy, a talent development program aimed at Dow’s future leaders, and the Dow Sustainability Corps, the company’s skills-based employee engagement program. Dow enlisted the help of PYXERA Global to connect with the best project opportunities in Ghana. “There are multiple facets of this project that are exciting,” said Johanna Soderstrom, Dow vice president, Human Resources-Center of Expertise “We are thrilled that Dow employees were exposed to this kind of leadership development opportunity, and pleased to be able to demonstrate Dow’s commitment to the global community by putting some of our brightest minds to work on some of the country’s most important challenges. Most important, we look forward to the potential impact on the Ghanaian community.”

Dow employee participants began work in May 2013 to create plans for their respective organizations. Results range from providing strategic plans on how to grow medicinal plants as cash crops, to providing ways to improve water and sanitation in slums, to improving access to clean water. “Ghana is a rapidly-growing economy in Africa and Dow employees provided access to critical skills for social enterprises, universities, and NGOs that do not otherwise have access to this level of business acumen,” said Deirdre White, CEO and president, PYXERA Global. “Programs such as Dow Sustainability Corps offer a sustainable approach to developing more resilient economies around the world. At the same time, the company is readying its workforce with a lens for the future.”

Bo Miller, Dow global director of Corporate Citizenship, said “In addition to this effort meeting an important talent development need at Dow, it also serves as a way for the Company to live out its citizenship objectives in a tangible way.” “By immersing employees into the country, they were able to experience first-hand the stark realities of food, housing, water and educational challenges facing the Ghanaian people,” Miller said. “There is no better way to get a sense for a culture or its people. That’s when corporate citizenship can make the most profound difference.”

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

LO O K I N G F O R T H E PAT H TO G LO B A L L E A D E R S H I P ?

LEADERSHIP

B y Alicia B onner Ness G O LE A D IN AN E M E R G IN G MARKE T Being globally minded is no longer a profes-

ars, however, have managed to develop great-

sional choice. It’s a business requirement. To

er clarity in this domain. In Being Global: How

achieve global progress and shared value so-

to Think, Act, and Lead in a Transformed World,

lutions to the big problems that are facing

Ángel Cabrera and Gregory Unruh detail three

our planet—challenges such as food security,

primary foundations for an individual’s global

economic development, access to clean water,

leadership potential—global mindset, global

and adequate healthcare distribution—every

entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.

corporate Joe or Jane must transform to meet the new standards of global leadership. Those

Multinational companies in rapid-growth mar-

who meet or exceed these expectations will

kets are aware that these problems critically

lead the world to a better future. Those who

constrain their international expansion. In a

do not are likely to fall behind, and, inevitably

recent Harvard Business Review article, Beth

disappear.

Brooke, Global Vice Chair of Public Policy at Ernst & Young, stated, “When my organiza-

But who is the enigmatic global leader? As

tion commissioned a survey of more than 800

leadership development pedagogy has

business executives working in 35 markets,

grown, the true meaning of global leadership

not even a third of them expressed strong

has become increasingly vague. A few schol-

confidence in their top management’s abil-

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

NGC

ity to build and execute a global talent

NGOs and governments in the develop-

In the final words of their book, Cabrera

strategy.”

ing world.

and Unruh capture this sentiment:

Cabrera and Unruh point out that to-

These programs cultivate a global

“The world needs global leaders now.

day’s world economy is dramatically

mindset in employees. The challenge

We hope we inspired you to start on the

different from twenty years ago. Global

of meeting professional objectives in a

path to becoming one. And we hope

leadership today requires a mastery of

foreign environment forces volunteers

you’ll make the lifetime commitment

a complex mindset and competencies,

to transcend cultural barriers and see

to pushing yourself to acquire, develop,

and an understanding of the business

through a multinational lens. Returning

hone, and expand the skills of a global

and cultural realities in emerging mar-

employees consistently report increased

leader. It’s the only thing that will ad-

kets that are quickly industrializing.

cultural awareness, enhanced problem

dress our global challenges in a way

solving and team work abilities, and a

that builds sustainable prosperity for

Companies such as IBM are placing

better understanding of their company’s

everyone.”

the three ideals of Being Global at the

role in the developing world.

forefront of their business operations

This spring, Ángel Cabrera gave the clos-

to address this challenge. Over the past

ICV programs open up avenues for

ing keynote address for the 4th annual

five years, IBM has sent 2,400 employees

global entrepreneurship, allowing com-

ICV conference on Responsible Leader-

around the globe through its Corpo-

panies to create new partnerships with

ship (pictured above). Shortly thereaf-

rate Service Corps (CSC) program, one

for-profit, non-profit, and government

ter, Cabrera and his coauthor Gregory

month assignments in which employees

sectors. For example, through the CSC

Unruh published a piece in the Harvard

volunteer their professional skills for a

program, IBM developed a close work-

Business Review, calling attention to the

nonprofit, government agency, or en-

ing relationship, with the government

fact that, according to an AMA survey in

terprise. Unlike the multinational model

of Cross River State, Nigeria. Grounded

2011, less than one third of companies

of old, talent and resources are shared

in the common objective of saving the

have global leadership development

freely between geographies in a globally

lives of mothers and children, this vol-

programs.

integrated enterprise. These employees

unteer program grew into a cross-sector

hone their leadership skills, while build-

partnership between the state and IBM

While the individual aspiring leader can

ing relationships with other IBMers and

that is still active today. Cross River

follow Cabrera and Unruh’s three-step

organizations in new markets.

State’s health care system now has up-

action plan to join the global elite,

to-date technology that provides health

companies that seek to capture global market share, learning from IBM, John Deere, Merck, and others, will need to reassess their priorities in order to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

Mindset, Entrepreneurship, and Citizenship

care to communities across the region.

Interestingly, these three primary com-

This experience engenders knowledge

petencies of global leadership all inter-

and connections that often inspire em-

sect directly with the theoretical un-

ployees to become global citizens, a

derpinnings of this type of global pro

force for global change and community

bono service. ICV, a relatively new, but

impact. IBM, along with several dozen

growing practice among leading cor-

other multinational companies, are

porations, involves sending teams of

developing global leaders by actively

employees across international borders

engaging them in the growth of a sus-

to serve as volunteer consultants for be-

tainable and inclusive global economy.

tween three weeks and three months to

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

GLOBAL PRO BONO

BUILDING

G LO B A L

LEADERSHIP CO M P E T E N C I E S

B y Laura Asiala Are leaders born or made? Why not both? But, if you don’t have the raw material, it can be tough to develop, and simply having leadership talent is insufficient. In many ways, leadership capability is a lot like physical strength. You may be born with the capacity for amazing physique, but unless you work out—stretching, strengthening, practicing—you will not gain the skill, strength, or finesse required to deliver winning performance. Global pro bono, or international corporate volunteerism, is leadership bootcamp that builds capacity in a fast, efficient, and economical way. It’s a workout that exercises all kinds of leadership muscle, and builds the types of teams and people that leading multi-national corporations have identified as top talent requirements, often at a fraction of the cost of other approaches. IBM’s Corporate Service Corps (CSC), which uses an approach first described in a 2009 Harvard Business School Case Study, has long been the pro bono volunteerism industry standard. Since its launch in 2008, nearly 1,500 IBMers have participated in CSC. The program is championed for its “triple win” that delivers benefit to the company from market insight and exposure, to the local client in the form of free consulting services, and to the employee, through leader-

IB M C S C p ar ti ci pa nts i n Va l pa ra í so, C hile.

ship skill development.

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

NGC

Polaris® Competency

Characteristics defined by IBM

PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION MAKING

A PROBLEM SOLVER & ANALYTICAL THINKER

CHANGE MASTERY

ADAPTABLE & FLEXIBLE

CULTURAL AWARENESS

ABLE TO COLLABORATE GLOBALLY AND SENSITIVE

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

SOCIAL AWARENESS

TO CULTURAL NORMS AND PRACTICES

A BUILDER OF MUTUAL TRUST AND

UNDERSTANDING TO ACHIEVE SHARED OUTCOMES

SAVVY ABOUT PERSONAL INTERACTIONS

TEAM BUILDING SKILLS

ABLE TO ENGAGE AND NURTURE A TEAM THAT DOESN’T HAVE AN ASSIGNED LEADER

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR (APPRECIATIVE OF NON-NATIVE LANGUAGE SPEAKERS)

In addition to Problem Solving & Decision Making, Change Mastery, Cultural Awareness, Relationship Building, Social Awareness, Team Building Skills, and Communications Skills, the Polaris model also recognizes additional competencies that are implicit in IBM’s list, including Composure, Learning Agility, and Influence Skills.

But which leadership skills? IBM identified seven key characteristics

istics might stack up against a leader-

intelligence, emotional intelligence,

ship competency model that has been

and organizational leadership. The Po-

developed and verified by leadership

laris model measures five dimensions

development experts.

of leadership—personal, social, global

for a successful global leader that are

business, leadership, and cultural—ex-

linked to the company’s unique priori-

The Polaris® Global Leadership Com-

hibited through 19 competencies, ten of

ties for talents that enhance global vir-

petency model is a research-based

which ICV accelerates or impacts.

tual teams. As I reflected on the lead-

model developed by Bruce Griffiths of

ership development capacity of ICV, I

Organization Systems International and

In addition to Problem Solving & Deci-

wondered how those same character-

Carolyn Feuiller that combines cultural

sion Making, Change Mastery, Cultural

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

Awareness, Relationship Building, So-

This type of accelerated, experiential

Being Global, and the keynote speaker

cial Awareness, Team Building Skills,

leadership development—not simu-

at this year’s ICV conference, this trans-

and Communications Skills, the Polaris

lated, but real—is relatively new. So

formation in perspective is crucial, “Our

model also recognizes additional com-

far, none of the corporate programs (at

ability to build a truly sustainable and

petencies that are implicit in IBM’s list,

least those I know of ) are rigorously re-

inclusive world economy will depend

including Composure, Learning Agility,

searching the comparative long-term

on how well we help new generations

and Influence Skills.

effectiveness, based on an agreed-upon

of leaders to become global.”

standard. But I think it’s an interesting Because experience is the best teacher,

question, and one I hope more corpo-

ICV programs are almost always more

rations will consider. Even without this,

effective at global leadership develop-

however, using a competency model

ment than classroom-based programs,

like Polaris as an overall leadership as-

at least that’s what we learned from a

sessment rubric—prior to making in-

George Washington University Study

ternational assignments—could quickly

published in 2012. It’s also much less

“weed out” inappropriate candidates

expensive than an expatriate assign-

and offer the right candidates an ac-

ment, ($15,000 per participant for a four

celerated and cost effective leadership

week pro bono assignment compared to

experience.

several thousand for a single individual), the more traditional approach to global

Most importantly, ICV creates a pathway

leadership development. In fact, a team

for potential global leaders to better un-

of 10 costs significantly less than a single

derstand the challenges and opportuni-

expatriate experience, and offers addi-

ties that exist around the world. Accord-

tional return on investment through the

ing to Dr. Ángel Cabrera, the President

development of corporate reputation,

of George Mason University, author of

stakeholder relationships, and new market insights for growth. This approach also turns out to have potential for global leadership assessment, especially when paired with a “360 degree” leadership assessment of these competencies before and after the ICV experience. By coupling the assignment with a leadership diagnostic—like the leadership assessment the Polaris model offers—participants are more aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and can focus on them appropriately over the course of their ICV experience.

Just like professional athletes, reaching peak leadership performance requires dedication, drive, and adaptability. The world belongs to those who can perform; ICV—leadership bootcamp—can help get future global leaders in shape.

IBM Corporate Service Corps Essential pro bono problem solving for communities around the world

What?

Why?

A pro bono consulting program that has benefitted at least 140,000 people as of 2013, addressing: • Economic development • Energy • Transportation • Education • Healthcare

The initiative helps cultivate: • Communities • IBM market insights • Employee skills

So far, IBM Corporate Service Corps has provided more than

$50 million worth of skilled services over the last five years.

9 out of 10 IBMers said participating in the program made them more effective at their jobs.

Where? The program deploys IBMers to the developing world and growth markets.

When? The initiative was founded in 2008.

5 years and counting…

In the first five years, IBMers have undertaken engagements in

Who? IBM’s most talented experts in: • Technology • Scientiﬁc research • Marketing • Finance • Human resources • Law • Economic development

34 countries; 11 countries in Africa alone. In Nigeria, IBM CSC helped design a program to provide financial, healthcare and literacy assistance to poor women and children. In Vietnam, an IBM CSC team helped a travel agency increase its business and offer more services to clients.

Sponsored Content

The engagement dispatches, on average,

500 IBMers annually.

As of 2013, those participants have come

from 52 countries.

For more information, visit ibm.com/corporateservicecorps.

In Brazil, IBM CSC advice boosted efficiency for a network of children's hospitals and youth centers. In South Africa, a financial services agency is now making consumer loans with better repayment rates thanks to IBM CSC advice.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

HAPPENINGS

D I D YO U K N O W YO U R CO M PA N Y CO U L D CHANGE THE WORLD? The p an e l i n cl uded Sta n L i tow ( f a r r ight ), t he Presid ent of t he IBM Found at ion a n d t h e Vice President for Corporate Responsibilit y at IBM, Deirdre White (middle), the President a n d C E O o f PYXER A Gl o ba l, Jef f rey Bland er (lef t ), t he Ac t ing Direc tor for Pr ivate S e c to r Engagement in the State D epar tment ’s O ffice of the Global AIDS Coordinator, and John Gl e n n ( far l e f t ) , Po l i c y D i rec to r o f the USGLC .

State Department’s Global Partnerships Office Hosts Leadership from IBM, Citi, Amazon, PYXERA Global, and Others at Forum on International Corporate Volunteerism

B y Alicia B onner Ness Yesterday at the State Department, Drew

of this growing practice to show other

Alliances, and Partners for a New Begin-

O’Brien took the stage for his first speech

companies how they, too, can use their

ning, a partnership with the Aspen Insti-

in his new role as Special Representa-

resources to move the needle on glob-

tute. Lastly, he championed the Center

tive for Global Partnerships. Special Rep

al development in mutually beneficial

of Excellence for International Corporate

Drew, as he is fondly called by his staff,

ways.

Volunteerism, a collaborative partner-

convened an important event on be-

ship between IBM, USAID, and PYXERA

half of the secretary, with strong sup-

In his opening remarks, Special Rep

Global, which seeks to offer companies

port from leadership at the IBM Foun-

Drew called out a few innovative pub-

like IBM, Pfizer, FedEx, John Deere, Pep-

dation and PYXERA Global. The topic:

lic-private partnerships, many of which

siCo and others the opportunity to craft

International Corporate Volunteerism, or

had been the inspiration for the event.

individual public-private partnerships

ICV. Through a series of panels and key-

Among them were the Diaspora Vol-

with USAID missions and beneficiaries

notes, this half-day conference sought

unteer Corps, facilitated by the USAID

in countries of interest.

to explore and amplify the importance

Office of Innovation and Development

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

Special Rep Drew also championed

of Dow Corning’s corporate volunteers.

those who have already made a signifi-

NGC

Global AIDS Coordinator.

Why is ICV a Good Thing?

cant impact through their ICV programs.

Following his introduction, the first

Chief among them is IBM, whose Cor-

panel took the stage. The panel, moder-

porate Service Corps (CSC) has fielded

ated by John Glenn, the President of the

more volunteers in the past five years

US Global Leadership Coalition, includ-

John Glenn opened the discussion with

than any other, dedicating $70 million

ed Stan Litow, the President of the IBM

a simple question: What do we mean

worth of pro bono service to solving

Foundation and the Vice President for

by ICV and why is it a good thing? Stan

complex global challenges. Dow Corn-

Corporate Responsibility at IBM, Deirdre

Litow was the first to respond. First and

ing’s commitment to the Global Alliance

White, the President and CEO of PYXERA

foremost, “Companies need to under-

for Clean Cookstoves, one of the most

Global, and Jeffrey Blander, the Acting

stand it from the standpoint of the huge

ambitious private-sector commitments

Director for Private Sector Engagement

advantage it has for the company,” he

to a specific issue, was inspired by one

in the State Department’s Office of the

said. “The common denominator is that

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

companies will be judged based on the

versary this year. Over this time, the

talent of their employees.” According to

program has deployed 2,400 IBM em-

Litow and others, ICV programs yield a

ployees as pro bono consultants in 34

But such scale and impact is difficult to

triple benefit: they enhance the skills of

countries around the world. According

achieve without the right implement-

their top talent, they deliver significant

to Litow, the creation of CSC was fueled

ing partner. According to Litow, “The

and impactful benefit on the ground,

by the company’s need to create cross-

Corporate Service Corps would not be

and they provide companies with in-

cutting global relationships. “Becoming

effective without an NGO implementer

sight into new markets.

a globally integrated company required

like PYXERA Global.” To his point, Deir-

putting together teams of top talent to

dre White articulated the most impor-

As he wrapped up his intro remarks,

work together to delivers significant

tant elements of a successful program:

Litow clearly articulated the biggest

value to local organizations.” IBM’s teams

“What’s really critical is that we have the

challenge in spreading ICV. Many com-

have worked as far afield as Morocco,

right host organizations, scopes of work

panies believe that “volunteerism” is

Senegal, Tanzania, and Kenya, often

that have a real (and achievable) deliver-

important, but separate from their core

in exceptionally rural environments.

able, and that we match the right set of

business. It’s something they encour-

Through CSC, IBM continues to cham-

skills with the problem that needs to be

age ambitious employees to undertake

pion its commitment to lead innovation

solved.” While this might seem simple

on their free time, but not something

in Africa. This year, IBM has also begun

at first blush, accommodating as many

that delivers measurable returns. When

to embed employees from companies

as 15 professionals in rural parts of the

it comes to ICV, he said, “We need a

new to the idea of their own ICV teams.

globe, and working with local NGOs to

new name other than ‘volunteerism’

Last spring, a team of IBM and Citi execu-

absorb the capacity infusion that an ICV

because it’s not separate from the busi-

tives worked together on a participatory

team can provide is hardly wrinkle-free.

ness, it’s part of it.”

budgeting project in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

IBM’s CSC is celebrating its 5th anni-

“International experience is critically important to building a great business and in solving the big issues we face in society.” - Stan Litow President, IBM Foundation Vice President, Cor porate R esponsibilit y, IBM

deploy to Uberlandia, Brazil.

This fall, a team of IBMers, joined by four

When it is done right, however, ICV can

executives from JP Morgan Chase will

create significant change quickly. White

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

NGC

called out a recent example of a team of

or a vertical move to somewhere else

IBMers who provided recommendations

within the company. Not only that, but

to the state government of Nigeria’s Ekiti

interest in the program can attract top

Over the past 5 years, as ICV has taken

State on their procurement process. Be-

talent from elite business schools and

off, the number of companies and

fore the team arrived, the state’s pro-

computer science programs around the

employees engaged as corporate vol-

curement process required 55 separate

world. When they finish their assign-

unteers in emerging and frontier mar-

administrative steps. Through the team’s

ments, participants have developed

kets has grown tremendously, but the

assessment, the department was able to

their own network of top talent within

numbers are still too small to have far-

reduce its procurement process down to

their company, a deeper understand-

reaching implications. IBM alone sends

33. While 33 steps may still sound overly

ing of strategic business problems, and

500 volunteers a year, but the next big-

complicated, such a rapid automation,

a greater affinity for the company they

gest deployer is SAP, who will send 60

reducing the process by 22 steps, will

work for. These experiences also have

this year. “What would happen, if every

have far reaching implications (and cost

far-reaching implications for the future

Fortune 500 company fielded 100 em-

savings) for the entire province. “That

of our world. “Corporate leaders will be

ployees a year?” said Litow. “Imagine the

wouldn’t have happened for many years

a different kind of corporate leader for

impact that would yield, both on your

without an IBM team,” said White.

having had such an experience,” said

employees and on the world.” Having

White.

shown others that it is possible through

How Do We Measure Success?

the best ways to help.

CSC, Litow issued a call to action: “Now Subsequent panels included leaders

it’s up to all of us to take this to the next

from VEGA Alliance, Cuso International,

level.”

Inevitably, the conversation turned to

Seed Global Health Amazon, Citi, the

metrics: “How do you measure success?”

Points of Light Foundation, and USAID.

As he closed the event, Special Rep Drew

asked John Glenn.

All had terrific ideas and examples of

echoed Litow’s call, asking everyone to

the ways ICV has changed how we think

consider the ways in which they could

According to Litow, it starts with how

about public-private partnerships in ac-

engage their companies and themselves

you design the program. For IBM, it

tion.

in advancing social aims in mutually

started with leadership development.

beneficial ways through global pro bono

“Companies are increasingly globally

Both Stan Litow and Drew O’Brien had

consulting and skills-based volunteer-

integrated, so you have to be particu-

the privilege of closing the conference.

ing.

larly understanding of being culturally literate,” said Litow. “If you are trying to

“International experience is critically

be effective in developing business in a

important to building a great business

new geography, you can’t possibly be

and in solving the big issues we face in

successful without having that level of

society,” said Litow. “We need better col-

understanding.”

laboration… a way that large numbers of employees can integrate into their

By working as client-facing consultants

careers opportunities to help govern-

in resource-constrained environments,

ments solve problems on the ground…

participants develop enhanced team-

to deliver real economic benefit, real

ing, cultural adaptability, and listen-

skills, and collaboration that brings so-

ing skills, among others. Many return

lutions to scale.” Among other options,

from their assignment to a promotion,

corporate volunteerism abroad is one of

“We are fortunate to work in a field where there is no such thing as a bad idea,” he said. “But even with all that we have achieved, there is still so much more to do.”

NGC

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

CITIZEN DIPLOMACY

CUPID SHUFFLE

TO M U T UA L

U N D E R S TA N D I N G Amer ic a’s U nof f i c i a l Am b a s s a d o rs E n co u ra g e Ci ti ze n Diplomac y B e t we e n Am e r i ca a n d th e M u s l i m Wo r l d

B y B enjamin Or bach

H a n n ah D ’Ap ice tea ch es mi ddl e sc hooler s to c up id shuffle in I nd onesia.

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

NGC

“Hello, Mr. Cow. Can you come home?” Sam Schindler deadpans into his cell phone before a classroom full of giggling teenage boys at The Carter Academy in rural Bangladesh. In Yogyjakarta, Indonesia, Katarina Deshotel is mapping close to 2000 domestic abuse cases that Rifka Annisa responded to from 2007 to 2012. In a Moroccan village in the MidAtlas Mountains, Rachel Wiser is making number “flash cards” for illiterate female craftswomen. Sam, Katarina, and Rachel are three of

S a m S c hind ler teac hes English in Banglad esh.

the 22 “Unofficial Ambassadors” dispatched to the Muslim World this sum-

Sam is a high school teacher in Lan-

Helping teenagers in rural Bangladesh

mer on behalf of America’s Unofficial

caster, PA who traveled to Bangladesh

speak English with confidence and

Ambassadors (AUA), a new citizen diplo-

to teach conversational English. His

using native data to counter domestic

macy initiative. They are volunteering in

students hail from nearby villages and

abuse in Indonesia are not the type of

areas of human development to support

wear blue uniforms as they sit in pairs

lofty national outcomes found in the

locally-led initiatives and in the process,

at wooden desks. Sam mixed in some

performance indicator section of the

are dispelling stereotypes of Americans.

poetry and teacher training during his

average USAID-funded proposal. Yet,

Significantly, they are also bringing their

volunteer service, but he left his mark

in the discussion of healthy lives and a

experience home through blogs and

teaching conversational English – and

better, shared future, these are wonder-

then community presentations this fall

idioms like “when the cows come home”

ful development successes even before

to build mutual understanding here at

– with humor, grace, and humility.

factoring in the “soft power” impact of a

home in the United States.

well-meaning American playing the role Rifka Annisa is an Indonesian NGO that

of partner in generating these changes.

advocates for and counsels abuse vic-

“According to recent polls, 45 percent of Americans believe Muslims are violent, and 62 percent of Americans say they’ve never met a Muslim.”

tims. Katarina’s supervisor gave her a

What’s more, the impact of these in-

spreadsheet of data, in Bahasa, on 1832

terventions here in the United States is

cases and asked her to generate the

just as important. According to recent

graphs and analysis for a 5-year report.

polls, 45 percent of Americans believe

To the delight of her supervisor, she

Muslims are violent, and 62 percent of

used an online dictionary, standardized

Americans say they’ve never met a Mus-

the data, and then, with software she

lim. Thousands of Americans will read

learned to use in her Masters program at

about Sam and Katarina’s experiences,

the University of Pittsburgh, generated

and hundreds more—from college cam-

the graphs and a map of where incidents

puses to local libraries—will hear about

occurred.

the people they met. Multiply Sam or Ka-

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

And those flashcards? For years, the women of Tarmillat village have created and sold rugs without keeping track of their inventory or costs. Rachel Wiser, a William and Mary undergraduate, took a page from her own Arabic studies and created flashcards for the women to learn math. After just a few weeks, the women now understand that their enterprise has been making them less than a dollar an hour. That knowledge, and what those women do with it, is a great step forward. tarina’s efforts by the 20 other unofficial

global citizenship and leadership that

Math flash cards in Tarmillat, English

ambassadors who served in Morocco, In-

runs through so many Americans and

language debates in Zanzibar, and line

donesia, and Tanzania this summer, and

channeling it specifically into the Muslim

dancing in Aceh might not be the stuff

we have a growing movement of citizen

World. Our volunteers approach their

of presidential summits.

diplomats contributing to a larger goal.

service in education, human rights, or the environment with a consciousness

Of course, Americans offering their ex-

about how we want to represent Amer-

pertise or enthusiasm as volunteers in

ica abroad and what we want to bring

Africa, Asia, and the Middle East isn’t

home for our communities to consider.

new, but I believe AUA is unique because of our volunteer’s intentionality and the

There aren’t enough opportunities—for

concentrated geographic scope of their

education, for work, and for dignity—

work. We are taking the sentiment of

in the countries that stretch from Mo-

“We are taking the sentiment of global citizenship and leadership that runs through so many Americans and channeling it specifically into the Muslim World. “

rocco to Indonesia, but there also aren’t enough opportunities for us to get to know each other beyond the stereotypes that exist between America and the Muslim World. America’s greatest asset is our citizens. While governmental interventions and assistance are crucial, they leave a lot of room for purposeful citizen diplomats to generate sustainable achievements that result from partnerships built on merit, trust, and mutual interests.

Yet these kinds of interventions at the grassroots level are creating new opportunities and shaping cultural impressions that will last a lifetime. Together, America’s Unofficial Ambassadors are influencing how individuals’ lives are lived and how outlooks on the world are formed.

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every citizen a diplomat The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy promotes and expands opportunity for all Americans to be citizen diplomats and affirms the indispensable value of citizen involvement in foreign relations.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

HAPPENINGS

YO U H A D M E

AT { H E L LO }

US Center for Citizen Diplomacy Champions Global Engagement Through a National Campaign B y Amanda M acAr thur

A s e l e c t i o n of th e best ph o to s f rom t he USCC D {Hello} Photo Contest.

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In 2007, 64 million Americans travelled outside of the United States. In 2009, this number fell to 61.5 million. In the United States, 462,979 individuals volunteered for international organizations at home in 2008; only 390,572 did so in 2009. It’s clear that since the recession began, the number of people engaged in cultural exchange—or citizen diplomacy—has markedly declined. Clearly there is a correlation between the lagging economy and people’s enthusiasm for cross cultural engagement. When challenges arise there is a natural tendency to turn inward and to perhaps perceive others with a bit more hesitation, but even in a less than ideal economic environment we live in an interconnected world. We rely on one another more and the ability to suc-

“We must embrace opportunities for cultural engagement, whether it’s overseas or just around the corner.” cessfully communicate across cultures matters more than ever before. It is exactly during these times that we must embrace opportunities for cultural engagement – whether it’s overseas or just around the corner. As the Vice President of Global Citizenship and Volunteerism at PYXERA Global, I am responsible for designing programs that engage people across cultures, sectors, industries, and geographies to deliver shared value. What does this mean? It means helping people find ways to better understand one another, to develop common ground, and to learn how to overcome interpersonal or intercultural differences to solve problems and exchange ideas. Citizen diplomacy

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

is as simple as a handshake.

that led to the founding of the Peace

“If a beachhead of cooperation may

Corps five months later.

push back the jungle of suspicion, let

In conversations about citizen diplo-

both sides join in creating a new endeav-

macy, I often think of John F Kennedy

In his inaugural address, Kennedy asked

or, not a new balance of power, but a

and his commitment to uniting people

the American people to join him in his

new world of law, where the strong are

around the world through collaborative

pledge to improve the world. It’s easy to

just and the weak secure and the peace

action. In one of his last stump speeches

mistake Kennedy’s inaugural address for

preserved.”

in the 1960 campaign, Kennedy spoke

a rallying cry for the Cold War, but mixed

to a group of students at the University

in with the rhetoric of “us” and “them” is

While the competitive environment

of Michigan. Many claim these brief re-

a call to citizen diplomats everywhere:

of the Cold War is long behind us, the

marks were motivated by the same drive

mandate for broader global citizen en-

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gagement lives on. The U.S. Center for

handshake at a time.’ By encouraging

online campaign: You Had Me at {Hello}.

Citizen Diplomacy (USCCD) is working

citizen diplomacy, USCCD seeks to en-

The campaign highlights how lifelong

to reverse the recent trend towards iso-

courage American citizens to become

connections with people from around

lation by educating Americans about

more globally minded, a cultural shift

the world often start with a single ges-

opportunities for cultural exchange

that will enhance how Americans—and

ture—a smile or a friendly {Hello}. The

and people-to-people engagement—

by extensions America—are viewed

campaign seeks to celebrate citizen dip-

much of which can occur within your

from afar, ultimately improving the

lomats, and inspire others to become

own community. Citizen diplomacy em-

world for the better.

more globally engaged. Three features

braces the concept that the individual

of the campaign so far are worth noting.

has the right, even the responsibility,

To get more Americans culturally and

to help shape global engagement ‘one

globally engaged, USCCD launched an

Last month, right before the campaign’s kickoff, USCCD’s director Diane Rasmussen wrote a terrific piece for this publication, “You are a Citizen Diplomat”, summarizing the important impact of citizen diplomacy. According to Diane, finding opportunities to say {Hello} to the world is beneficial on a personal and global scale. Citizen diplomats change their lives, the lives of others, and indeed the world through their global experiences, whether it is by demonstrating their global savvy at an interview with a multinational corporation, or by hosting international visitors from China’s government who will return determined to establish a stronger partnership with the United States.

As citizen diplomats, we have the power to bridge nations and cultures, to work together as one people dedicated to a better, more collaborative tomorrow.

Join us.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

A R E YO U R E A DY

FOR THE NEXT

ADVENTURE? MBA Graduates Choose Social Enterprise i n E m e r g i n g M a r k e t s O v e r Tr a d i t i o n a l Co r porate J o b s Tourism development in Sri Lanka, social enterprise expansion in India, local supplier improvement in Mozambique—just three of the unique assignments that the most recent cohort of MBAs Without Borders (MWB) Advisors set out to begin this August. As MWB Advisors, the seven graduates will spend from five months up to one year working on a project for a social enterprise, NGO, or government agency. This experience provides the Advisors with an extraordinary opportunity to gain practical experience working in emerging and frontier markets while developing critical leadership skills that strengthen their ability to manage global teams. On July 29, the Advisors gathered at headquarters in Washington, DC to kick off their assignments, which will take them to countries that include India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Mozambique and Tanzania. While the seven MWB Advisors’ areas of expertise range from environmental science, to mechanical engineering, to scuba diving, they all have one thing in common—the business acumen to provide pro bono services to promote growth, entrepreneurship and economic development around the world.

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HAPPENINGS

On J u l y 29, t he Adv i so rs gath ered at head q uar ter s in Washington, DC to k ic k o ff t h e i r a ssi gn m e nt s, w h i ch w i l l ta ke th em to count r ies t hat inc lud e I nd ia, Sr i Lank a, N e p a l, B h u t an , M oz ambi qu e, a n d Ta n z a n i a.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

PAU L B E L K N A P

M B A , S mea l College of Business, Penn St ate Paul joins the Indian social enterprise, Sustaintech, which sells clean cook stoves as a replacement for the more common and dangerous traditional stoves used by over 3 billion people in the developing world. He will spend the next five months as a Business Development Specialist performing a market analysis and developing and implementing sales strategies for new markets. “I n t h e f ive mo nths ahead, I k now there w il l be o bs tac l es a n d c h a l len ges, an d I’ l l be fo rced to s o l ve pro bl em s I’ve never even t h o ug ht o f. I t ’s t h is k ind o f c hal l eng e that f ir s t drew m e to the M B As Wi t h o ut B o rders ex pe r ience. I’m ready fo r the nex t adventu re.”

JESSICA CUSTER

M B A , HEC Par is

Jessica will spend the next five months as a Marketing and Sales Specialist at Kara Weaves, a fair-trade certified organization that sells hand-woven clothes and linens designed by local weavers of Kerala, India. Jessica will work to expand Kara Weaves’ market share locally and internationally, while identifying new distribution channels and increasing sales. “I b elieve t h at there is a great o ppo r tu nit y to c reate s hare d va l ue simply by leveraging bu s ines s in innovative ways… . ‘ B u s in e s s a s usual ’ h asn’t been g o o d eno u g h fo r a l o ng tim e — it ’s tim e to d o busin ess wit h peo pl e in m ind.”

A N NES SA K AUFMA N

MTA , G eo rge Washington Univer sit y Annessa, whose interests include museum curation, scuba diving and sustainable destination management, will spend the next 12 months as a Tourism Development Specialist in Sri Lanka. She will work with communities to help sustainably develop the tourism industry to provide value to both visitors and residents. “I can’t wait to wo r k w ith co m m u nities to hel p them s hape t h e to ur ism po te ntial into exper iences that enr ic h the l ives an d p e rsp ec t ives o f v is ito r s and res idents al ik e.”

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

K AT H R Y N S V O B O D N Y

M B A , M as ag u n g Gra du ate S ch o o l o f M anagement, USF Kathryn joins READ Global, an organization that partners with communities in rural Asia to develop community library and resource centers, as a Sustaining Enterprise Specialist. As READ is ready to expand its services throughout Asia, Kathryn will spend two months in Nepal, two months in India, and one month in Bhutan, identifying the types of READ models that can be replicated across the continent implementing sales strategies for new markets.

MICHELLE DE ARRUDA

M B A , D ard e n S ch o o l o f B u si n ess, Univer sit y of Virgina Michelle will spend 5 months as a Supplier Development Advisor enhancing local enterprise in Mozambique. Michelle will be instrumental in developing positive relationships with local small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as conducting training sessions, developing workshops, and providing logistical and technical support for new businesses.

MICHAEL ANDERSON

MB A , U n ive rs i t y o f M i sso u r i

Michael will spend the next 5 months as a Program and Technical Advisor for the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which is committed to the growth, promotion, and continued development of the horticulture industry in Tanzania through the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships.

JOHN GINTHER

M B A , M S G l o b al Af f a i rs, Un i versi t y of Toronto John joins Annessa as a Small Business Finance and Management Advisor in Sri Lanka. John will spend 12 months supporting a development project that seeks to fuel economic growth in former conflict regions by providing financial and advisory support to small businesses.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

AROUND THE WORLD

THE RISE

OF SOCIAL

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

IN CHINA B y Daniel Elliott The beating heart of NuoMi, a small

Yet, what makes NuoMi different is the

clothing design business, lies in a mod-

mission underlying its business model

est, three-story house in a nondescript

– their labor force is comprised of poor,

suburb about an hour’s drive from

underprivileged families who have

downtown Shanghai. The bottom floor

children with disabilities. The company

has been retrofitted to make space for

provides employment, micro-financ-

design tables and sewing machines. The

ing, equipment, training, and support

kitchen doubles as a packing and stor-

to these families in order to help them

age facility. The bedrooms upstairs are

establish self-sufficient businesses with-

offices, some holding a couple of tables

in two years. Founder Bonita Lin Wen

and computers while others house racks

admits that it doesn’t make business

and racks of clothes in a perpetual bat-

sense in the traditional way—she has

tle with overflowing filing cabinets for

lost thousands of RMB over the years—

space along the walls.

but the fact that these families and their dependent children are better off than

At first blush, it is not much different

they were before make her efforts worth

than the thousands of other small busi-

it. She doesn’t see it as a loss of capital,

nesses sprouting up all over Shanghai.

but rather as an investment into making

“She doesn’t see it as a loss of capital, but rather as an investment into making better lives for her community.”

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better lives for her community. Meet one

and center in their business models be-

In China, however, the capitalist con-

of the faces of social entrepreneurism

cause both customers and employees

cept is still in a relatively early stage of

in China.

expect and demand it. In the West, if

development compared to the rest of

you have the option of two equal scarves

the world. The idea that a business can

Social entrepreneurism is a recent phe-

to buy, where one was made in a large,

pursue altruistic goals and profits simul-

nomenon, but over the last couple of

nameless factory and the other by or-

taneously is still extremely foreign. The

years this approach to business, in West-

phaned street children from El Salvador,

mentality is very much about making

ern countries specifically, has evolved

the backstory of the latter would push

money above all else. Aversion to this

into a powerful force. Companies now

most people to choose it. That is why

business model delves deeper into the

have to place ‘do-gooder’ causes—fair

you see the face of Juan, the Costa Rican

overall fabric of China as well. As Meng

labor practices, responsible stewardship

coffee bean farmer, every time you walk

Zhao points out in the Stanford Social

of land and water, to name a few—front

into a Starbucks.

Innovation Review, the lack of a strong

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

social enterprise sector in China can be attributed to the obstacles embedded in the country’s political, institutional and cultural environment. Bonita has encountered customers in her retail store in downtown Shanghai that wrinkle their noses and decide not to purchase an item once they hear NuoMi’s backstory. Their usual reason—they don’t want to own something made by someone with a disability. FYSE’s 2012 China Social Enterprise Report highlights the overall state of social entrepreneurship in China and

status and they cannot benefit from tax

in which donations to charities are en-

the obstacles it faces. For example, fi-

exemptions like similar organizations do

couraged, promote more development

nance is the biggest challenge. Only 42

in other countries.

in the sector, and develop a more effec-

percent of social enterprises achieved

tive volunteer policy, among other ini-

financial sustainability in 2012 and 77

The future for social entrepreneurship is

tiatives. FYSE’s report also showed that

percent were dependent on family and

promising nevertheless, and the major

social enterprises grew over the past

friends for funding. At least 58 per-

player in this space—the Chinese Gov-

year and entrepreneurs have an opti-

cent said that access and retention of

ernment—has taken notice of its impor-

mistic outlook for the future. Close to

human capital is a severe or significant

tance. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA),

75 percent of those surveyed expect an

challenge to staffing and running their

which publicized its 12th Five Year Plan

increase in revenue over the next year.

organizations. Furthermore, incorpora-

for Charity in July, has laid out a plan

tion is extremely difficult because there

to write better legislation for the chari-

Walking out into the chilly afternoon

is no specific legislation regarding their

table sector, create a tax environment

air, atypical for Shanghai in April, Bonita pulls out her phone and shows me a picture of her four children, two her own and two adopted. “This one we adopted has cerebral palsy, and this one is genderless.”

Capitalism with a soul is starting to take root in China, but it still has a long way to go. For Bonita, however, it’s already in full bloom.

SAP Corporate Social Responsibility

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Learn more at www.sap.com

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AROUND THE WORLD

THAILAND’S

ORGANIC FA R M I N G MOVEMENT

TA K E S O F F Organic Farming Improves Lives and Affordable Nutrition in Nor t h e r n Th a i l a n d

B y Amy Crumbliss The linoleum floor is cold underneath my bare feet. I must admit, though, it’s a welcome refreshment from the hot Thai air that hangs heavily outside. I peer down at my feet, wishing I had taken the time to get a pedicure before departing on a 20-hour journey to Southeast Asia. It’s not something I thought of back in 40-degree February weather in Washington, DC. But as I examine the others around me, I realize that I may have actually looked out of place with shiny, freshly lacquered nails. The feet of the

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

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others in the room belong to people

I have done my researchâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;organic

are proud of their hard work and the

intimate with the land, their well-worn

farming is a nascent movement gain-

calluses they bear. Soon the meeting is

feet a hallmark of years of experience.

ing ground in Chiang Mai. Having es-

underway and each person begins to

tablished contact with organizations

introduce themselves.

I am in the city of Chiang Mai, located in

working in this space prior to arrival, I

northern Thailand, nestled at the base

now sit at the ECHO Asia Impact Center,

As each organization shares its story,

of the Thai Highlands, and not far from

in a small kitchen that doubles as a con-

I am struck by four common themes.

Laos and Myanmar. I am here to find

ference room. ECHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to fight

Each shares a passion for the farmers,

local partners for the John Deere Inspir-

hunger by providing seeds, research,

consumers, and environment of north-

ing Leadership program, a corporate ini-

and resources to agricultural develop-

ern Thailand, and a mission to educate

tiative that sends high-level John Deere

ment workers in Southeast Asia. These

the local community on the benefits of

employees outside their home countries

are people who have become experts in

locally sourced organic food. They are

for a month to serve as pro-bono busi-

northern Thailand agriculture because

also experts in traditional Thai farming

ness consultants with local NGOs, SMEs,

they have planted the seeds and tended

practices, and are committed to work-

universities, or governmental agencies.

to the crops with their very hands. They

ing together to transform the farming

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

culture of northern Thailand. I’m moved by the conviction of these people and dedication to their cause. I suddenly realize that the infusion of the John Deere team—my project—could have a transformative impact on their work and the exciting movement emerging from Chiang Mai.

Organic Farming: Then and Now In the early 1950s, the agriculture in-

Ahn from M ae Th a Co - o p.

dustry changed dramatically, following the introduction of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. Until that time, what we refer to today as “organic meth-

Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring spawned

ods” were standard farming practice.

a movement, advocating a return to

In the 1960s, as the negative effects

organic farming practices. As people

of chemical farming became known,

have become more interested in issues of healthful nutrition and environmental

“The farmers today take pride in telling me about their families’ long history of organic farming. Spurred by environmental concerns and the health risks farmers face from the harsh chemicals, their ancestors abandoned chemicals and started using sustainable methods to farm before “organic” was mainstream.”

conservation, demand for organic foods

Mainstreaming Organic Farming Practices in Thailand

has only grown, expanding beyond the United States. Organic farms around the

Just outside of Chiang Mai, a community

world have since begun to organize op-

called Mae Tha has long been known

portunities for individuals to immerse

for its dedication to organic farming. In

themselves in organic farming through

2000, a group of farmers formed the Mae

the WWOOF network.

Tha Sustainable Agriculture Cooperative and committed their farms to the

The organic agriculture movement in

organic methods. This began as a small

Thailand has developed on a similar

endeavor, but has since grown to now

timeline. In the 1980s, Thai NGOs and

include 500 members. Organic farm-

farmers became more vocal in advocat-

ing in Mae Tha, however, did not begin

ing for a return to organic farming meth-

with the co-op. The farmers today take

ods. The private sector has been slow to

pride in telling me about their families’

promote organic, but each year more

long history of organic farming. Spurred

and more organic stores open across

by environmental concerns and the

Thailand, mainly in the urban areas. Or-

health risks farmers face from the harsh

ganic farming has recently made it into

chemicals, their ancestors abandoned

the government’s national agenda for

chemicals and started using sustainable

agricultural development.

methods to farm before “organic” was mainstream.

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One of the young Mae Tha farmers, Ahn,

The CSA has grown to include five farm-

of the rising popularity of organic food

envisioned a community-supported ag-

ing families and 30 consumers. Every

in northern Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jeff will tell you,

riculture initiative, or CSA, after being

Wednesday, a few Mae Tha farmers make

finding consumers is the easy part.

introduced to the CSA method while on

the hour-long drive into Chiang Mai with

But the Mae Tha farmers and network

an educational stint in the United States.

their truck full of boxes of fresh, seasonal

members like the Rutherfords believe

Ahn believed a CSA would expand the

produce. The farmers do home deliver-

the CSA not only provides high-quality

market for his co-opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s produce through

ies and distribute from a local school to

produce to Chiang Mai, it also introduces

direct interaction with consumers.

sell produce boxes for around 200 Thai

the greater community to the benefits

Baht, or $6.50 per box. The farmers ben-

of organic food. Besides having enor-

In 2010, the Mae Tha CSA was born.

efit tremendously from the CSA. They

mous health benefits, organic farming

Initially, it only served consumers out-

receive higher prices for their organic

strengthens environmental integrity,

side of Chiang Mai, close to the Mae

produce than they would with chemi-

supports the health and livelihood of

Tha community, but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long

cally grown crops. They, along with their

small farming families, and bolsters the

for the farmers to set their sights on

families, are able to consume their own

local economy.

Chiang Mai. Soon after its launch, Jeff

produce and enjoy the health benefits

Rutherford, an American environmental

of organic food. The CSA system can

consultant in Thailand heard about the

also absorb increases in labor. The more

Mae Tha CSA and their desire to con-

hands they have working the fields, the

nect with consumers in Chiang Mai. Jeff,

more produce they yield. In a time of

who was studying the feasibility of CSA,

rapid urbanization, the CSA provides the

runs an experimental organic farm, Fair

opportunity for Thais to return to the

To assist Jeff and the Mae Tha CSA in ac-

Earth Farm. He and his Thai wife, Sarah,

farmland of their ancestors and make

complishing their goal of being not only

immediately jumped in to help, serving

a good living.

producers, but community educators as

as liaison between the farmers and the consumers and helping market the CSA.

Amplifying the Message through Pro Bono Support

well, a team of John Deere employees The success of the Mae Tha Sustain-

spent the month creating a marketing

able Agriculture CSA is an indication

strategy to increase the visibility of the CSA in Chiang Mai. By pooling their collective knowledge and experience in marketing, communications, business planning, customer service, and sales, the John Deere team was able to finalize a CSA logo that incorporated the preferences of the farmers, design marketing materials, and devise a marketing and communications strategy for 2014. As knowledge of the Mae Tha CSA grows in Chiang Mai, Jeff and the farmers will use this new platform to build awareness of the benefits of organic farming. Fortunately, Fair Earth Farm and Mae Tha are not alone in their endeavor to pro-

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

J oh n D e e re’s I n spi r i n g Lea dersh i p team in C hiang M ai.

mote local, organic farming to the com-

Looking out over the rice paddies peace-

munity. The John Deere team was also

fully waving in the breeze, the sweet

able to support Food4Thought and

aroma of wild orchids tingeing the air,

ECHO Asia Impact Center. Their impact

Jeff points out the many small plots of

on the community is already being felt,

land around his farm. “There’s no way to

and will certainly provide an important

reverse the changes chemical use has

capacity infusion that will propel excep-

caused in the agriculture industry, but

tional momentum for Thailand’s organic

farmers are following in the footsteps of

farming movement.

Mae Tha and making a return to organic agriculture, which provides a viable way

The day before leaving Thailand, I had

for these families and so many others to

visited Jeff and Sarah’s organic farm just

continue farming their land just as their

outside Chiang Mai. On the way there,

ancestors before them did.”

watching the bustling streets turn into small country roads winding through

There are no thousand-acre commercial

fields of rice paddy, it was easy to un-

farms here, just families whose land has

derstand why these organizations are

been passed down through generations.

so passionate about protecting the land and the livelihoods of farmers.

These fearless farmers, who aren’t

afraid to get their hands and feet dirty, know that their dedication and perseverance in mainstreaming organic farming in Thailand will have a significant impact, not only on their families, but generations to come. Theirs is a legacy worth protecting.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

S M A R T A G R I C U LT U R E

D R I V E S E CO N O M I C

OPPORTUNITY IN

M O R O CCO

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

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AROUND THE WORLD

Olive s, a rg a n o il, a nd ot h er produc ts: A growin g oppo r tun it y B y Jailan Adly Morocco is not just a country—it’s a brand. From the moment you arrive in Morocco it is hard not to get swept away by its mystique. Old imperial cities entice travelers with gorgeous riads and aroma filled souks. You don’t need to travel to Morocco to indulge in the experience—over the past ten years Morocco has permeated the global consciousness. From Moroccan inspired cuisine at Williams Sonoma to hand-woven rugs at West Elm, Moroccan products have popped up across the luxury goods market. This shift is a byproduct of the entrepreneurial spirit that has gained traction not only in the hallways of the Ministries, but in the alleyways of the old Medinas as well. Moroccans are working hard to keep the momentum going. Since the ‘Arab Spring’ began nearly three years

O li ve t re e s n e ar th e k asbah o f Ai t B enhad d ou.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

ago, leaders have been forced from power in Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, and twice in Egypt. Syria is embroiled in a violent civil war and almost every country in North Africa and the Middle East has witnessed at least some protest or uprising. Yet, Morocco, while it has seen some domestic discontent, has remained relatively quiet. Former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton exemplified Morocco as a “leader and model” for the region, praising the monarchy’s clean political transition and step-by-step restructurings. Rarely prone to the same type of sectarian discontent recently seen in the rest of the region, the people are firmly loyal to their monarchy, but not complacent or accepting of the status quo—they expect progress and liber-

has the potential to be the first nation

sidered the country’s unofficial lingua

alization with time.

in the region to adopt a European-style

franca. It’s a country with deep ties to

constitutional monarchy, for which the

Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but

Over the past 3 years, King Mohammed

King provides a sense of tradition and

manages to not be pigeonholed into any

VI introduced a number of major politi-

political continuity, but lacks absolute

three. It is just uniquely Morocco.

cal reforms, including a new constitu-

authority.

tion—a step towards greater account-

Beyond its political stability, and rich

ability and democracy. Additionally,

Yet, it is almost impossible to compare

history and culture, Morocco presents

the revisions of the Mudawana laws in

one country to any other, especially in

enormous opportunities for business

2004 have been praised for their pro-

a region that is rich in differences of re-

development. For decades, Morocco’s

gressive view on women’s rights and

ligion, history, geography, and ethnicity.

indigenous products, like saffron and

gender equality. Many believe Morocco

Morocco’s vicinity to both Europe and

argan oil, have risen in popularity in

the Middle East has certainly influenced

Western markets. In a 2013 Global Com-

its political and cultural evolution. Mo-

petitiveness Report, the World Economic

rocco is so close to Europe, Spain is vis-

Forum ranked Morocco as the best eco-

ible from across the Strait of Gibralter;

nomic performer in North Africa, citing

over the past decades, the now-friendly

the country’s political stability as the

neighbors have both ruled and been

primary driver of its movement up the

ruled by one another. Perhaps more

ranks. Additionally, the country’s econ-

importantly, Morocco remained under

omy has grown steadily—4.9% in 2011

direct French colonial control until 1956

and 2.9% in 2012—in spite of the Arab

and remains under France’s sphere of in-

Spring and the global financial reces-

fluence today—French, which is widely

sion.

“It’s a country with deep ties to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, but manages to not be pigeonholed into any of the three. It is just uniquely Morocco.”

spoken throughout the country, is con-

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

NGC

agricultural strategy to bring opportu-

In 2010, PYXERA Global led an IBM Cor-

nities to small and large-scale farmers by

porate Service Corps (CSC) team to Aga-

transforming the agriculture sector into

dir, Morocco to work with AMIGHA, an

a stable source of growth and economic

inter-professional association composed

development.

of organizations focused on protecting the geographical status of the argan

Morocco sources a number of products

brand. In the spring and fall of 2012,

unique to the region, including saffron,

two different IBM CSC teams worked

“the golden spice of Morocco,” and argan

with the Ministry of Agriculture in Rabat,

oil, nicknamed “liquid gold.” Argan oil,

which as part of Plan Maroc Vert, has

which comes from a species of tree that

been working to provide appropriate

is endemic to southwestern Morocco,

advisory services to farmers and profes-

is a naturally rich skin moisturizer that

sional associations in regards to all parts

has spiked in popularity in the past five

of the agricultural value chain.

years. Last year alone saw the debut of 588 new argan oil hair products—up

This month, MBAs Without Borders

from 29 in 2008. According to govern-

(MWB), in collaboration with Volunteers

ment data, Morocco’s exports of argan

for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA),

One of Morocco’s biggest economic

oil have more than doubled in the past

deployed an MWB Advisor to Morocco to

drivers is agricultural development. As a

five years to more than 700 tons, which,

provide targeted volunteer technical as-

Director of MBAs Without Borders, I have

priced at $30 a liter wholesale, has a tre-

sistance to Moroccan agribusinesses in

worked to use pro bono talent, including

mendous impact on the local economy.

the area of marketing development for

IBM employees and MBA graduates to

As with any dramatic increase in popu-

products that have potential for export

enhance the capacity of local agribusi-

larity of a product, however, comes the

to the United States. Jeni Wang, an MWB

nesses and organizations.

risk of unsustainable production prac-

Advisor, will work with SICOPA (Société

tices, imitation, and exploitation.

industrielle des conserves d’olives et

Leveraging Morocco’s Agribusiness Frontier According to the World Bank, Morocco’s agriculture sector employs nearly 40% of the country’s workforce and generates 15% of its total GDP. Morocco’s geographic diversity yields an incredible variety of crops, but traditional agricultural practices have led to massive amounts of irreversible soil erosion. In 2008, the country introduced the Plan Maroc Vert (Green Morocco Plan), an

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

produits alimentaires) to promote positive backwards linkage to smallholder farmers for export-oriented agribusinesses to expand their activities.

Pioneering Social Enterprise Jeni will not be the first MWB Advisor to use her business skills for good in Morocco. For nearly two years, Triin Visnapuu has served as an MWB Advisor in Marrakech, Morocco where she works with the woman’s cooperative, Al Kawtar and the social enterprise, Al Nour. Both organizations produce traditional

M o rocc an wom en p rocess seed s in an argan co o p e rat i ve.

embroideries handmade by disabled women in the community. The organizations provide the women with the

Morocco’s enterprises to thrive and in-

the region that are facing demands for

opportunity to earn a living, while also

novate. While Morocco’s poverty rates

change by their people.

enabling them to enroll in the state so-

have dropped dramatically by close to

cial security system, ensuring they will

half over the past decade, the country’s

receive a pension after they retire. Al

leadership continues to attempt to find

Kawtar and Al Nour not only exemplify

a path to sustainable economic growth

Morocco’s entrepreneurial spirit, but

and stability. The country’s affordable

also the relatively new notion in Mo-

advanced education system leads to

rocco that enterprise can be founded

highly educated and ambitious gradu-

in social benefit. In particular, women

ates, but a lack of viable opportunities

cooperatives make up a significant por-

has, ironically, left the highest educated

tion of the argan oil industry since, tra-

individuals as the hardest to employ. De-

ditionally, women have produced the

veloping a more modern and competi-

precious oil. Social enterprises have

tive agriculture sector is vital in rectify-

the opportunity to give marginalized

ing the disconnect between Morocco’s

groups, like disabled women, the abil-

agriculture sector and its growing pop-

ity to generate an income and maintain

ulation of educated individuals brim-

their independence through agricultural

ming with entrepreneurial spirit. And,

and handicraft cooperatives.

although Morocco has a long way to go before it achieves the sound economic

Morocco’s sustained upward economic

and political stability it envisions for its

trajectory rests in its ability to continue

future, there is still great potential for it

to create an environment that enables

to serve as a model for other nations in

While some countries have struggled to cultivate new enterprise as a source of growth, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Moroccan people is strong. The fusion of enterprise and social outcomes, paired with the economic frontier of smart agricultural development, will only make Morocco’s economic future more robust.

The PepsiCorps India team visit a rooftop rainwater harvesting system in Bhorugram, Rajasthan, India.

Through PepsiCorps, PepsiCo employees apply their skills to tackle societal challenges while gaining on-the-ground insights, and develop business and leadership skills that make a positive impact. “At PepsiCo, we are proud of our commitment to global citizenship and to developing resilient leaders who can advance our vision of Performance with Purpose. That’s why we founded our ICV program, PepsiCorps, which helps our employees become inspiring future leaders dedicated to helping communities around the world address critical societal issues such as affordable nutrition, clean water, and sustainable agriculture.” - Sue Tsokris, Vice President Global Citizenship & Sustainability PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. We are guided by Performance with Purpose, our promise to succeed in the long-term by providing a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes and needs; finding innovative ways to cut costs and minimize our impact on the environment through energy and water conservation and reducing packaging volume; providing a great workplace for PepsiCo employees; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate.

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

AROUND THE WORLD

IBM OPENS A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY

IBM e r M at t B e r r y Ta k es o n Co r p o rate S er vi ce Cor ps, S m a r te r Cit i es C h a l l en g e, a n d Wh at I t M eans to Bu il d a S ma r ter Pl a n et B y M att B er r y

M att B e r r y ch as i ng a dventu re i n Ta n z ania.

The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

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Similar to my first trip to Tanzania through IBM’s Corporate Service Corps, and perhaps even more so, I returned from my IBM Smarter Cities Challenge assignment in Nigeria with a deep appreciation for how people from different cultures and mindsets interact, the importance of teaming and leadership, and the ability to solve a very difficult problem with only the resources at hand. One of the best things I came away with, especially from my time in Tanzania, was a new network of IBM friends. We have all stayed in touch, even five years later. We get together on a video conference twice a year to catch up and share sto-

light bulb went on over my head—back

I realized, however, it can often be more

ries. I’ve visited a few of my teammates,

to the basics, Matt.

beneficial to offer those with limited

and they’ve come to stay with me and my family.

knowledge of the topic or situation an At IBM, we’ve been marketing some

opportunity to solve the problem with

complex mobile solutions. Little insights

their own unique approach. I learned

To this very day, I apply many of the

like this made me realize that we need to

this when the finance person on our

lessons I learned during both these as-

think simpler when marketing in emerg-

team had to create a section of our pre-

signments to my work, and the skills I

ing countries like Nigeria. Rather than

sentation for the Lagos government. He

developed along the way have definitely

marketing solutions to build the cool-

admitted that he had never done any-

helped me advance my career at IBM.

est and newest applications, we need to

thing like it and wasn’t comfortable. But,

I’ve already applied so much of these

help the telecommunications providers

he brought a totally fresh perspective

learnings to my job at IBM and I truly

build and manage reliable networks. The

look back at my experience and see it as

company that can guarantee 24/7 cov-

an intensive global MBA course. That’s

erage can blow away the competition.

how much I was challenged, and that’s

Small things like that can have a huge

how much I got out of it.

impact.

I also learned some very basic things

One of my biggest takeaways from my

that apply to my mobile marketing job.

Lagos assignment that I already apply

While in a meeting with some local IBM

to my everyday work is the power of

colleagues in Nigeria, someone pulled

combining people with different skills to

out 4 mobile phones. The reason? He

work on a project. In the past, I would as-

told me that the network providers

sign a project to the team member who

aren’t reliable so when one provider

I thought had the most experience with

goes down (sometimes 24 hours at a

something similar to the task at hand.

time), they pick up their next phone. A

“I returned with a deep appreciation for how people from different cultures and mindsets interact, the importance of teaming and leadership, and the ability to solve a very difficult problem with only the resources at hand.”

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The New Global Citizen | Fall 2013

M at t B e r r y o n th e ro a d i n Aru sh a .

to it—something the rest of us would

the same way again. I treat people dif-

never thought of—and it was great. As

ferently, and they respond differently.

a result, I’ve been trying to pair differ-

There are days when I find myself day

ent members of my team on projects

dreaming about the people I met, the

to encourage fresh thinking. When you

places I’ve seen, and the experiences

give someone a chance to step out of

I’ve had during these two very special

their daily responsibilities, and provide

assignments.

a new perspective, amazing things can happen. Both of my assignments to Africa truly changed my mindset and my life. I’ll never look at the world or my work

It’s amazing what can happen in a few weeks in a foreign place, with colleagues you don’t

know but come to trust. IBM opens up a world of possibility, empowering its leadership to freely make decisions, try things, fail, try again, and ultimately succeed as a team. It’s an incredible rush.

Tanzania Nigeria Nepal

@MBAsWB

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@BeNewGlobal

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