The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development (RBF), held on the 25th – 27th June 2018 was co-organised by Global Initiatives and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the National Business Initiative and WWF South Africa. Under the theme ‘Transforming Africa’s Development through Innovation, Youth and Technology’, the Forum brought together over 400 international business, government and NGO leaders at the Hyatt Regency in Johannesburg.
RBF Africa 2017 Event Report: Accelerating Inclusive Growth to Deliver the SDGsGlobal Initiatives
The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development, Africa 2017, was held on 31 August – 1 September and convened more than 400 participants over two days at the Maslow Hotel, Johannesburg.
This report details the key findings from RBF Africa which involved over 100 speakers in keynote presentations, plenary discussion panels and 17 workshops which addressed each of the SDGs in detail. Experts from across sectors came together to share opportunities for partnerships and find ways to accelerate inclusive growth and deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The way to strengthen the partnership between United Nations and African community in advancing youth employment by Crafts and Vocational Center for sustainable development
In most developed nations, corporate social responsibility
(CSR) initiatives center on issues such as environmental sustainability, alternative energy, clean technology, and social welfare. Driving these activities, more often than not, is a company’s desire to appeal to strong consumer sentiment. But in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), CSR is becoming something fundamentally different.
The Internet’s transformative potential in Africa. McKinsey Nov 2013Franck Dasilva
Our 2010 report Lions on the move: The progress and potential of African economies focused new attention on Africa’s accelerating economic growth, including its dynamic business sector and its expanding consumer market. Since then, the continent’s progress has continued, and its growth rates are now among the highest in the world. Today we examine a new chapter in the continent’s development, as Africa begins to go digital.
This journey is just beginning. Only 16 percent of the population is online, and
the Internet’s contribution to GDP is half that in other emerging regions. But
the lions are now stirring. A majority of urban Africans own Internet-capable devices, go online regularly, and visit social networking sites. Many countries
have rolled out 3G networks, and planned infrastructure investments are likely to increase bandwidth, reduce costs, and connect new corners of the continent. If governments and the private sector continue to build the right foundations, the Internet could transform sectors as diverse as agriculture, retail, and health care— and contribute as much as $300 billion a year to Africa’s GDP by 2025.
RBF Africa 2017 Event Report: Accelerating Inclusive Growth to Deliver the SDGsGlobal Initiatives
The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development, Africa 2017, was held on 31 August – 1 September and convened more than 400 participants over two days at the Maslow Hotel, Johannesburg.
This report details the key findings from RBF Africa which involved over 100 speakers in keynote presentations, plenary discussion panels and 17 workshops which addressed each of the SDGs in detail. Experts from across sectors came together to share opportunities for partnerships and find ways to accelerate inclusive growth and deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The way to strengthen the partnership between United Nations and African community in advancing youth employment by Crafts and Vocational Center for sustainable development
In most developed nations, corporate social responsibility
(CSR) initiatives center on issues such as environmental sustainability, alternative energy, clean technology, and social welfare. Driving these activities, more often than not, is a company’s desire to appeal to strong consumer sentiment. But in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), CSR is becoming something fundamentally different.
The Internet’s transformative potential in Africa. McKinsey Nov 2013Franck Dasilva
Our 2010 report Lions on the move: The progress and potential of African economies focused new attention on Africa’s accelerating economic growth, including its dynamic business sector and its expanding consumer market. Since then, the continent’s progress has continued, and its growth rates are now among the highest in the world. Today we examine a new chapter in the continent’s development, as Africa begins to go digital.
This journey is just beginning. Only 16 percent of the population is online, and
the Internet’s contribution to GDP is half that in other emerging regions. But
the lions are now stirring. A majority of urban Africans own Internet-capable devices, go online regularly, and visit social networking sites. Many countries
have rolled out 3G networks, and planned infrastructure investments are likely to increase bandwidth, reduce costs, and connect new corners of the continent. If governments and the private sector continue to build the right foundations, the Internet could transform sectors as diverse as agriculture, retail, and health care— and contribute as much as $300 billion a year to Africa’s GDP by 2025.
This new strategic thinking on how Africa must approach its development planning brings the X Factor right at the centre of our development thinking.
The "X Factor” is a title of a musical show on british TV. The title refers to this undefinable "something" that makes up for “star quality” in musical performance of aspiring super stars competing for chance to get to next round or be booted out. For one to win or become the next "super star" they must be eXtraordinary in their performance. The idea is to launch eXceptional music careers after the show.
I am proposing a new development strategy framework to guide how Africa must approach development based on the attributes of this show. For Africa to have this "super star" quality, our approach to business and development has to change in a way that brings some of these X Factor "super star" attributes right to the centre of our development discourse. This new thinking borrows the following attributes from the X Factor Show (1) having eXtraordinary ambition to be a star (2) Simple and transparent process (process eXcellence) of the show, (3) aiming for exceptional results and (4) evolving contestants be experts in successive episodes. The X Factor in the context of African development will mean eXtraordinary national and organisational goals, eXpert participants (citizens), process eXcellence and eXceptional economic indices and development indicators.
Placing the X Factor at the centre of business, economic and development planning means that:
1) We Africans must aim to be eXtraordinary in everything we do, right from crafting our vision and goals to implementation.
2) We Africans and our development partners need to be eXperts in development.
3) Africa needs process eXcellence to do more for less and achieve better and faster development outcomes.
4) We need to have smart development objectives and we must aim for eXceptional results and measurable targets all the time.
5) Once the X Factor becomes engrained in our thinking and attitude towards development, We can then focus on the following big siX thematic issues that I think are important for development and listed below.
The Big Six
•eXceptional peace, security & social cohesion.
•eXpertise in governance, organisational and culture change, institutional reforms which include naturing of eXceptional moral character of the people, absence of corruption and placing an agenda for dignity at the centre of development.
•eXcellent processes for effective & efficient delivery of services and production of high quality goods.
•eXcellent infrastructure built by local eXperts.
•eXperts for development with educated, skilled & empowered citizens driving and managing the development agenda.
•eXtraordinary performance in all sectors the economy mining, agriculture tourism, trade and commerce including eXploding exports of value added products to the rest of the world.
This report report from Brookings, with Rockefeller Foundation support, shows that building up a region’s advanced industries is one such possibility with enormous potential. These industries not only create good jobs within the industry, but also up and down their massive supply chains. These jobs provide higher wages and greater opportunity to low and middle-income workers adversely affected by the economic recession.
Enhancing Women’s Access to Markets: An Overview of Donor Programs and Best ...Dr Lendy Spires
“It is necessary to take a multi-dimensional perspective on poverty reduction. This includes ‘bottom-up growth strategies’ to encourage the broad-based rise of entrepreneurial initiatives” (UNIDO 2003:9). Women are a significant economic entrepreneurial force whose contributions to local, national and global economies are far reaching.
Women produce and consume, manage businesses and households, earn income, hire labor, borrow and save, and provide a range of services for businesses and workers. Women also produce more than 80 percent of the food consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa, 50-60 percent of all staples in Asia, and generate 30 percent of all food consumed in Latin America (see Annex 2, Box 8).
Women represent an increasing proportion of the world’s waged labor force and their activity rates are rising. In Africa, Asia, and Latin America, they are over one third of the officially enumerated workforce (WISTAT 2000). Women-run businesses can be found in emerging sectors such as the production and marketing of consumer goods, commercial banking, financial services, insurance, information services, communications, and transport.
As owners of SMEs, women furnish local, national and multinational companies with ideas, technology, supplies, components, and business services (Jalbert 2000). These activities are likely to prove fundamental as developing economies transition from primarily agricultural to industrial production and become more urbanized. Furthermore, as economies liberalize and open their borders, women-owned and operated SMEs are engaging in international trade—enhancing the prominence and visibility of women entrepreneurs globally.
Understanding how women access markets as producers and wage laborers is likely to prove critical for fostering pro-poor and inclusive economic growth. Analyzing where women are in the global supply chain and documenting the resources they use and transform will provide information about how to strengthen local economies and maximize forward and backward linkages.
Finally, reducing barriers to market access and enhancing women’s productivity will necessarily benefit both economies and households. Entrepreneurship and investment influence the rate and pattern of growth, the types of forward and backward linkages that develop in an economy, the labor demanded, and the human capital investment required to meet these labor demands (Ravallion 2004; Ranis, Stewart, and Ramírez 2000). Rapid growth can contribute to poverty reduction where that growth is broad-based and inclusive (OECD 2004).
Strategic Options for Creating Competitive Advantage for Youth Enterprises in...paperpublications3
Abstract: The Youth Enterprises have to survive in the global economic environment through defining the areas in which they can achieve the superior results and on them base their complete business. This article discusses the back ground information regarding youth enterprises in relation to vision 2030 and the global trends on SMES competitiveness as well as regional trends on SMES competitiveness. The research objectives are the effects of collaborative networks, innovation, product diversification and entrepreneurial skills on competitive advantage of youth enterprises. Conceptual framework focuses on both independent and dependent variables, independent variables namely; collaborative networks, innovation, product diversification and entrepreneurial skills; dependent variable namely competitive advantage. The purpose of this article is: to unite and to expand the existing cognitions about the concept of collaborative networks, innovativeness, product diversification, and entrepreneurial skills; propose the universal model for the process of transformation of implementing these concept and to point on the guidelines which should follow these concepts.
PIC - Collaboration on Entrepreneurship with African InstitutionsMark Street
PIC Entrepreneurship Mission in Collaboration with African Institutes
Our goal is to work with and through our partners to build a solid platform that connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the business world and giving them the tools necessary to succeed. We aim to foster and convey the entrepreneurial spirit in Israel to stimulate creative minds, to form and build on pioneering ideas, thereby enriching lives with vibrancy, originality, and modernization. In collaborating with PIC, we expect our partners to sell our services to their students, business community and to a regional audience in which to promote their institution and development. This may be achieved in the form of international events, seminars, workshops, consultancies and international study tours.
This new strategic thinking on how Africa must approach its development planning brings the X Factor right at the centre of our development thinking.
The "X Factor” is a title of a musical show on british TV. The title refers to this undefinable "something" that makes up for “star quality” in musical performance of aspiring super stars competing for chance to get to next round or be booted out. For one to win or become the next "super star" they must be eXtraordinary in their performance. The idea is to launch eXceptional music careers after the show.
I am proposing a new development strategy framework to guide how Africa must approach development based on the attributes of this show. For Africa to have this "super star" quality, our approach to business and development has to change in a way that brings some of these X Factor "super star" attributes right to the centre of our development discourse. This new thinking borrows the following attributes from the X Factor Show (1) having eXtraordinary ambition to be a star (2) Simple and transparent process (process eXcellence) of the show, (3) aiming for exceptional results and (4) evolving contestants be experts in successive episodes. The X Factor in the context of African development will mean eXtraordinary national and organisational goals, eXpert participants (citizens), process eXcellence and eXceptional economic indices and development indicators.
Placing the X Factor at the centre of business, economic and development planning means that:
1) We Africans must aim to be eXtraordinary in everything we do, right from crafting our vision and goals to implementation.
2) We Africans and our development partners need to be eXperts in development.
3) Africa needs process eXcellence to do more for less and achieve better and faster development outcomes.
4) We need to have smart development objectives and we must aim for eXceptional results and measurable targets all the time.
5) Once the X Factor becomes engrained in our thinking and attitude towards development, We can then focus on the following big siX thematic issues that I think are important for development and listed below.
The Big Six
•eXceptional peace, security & social cohesion.
•eXpertise in governance, organisational and culture change, institutional reforms which include naturing of eXceptional moral character of the people, absence of corruption and placing an agenda for dignity at the centre of development.
•eXcellent processes for effective & efficient delivery of services and production of high quality goods.
•eXcellent infrastructure built by local eXperts.
•eXperts for development with educated, skilled & empowered citizens driving and managing the development agenda.
•eXtraordinary performance in all sectors the economy mining, agriculture tourism, trade and commerce including eXploding exports of value added products to the rest of the world.
This report report from Brookings, with Rockefeller Foundation support, shows that building up a region’s advanced industries is one such possibility with enormous potential. These industries not only create good jobs within the industry, but also up and down their massive supply chains. These jobs provide higher wages and greater opportunity to low and middle-income workers adversely affected by the economic recession.
Enhancing Women’s Access to Markets: An Overview of Donor Programs and Best ...Dr Lendy Spires
“It is necessary to take a multi-dimensional perspective on poverty reduction. This includes ‘bottom-up growth strategies’ to encourage the broad-based rise of entrepreneurial initiatives” (UNIDO 2003:9). Women are a significant economic entrepreneurial force whose contributions to local, national and global economies are far reaching.
Women produce and consume, manage businesses and households, earn income, hire labor, borrow and save, and provide a range of services for businesses and workers. Women also produce more than 80 percent of the food consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa, 50-60 percent of all staples in Asia, and generate 30 percent of all food consumed in Latin America (see Annex 2, Box 8).
Women represent an increasing proportion of the world’s waged labor force and their activity rates are rising. In Africa, Asia, and Latin America, they are over one third of the officially enumerated workforce (WISTAT 2000). Women-run businesses can be found in emerging sectors such as the production and marketing of consumer goods, commercial banking, financial services, insurance, information services, communications, and transport.
As owners of SMEs, women furnish local, national and multinational companies with ideas, technology, supplies, components, and business services (Jalbert 2000). These activities are likely to prove fundamental as developing economies transition from primarily agricultural to industrial production and become more urbanized. Furthermore, as economies liberalize and open their borders, women-owned and operated SMEs are engaging in international trade—enhancing the prominence and visibility of women entrepreneurs globally.
Understanding how women access markets as producers and wage laborers is likely to prove critical for fostering pro-poor and inclusive economic growth. Analyzing where women are in the global supply chain and documenting the resources they use and transform will provide information about how to strengthen local economies and maximize forward and backward linkages.
Finally, reducing barriers to market access and enhancing women’s productivity will necessarily benefit both economies and households. Entrepreneurship and investment influence the rate and pattern of growth, the types of forward and backward linkages that develop in an economy, the labor demanded, and the human capital investment required to meet these labor demands (Ravallion 2004; Ranis, Stewart, and Ramírez 2000). Rapid growth can contribute to poverty reduction where that growth is broad-based and inclusive (OECD 2004).
Strategic Options for Creating Competitive Advantage for Youth Enterprises in...paperpublications3
Abstract: The Youth Enterprises have to survive in the global economic environment through defining the areas in which they can achieve the superior results and on them base their complete business. This article discusses the back ground information regarding youth enterprises in relation to vision 2030 and the global trends on SMES competitiveness as well as regional trends on SMES competitiveness. The research objectives are the effects of collaborative networks, innovation, product diversification and entrepreneurial skills on competitive advantage of youth enterprises. Conceptual framework focuses on both independent and dependent variables, independent variables namely; collaborative networks, innovation, product diversification and entrepreneurial skills; dependent variable namely competitive advantage. The purpose of this article is: to unite and to expand the existing cognitions about the concept of collaborative networks, innovativeness, product diversification, and entrepreneurial skills; propose the universal model for the process of transformation of implementing these concept and to point on the guidelines which should follow these concepts.
PIC - Collaboration on Entrepreneurship with African InstitutionsMark Street
PIC Entrepreneurship Mission in Collaboration with African Institutes
Our goal is to work with and through our partners to build a solid platform that connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the business world and giving them the tools necessary to succeed. We aim to foster and convey the entrepreneurial spirit in Israel to stimulate creative minds, to form and build on pioneering ideas, thereby enriching lives with vibrancy, originality, and modernization. In collaborating with PIC, we expect our partners to sell our services to their students, business community and to a regional audience in which to promote their institution and development. This may be achieved in the form of international events, seminars, workshops, consultancies and international study tours.
US Department of State PNB-NAPEO Maghreb Delegation Media KitDriss Temsamani
On October 27 - November 2, Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Lorraine Hariton led a delegation of Maghreb diaspora entrepreneurs, early stage investors from Silicon Valley, university representatives, and NGO leaders, to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. This delegation was unique and different from previous ones hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Program in that it was a coordinated effort with the Partners for a New Beginning U.S.-North Africa Partnership for Economic Opportunity (PNB-NAPEO). Representatives from USAID, OPIC, and the Aspen Institute also joined the delegation.
eLearning Africa: In Review 2018.
13th International Conference
and Exhibition on ICT for Education,
Training and Skills Development
Kigali, Rwanda
Sept 26→28
2018
Catalogue of exhibitors on socio economic empowerment of women in africaDr. Jack Onyisi Abebe
UN Women in collaboration with Timeless Conference organized a Market Place at the Timeless Conference 2016. This booklet is a collation of case studies, good practices and innovations by diverse organizations/ agencies demonstrating good practices in operationalizing normative framework on Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment. The initiatives documented form part of the Market Place at the Timeless Conference and are innovative and cutting edge examples of interventions/ programmes that could be replicated elsewhere and scaled up for impact to increase socio-economic impacts on women and girls in Africa. They demonstrate evidence on how organizations/ agencies work on women’s socio-economic empowerment and have contributed to improving women’s social and economic empowerment in Africa. The main purpose of the market place is to create a culture of innovative business models and initiatives that guarantee wealth and job creation while implementing ideas that create socio-economic transformation in the lives of women in Africa. - See more at: http://africa.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2016/02/innovative-market-place-on-womens-socio-economic-empowerment-in-africa#sthash.bLmtbqTB.dpuf
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintMahmoud Rabie
This presentation delves into the vital role of AI leadership in fostering growth and innovation among Africa's youth. Drawing from a recent talk delivered to budding young talents, it provides extended insights into how AI tools and transformational leadership principles can accelerate positive change across the continent. From addressing fundamental challenges such as education, healthcare, and unemployment, to harnessing the power of AI for community impact and creative industries, these slides offer a comprehensive outlook on cultivating the next generation of African leaders equipped to navigate and shape the AI era.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Part 1: Understanding Transformational Leadership
• What is Transformational Leadership?
• Components of Transformational Leadership
• Inspirational Motivation
• Intellectual Stimulation
• Individualized Consideration
• Lead by Example
• Interactive Poll: Qualities that make a leader shine
• Transformational Leaders Shaping Africa
Part 2: Why African Youths Need Transformational Leadership
• Identifying Community Challenges
• Young Leaders' Role in Shaping Africa
• African Youths: Challenges and Opportunities
• Unemployment Challenge and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
• Empowering Cultural and Creative Industries
• Food Security Challenge
• Gender Challenge
• HealthTech Innovation for Improved Healthcare Access
• Fintech Revolution
• Access to Internet
• Education Challenges
• AI in Africa
• Challenges Addressed
• Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
• Empowering Youths with Leadership Principles
• Skills for Tomorrow's Leaders
Part 3: Revolutionizing Leadership with AI
• AI: Transforming Leadership and Communities
• AI Tools for Transformational Leadership
• Streamlining Projects with AI
• Amazing Graphic Design with Microsoft Designer & Copilot
• AI-Powered Learning Experiences
• AI Driving Community Impact
• Unleashing Creativity with Generative AI
• Unleashing Content Creation with AI
• Unleashing Productivity with AI (1)
• Unleashing Productivity with AI (2)
• Unleashing Research & Academia with AI (1)
• Unleashing Research & Academia with AI (2)
• Unleashing R&D&I with AI
• What is Your Next AI Tool?
• Turn Your AI idea into Your Project
Further Learning & Discovering
• Blogs
• Courses on Coursera.org
Q&A
RBF Singapore 2018 - Shaping the world in 2030: Partnerships for SDG actionGlobal Initiatives
The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development (RBF), held on 11- 12th October 2018 was co-organised by Global Initiatives and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This year’s RBF took on a new, collaborative process for action-driven outcomes and practical solutions across five areas critical to the attainment of the SDGs – Climate Action, Urbanisation, Circular Economy, Human Rights and Food and Nutrition.
RBF Jakarta 2018 - Scaling Collaboration to Deliver the SDGsGlobal Initiatives
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for private and public stakeholders to work together to support diverse and nutritious food systems. They recognise that ending hunger and reducing malnutrition requires integrated approaches and solutions. The SDGs are a call to action to scale partnerships and initiatives that help to create shared prosperity and drive economic development.
Since its introduction in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have provided a global masterplan for ensuring an equitable and sustainable future for all. They present a compelling case for stakeholders to adopt an integrated
approach to achieve the SDGs, scaling up action and measuring impact.
Time for action: RBF Jakarta 2017 Outcome Statements and Recommendations Global Initiatives
Every year, the world population grows by 70 million, which means 70 million more people to feed by an agriculture sector beset by the challenges of shrinking cultivatable farmland and over-stretched water supplies. These challenges will be compounded by climate change.
We have compiled the most memorable and insightful quotes from our RBF Singapore speakers all in one place! These experts from their respective fields hit the nail on the head with analysis and passionate pleas for change in the areas of sustainable development. One thing that all the speakers agree on is that we all need to play our part for the SDGs to be achieved together. Click on the link here/below to start the slideshow.
Responsible Business Forum Jakarta 2016 - J.Clay PresentationGlobal Initiatives
With great expectation and excitement Jason Clay, Senior Vice President at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF-US), took to the stage at RBF Jakarta. His presence was a clear highlight for the more than 500 delegates present. He urged participants to tackle the enormous challenge of increasing sustainable agricultural production, stating, “By 2050, 70% of the world’s population will live in cities - more than the current global population – every farmer will need to feed more people than they do today, yet half of farmers right now don’t earn enough to feed their own families. We must create better livelihoods for farmers balancing increased global food demand with an ever more fragile environment.”
BUSINESS AND MARKETS IN A CLIMATE OF CHANGE
B4E 2008 highlighted the most urgent environmental challenges facing the world today and discussed business-driven solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Important topics addressed included resource efficiencies, renewable energies, new business models and climate strategies. Delegates learned best practices for identifying and managing the risks posed by climate change to uncover opportunities for developing competitive advantages. CEOs and senior executives from leading global companies joined leaders from government, international agencies, NGOs, and other organizations to discuss the issues, forge partnerships and explore solutions for a greener future.
THE GREEN IMPERATIVE: LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
B4E Global Summit 2009, held in Paris, highlighted the most urgent environmental challenges facing the world economy today, asking what needs to be done to turn crisis into opportunity. CEOs and senior executives from leading global companies joined leaders from government, international agencies, NGOs, and other organizations to discuss resource efficiency, green jobs, renewable energy, new business models and climate strategies.
Delegates learned how to identify and manage the risks posed by climate change and explore the commercial and political benefits of investing in a green economy. Participants underlined the need for business to take its part along with Government, the research community and other societal partners – in creating a more sustainable world and drive the way towards the sustainable, green and responsible enterprise.
POWERING GROWTH FOR THE GLOBAL GREEN ECONOMY
As world leaders struggle to negotiate a new global climate deal, businesses across the globe are already addressing climate change together with many other urgent environmental issues, turning crises into opportunity through green leadership and innovation.
Companies are transforming the way they operate by developing new products and services to solve the world’s environmental challenges and reduce greenhouse emissions. Powering growth for a global green economy. But there’s still much to be done.
B4E, the Business for Environment Global Summit, is the leading international conference for dialogue and business-driven action for the environment. The 4th annual summit will be held in Seoul, South Korea, in April 2010. CEOs and senior executives from some of the world’s largest multinational corporations will join leaders from governments, international agencies and NGOs to discuss resource and energy efficiency, green growth strategies, clean tech innovations and partnerships.
Over three days of presentations, seminars and debate, B4E 2010 will galvanize the international business community into further action, highlighting the vital role that companies can play and inspiring them to become low carbon leaders.
REACHING FOR ZERO INNOVATION, GROWTH AND THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Themed “Reaching for Zero: Innovation, growth and the clean industrial revolution”, the B4E Climate Summit 2011 gathered international leaders from business, NGOs, agencies and governments to share innovations and strategies for zero-based targets and transformative business solutions. Discussions explored new technologies and business models that leading companies have established, as well as the necessary support and infrastructure needed to accelerate solutions towards the vision of a zero footprint future. The outcome of the Summit discussions provided valuable input to COP 17, Rio+ and other global processes.
Progressive companies around the world are developing products and services that will revolutionise industries and deliver transformative change for society and our planet. These solutions are driving new business growth while significantly reducing emissions towards a low-carbon, sustainable future for all.
Accelerating and scaling up implementation across sectors and borders, however, will require a higher level of collaboration than we have ever seen before, between business, government, and NGOs. The Business for the Environment (B4E) COP17 Dialogue aims to facilitate this, bringing stakeholders together to forge new partnerships and take real action on climate change. Leading the way and powering ahead for a clean industrial revolution.
With the theme “Collaborate, Innovate, Act – Delivering the Green Economy”, the B4E Global Summit 2012 in Berlin set out to define the role of business as innovator and implementer of solutions for a sustainable world and discussed how policies can help to accelerate sustainable development. The Summit working groups gave specific recommendations and commitments from business for the Rio+20 conference that took place in June 2012. The outcome messages from the Berlin Summit were then carried through a global media campaign under the banner ‘Big ideas for a sustainable future’ over the weeks leading up to the 2012 Earth Summit and shared with key decision makers in Rio+.
Outcome Statement & Recommendations: Responsible Business Forum On Food and A...Global Initiatives
Feeding a global population of 9 billion by 2050 will require transformational changes to our farming and agricultural systems, already under pressure from climate change and water scarcity. Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture is held in partnership with WWF Philippines on the 14 & 15 July 2014 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, Manila. The forum explores innovative and collaborative approaches to improving agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability across key commodity value chains.
The 2014 Business For the Environment (B4E) Climate Summit will be held under the theme 'Moving towards a Restorative Economy'. The day-long event will feature cross-sector working groups on energy, water and forestry, which will help delegates form recommendations for policymakers on supporting restorative and net positive business growth that is good for society, encourages innovation and addresses climate change. The agenda also includes sessions on: crowd-sourcing big ideas on restoration and climate change; financing a restorative future: the long-term global impacts of restoring the world's forests; and restorative and net positive innovation in small businesses. The event is expected to attract business leaders, decision makers and civil society representatives from around the world. This is the fourth Climate Summit organized by B4E.
Outcome Statement and Recommendations: Responsible Business Forum On Food And...Global Initiatives
ASEAN BEYOND 2015: COLLABORATION FOR EQUITABLE GROWTH
Feeding a global population of 9 billion by 2050 will require transformational changes to our farming and agricultural systems, already under pressure from climate change and water scarcity. The Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture explores innovative and collaborative approaches to improving agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability across key commodity value chains.
Global leaders gather from business, government and NGOs to make recommendations for increasing agricultural productivity, whilst improving rural livelihoods and reducing environmental impacts. Agricultural commodities addressed includes – aquaculture, coffee, dairy, maize, rice and tea. Working groups produce recommendations on sustainable land use, equitable opportunity for small-holder farmers, increasing productivity and improving rural livelihoods.
For more details: http://www.responsiblebusiness.com/events/responsible-business-forum-hanoi/
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
2. “Africa can turn its growing
youth population into a
demographic dividend”
Mmamoloko Kubayi Ngubane
Minister of Science and Technology,
South Africa
3. “We are very confident that
RBF Africa will assist to
overcome the constraints that
hold our continent”
Nardos Bekele-Thomas
United Nations Resident Coordinator and
UNDP Resident Representative, South Africa
“The SDGs are the engine to
promote economic growth”
Phumzile Langeni
Executive Chairperson, Afropulse &
Chairperson, Primedia Limited
“We have to focus on job
creation. But that does not
mean that we can’t focus on
skills development too”
Lamin M Manneh
Director, UNDP Regional Service Centre for
Africa
4.
5. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
5OUTCOME REPORT
There has been some progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) in Africa since their introduction in 2015, but to achieve the equitable
and prosperous future that the continent strives for, progress must be
transformational. Technology, innovation and youth will be key drivers in this
transformation.
The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development (RBF), held on
the 25th - 27th June 2018 was co-organised by Global Initiatives and the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the National
Business Initiative and WWF South Africa. Under the theme ‘Transforming Africa’s
Development through Innovation, Youth and Technology’, the Forum brought together
over 400 international business, government and NGO leaders at the Hyatt Regency
in Johannesburg.
On the 25th June, approximately 100 delegates joined RBF for either the YAS!
(Youth for Africa and the SDGs) Innovators Workshop, or the Impact@Africa general
assembly, side events both hosted by UNDP. The YAS! Workshop brought together
over 30 young entrepreneurs from across Southern Africa for a master class to help
these young innovators turn ideas into scalable and commercial businesses. The
Impact@Africa meeting helped to raise awareness of the Africa wide network which
supports the development of impact investment across the continent and to assist in
financing the SDGs.
Throughout the RBF programme, senior government officials from South Africa,
Nigeria, Namibia & across the region provided country perspectives on the 17
SDGs, to delegates representing more than 25 nations with the aim of improving
cross-border partnerships and collaboration. The Forum gave companies a better
understanding of the opportunities available in supporting government and the UN
to achieve the Global Goals. There was a strong call for business to support youth in
attaining the skills for employment, especially in areas like technology and green jobs
where there are expected to be growing opportunities.
The critical need for technologies that improve access to healthcare, finance &
education as well as improve productivity in our food systems, was a message
echoed a number of times at RBF. Companies including Standard Bank, Vodacom, Old
Mutual, Syngenta, HP and Proctor & Gamble presented case studies on how they are
contributing to the development of these technologies and how innovation is helping
their business’s thrive, and in turn contributing to the attainment of the SDGs.
EVENT SUMMARY
6. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
6OUTCOME REPORT
In addition to high level plenary panel discussions on topics such as ‘Fashion and the
SDGs’ and ‘Innovation, entrepreneurship and the SDGs’, the Forum also played host
to ten different parallel sessions that allowed delegates in an interactive dialogue to
contribute their ideas and recommendations. For example, in the session on ‘Africa’s
urbanisation challenge: Reimagining our cities’, the audience was asked to ideate
and agree on three recommendations for how organisations can support innovation,
technology and youth to achieve sustainable growth of African cities and such ideas
as using blockchain technologies to provide services to communities were debated.
Africa is starting to see the rise of e-healthcare, online education and off-grid
solutions to energy access. Mobile money systems also continue to thrive, providing
financing to the traditionally unbanked. These innovations, among many other new
technologies, highlights the progress being made on the biggest challenges to face
the continent. The young generation of Africa is helping to drive transformation
required to achieve the SDGs so supporting the development of their job skills will be
critical. The overall positivity and optimism at RBF demonstrated the commitment of
the private sector to the future leaders of the continent.
EVENT SUMMARY
7. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
7OUTCOME REPORT
Transforming Africa’s development through innovation, youth and technology
Moderator: Lynette Ntuli, Chief Executive, Innate Investment Solutions
Joanne Yawitch, Chief Executive Officer, NBI South Africa
William Mzimba, Chief Officer, Vodacom Business
Brett Wallington, Senior Manager, Sustainability, Standard Bank
Daniel Zaire, Deputy Director of Energy, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia
This panel discussed the innovations that are most crucial for progress on the SDGs
and asked for greater private sector involvement in sustainable development on the
continent. It addressed the barriers to progress, including unemployment and lack of
financial capital and considered private sector’s involvement in designing innovative
development solutions, supporting policy makers and empowering Africa’s youth to
pave the way for the continent’s economic transformation.
The SDGs provide bigger markets and compelling growth for the private sector. The
private sector can provide a platform for youth to work together and remove the
obstacles, using technology and innovation. The panel touched on the opportunities
that are required and can be given to Africa’s burgeoning youth population. It also
discussed scaling up Africa’s innovation capacity through further incubation and
support from financial institutions.
Empowering Africa’s Future: Launch of YAS! UNDP’s ‘Youth for Africa and SDGs’
online portal
Moderator: Pabi Moloi, Actress
Sandiso Sibisi, Open Innovation Africa Lead Accenture
Tyron Reddy, Chief of Staff for Alternative Business Models, ABSA Bank
Rachel Sibande, Founder & Director, mHub
Priscilla Chimwele, Programme Specialist, UNDP
The YAS! Online portal launched at the Responsible Business Forum (RBF). The main
objectives of this launch event were to officially launch the online portal YAS! and
kick-start its operations through the award of grants and challenges for African Youth
Entrepreneurship. A number of grants were awarded to entrepreneurs in idea, seed
or established stage at RBF.
The launch also helped to raise the awareness of African youth and relevant
stakeholders of the existence and services offered by YAS!, what it is and what
it seeks to achieve in the entrepreneurship eco-system. It also aimed to engage
potential entrepreneurship eco-system stakeholders to participate on the YAS!
portal-platform by announcing a call to action for the audience to sign up.
PLENARY SUMMARIES
8. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
8OUTCOME REPORT
A practical approach to SDG implementation
Moderator: Malcolm Preston, Adjunct Professor, Kellogg Business School & Guest
Faculty, Harvard Business School
Lamin Manneh, Director, Regional Service Centre for Africa, UNDP
Jean Marc Ricca, Chief Executive, BASF West Africa
Temitope Iluyemi, Associate Director, Global Government Relations, Africa, P&G
Tashmia Ismail, Chief Executive, Youth Employment Services
Three years on from the creation of the UN’s Global Goals, this panel reflected on the
varying stages of an organisation’s SDG implementation journey. The panel addressed
some of the common challenges with implementation, including the local and regional
policy context, financial investment, lack of coordination and resource constraints. The
speakers considered how organisations, despite these challenges, are accelerating
SDG achievement through their strategy and operations and also how this is measured
and reported.
It is widely understood that the positive social and environmental contribution of the
SDGs will translate to a healthier bottom line for businesses and faster economic
growth. The discussion focused on how the SDGs can act as a roadmap for doing
business, setting targets and creating positive societal impact. It also highlighted
examples of how multi-stakeholder projects and initiatives have helped to drive the
development agenda forward in each of the panellists’ organisations and more broadly.
Fashion, textiles and the SDGs
Moderator: Lynette Ntuli, Chief Executive, Innate Investment Solutions
Craig Jacobs, Creator and Founder, Fundudzi
Mandla Nkomo, Managing Director, Solidaridad, Southern Africa
Ron Osman Omar, Senior Industry Policy Officer, African Union
The creative industries in Africa provide opportunities for job creation and economic
growth. Not only are local designers flourishing in international markets, but a
number of MNCs are exploring or have already opened manufacturing hubs in the
region, particularly in Kenya and Ethiopia. The workforce in fashion and textiles is
predominantly made up of women and there are strong prospects for young people,
making it an inclusive industry with the potential to boost economic empowerment and
increase both skilled and unskilled jobs.
The development of Africa’s fashion industry does not come without its challenges.
Fashion and textile manufacturing has a history of controversy over poor working
conditions, child labour, low wages and also the significant environmental impacts
of ‘fast fashion’. However, with concerted, coordinated efforts between civil society,
business and governments, addressing these concerns is achievable. Supply chains
have never been more transparent and human rights policies more advanced.
The fashion and textiles industry has the potential to accelerate the achievement
of several SDGs, including ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’, ‘Innovation,
Industrialisation and Infrastructure’ and ‘Gender Equality’ to name a few. This panel
addressed how the creative industries are helping to further inclusive growth, job
creation, industrialisation and skills development. The speakers discussed how African
design can be showcased to the world and how this can contribute to economic growth.
PLENARY SUMMARIES
9. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
9OUTCOME REPORT
Employers, Innovators & Drivers of Sustainable Development: Harnessing the
Private Sectors’ role in the Global Compact for Migration
Moderator: Jason Theede, Senior Labour Mobility and Human Development
Specialist, Southern Africa, IOM
Presentation: Nardos Bekele-Thomas, United Nations Resident Coordinator and
UNDP Resident Representative, South Africa
Panellists: Phumza Manqindi, Liaison Officer to the AUC and UNECA, IOM
Stephanie Winet, Head of Business Mechanism, International Organization of
Employers (IOE)
Presentation of the IOM MigApp: Alex Dougan, MigApp Project Manager, IOM
On 19 September 2016 Heads of State and Government came together to discuss,
at the global level within the UN General Assembly, issues related to migration
and refugees. This sent an important political message that migration and refugee
matters have become major issues in the international agenda. In adopting the New
York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, the 193 UN Member States recognised
the need for a comprehensive approach to human mobility and enhanced cooperation
at the global level.
The Responsible Business Forum Africa was an opportunity for IOM to foster
partnerships and build dialogue between multilateral institutions, government and
private sector to allow for the wholistic approach needed for effective migration
management within the continental integrative agenda of Africa.
Launch: Impact @ Africa
Special presentations by representatives of Impact @Africa network,
governments, institutional Investors and UNDP
Introduction: Salma Seedat, Interim CEO, Impact@Africa
Lamin Manneh, Director, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa
Duncan Onyango, Board Member, Impact@Africa
Judith Shoniwa, Programme Manager, Swiss Economic Cooperation and
Development (SECO)
Aisha Abubakar, State Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria
Since 2013,the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),through its Regional
Service Centre for Africa (RSCA),has been supporting the development of impact investment
in Africa in collaboration with the AU and with generous support from the Swiss Agency for
Development and Cooperation (SDC) in an effort to facilitate the sector’s contribution towards
the attainment of the SDGs and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
In 2016,UNDP,working together with a task force of industry stakeholders,convened an
Africa Impact Investment Action Plan Implementation Kick-off Meeting in Nairobi,Kenya
to discuss and conclude the formulation of the Action Plan as well as commit to beginning
its implementation.The kick-off meeting brought together 40 key stakeholders to review
the Action Plan; develop a clear roadmap; and identify roles,responsibilities and resource
contributions.In order to ensure the successful implementation of the Action Plan,meeting
participants agreed to establish an industry-wide coordinating network to serve as the
continental voice in the impact investment sector - called Impact@Africa.
Impact@Africa,to much anticipation,was officially launched at the Responsible Business
Forum in Johannesburg.The public launch introduced the Network to industry stakeholders
and highlighted the activities of Impact@Africa within the Africa impact investing community.
PLENARY SUMMARIES
10. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
10OUTCOME REPORT
Innovation, entrepreneurship and the SDGs
Moderator: Lynette Ntuli, Chief Executive, Innate Investment Solutions
Mthandazo Ngwenya, Africa Director, Intellecap
Rachel Sibande, Programme Director, Digital Impact Alliance
Michele Malejki, Global Head, Strategic Programs, Sustainability & Social Innovation,
HP
Mfanufikile Motha, Head of Enterprise Development, Standard Bank
The AfDB’s African Economic Outlook reports that at 22 percent, the proportion of
Africa’s working-age population that have started new businesses is higher than
anywhere else in the world . SMEs with less than 20 employees and less than 5
years-experience are the largest provider of formal jobs in sub-Saharan Africa.
With a growing youth population, expected to increase by 42% by 2030, there is a
pressing need for entrepreneurship and innovation in order to create much needed
employment opportunities .
However, this panel discussed the need for support for African entrepreneurs to
ensure their businesses are viable and sustainable. Providing adequate financial
capital and helping new businesses with skills and resources was highlighted as
critical for Africa’s budding innovation and technology entrepreneurs. Accordingly,
panelists raised that investors and governments alike should be motivated to provide
this support, not only because of role of entrepreneurship in catalysing economic
growth, but also because entrepreneurship has been shown to provide solutions to
development challenges. Innovation and entrepreneurship has the potential to shape
the African continent and help to achieve the SDGs.
PLENARY SUMMARIES
11. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
11OUTCOME REPORT
This year at RBF Africa, parallel sessions aimed to find collaborative approaches
to Africa’s development priorities through innovation, youth and technology. Ten
parallel sessions were held across the two days of the event, under the following
titles: ‘Sustainable energy for all: Empowering Africa through clean energy’; ‘The future
of farming: Advancing technological solutions for food security’; ‘Scaling education
access through digital learning’; ‘Africa’s urbanisation challenge: Reimagining our cities’;
‘Disrupting development: Designing for a circular economy’; ‘Connecting Africa through
mobile technology’; ‘Shaping a future without hunger: the innovations accelerating
agricultural growth’; ‘Impact investment: A catalyst for sustainable development in
Africa’’; ‘The leapfrog model: Innovations in healthcare’; and ‘A systems approach to
plastic waste in the oceans’.
Each parallel session incorporated perspectives from young innovators,
entrepreneurs and technologists, in addition to stakeholders from companies,
governments and NGOs. Delegates had an opportunity to share their ideas and
agree on three priority recommendations or actions on their given topic. These three
priority recommendations were presented to the entire RBF audience in a summary
and feedback session. The audience then voted on the recommendation they thought
was the best solution with the ability to scale.
Threaded through the recommendations, was a push for policy makers to support
young people, through ‘providing access to markets, knowledge and finance’ for
farmers, developing ‘innovation think tanks and millennial boards’ to support smart
cities and through ‘developing ecosystems that enable entrepreneurs and SMEs
to thrive’. Other recommendations that ranked highest among voters were to build
financial investment through ‘community equity for energy infrastructure projects’,
‘improve digital technology infrastructure and access’ to enable more students to
take advantage of e-learning’ and to ‘launch an agriculture literacy curriculum in
middle schools in Africa.’
Innovation, youth and technology:
Parallel session recommendations
12. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
12OUTCOME REPORT
Delegates were asked how organisations can better support innovation, youth and
technology generation to drive development and the full list of recommendations
developed is included below.
Sustainable energy for all: Empowering Africa through clean energy
• Build together: Community equity for energy infrastructure projects
• Keeping pace: Energy industry e-learning for all
• From consumers to change agents: Energy driven business leaders
The future of farming: Advancing technological solutions for food security
• Public funding to enable access to agricultural data & improve access to funding
• Crowdsourcing for a platform where young people provide shared services to
farms
• Technology that enables better access to markets, knowledge & finance
simultaneously
Scaling education access through digital learning
• Improve digital technology infrastructure and access
• Design a more intentional curriculum
• Establish vital partnerships across interested parties
Africa’s urbanisation challenge: Reimagining our cities
• Form proactive legislation and urban policy which enables innovation
• Collaborate through Public Private Partnership initiatives to fund infrastructure
• Value the youth input through innovation think tanks & millennial boards
Disrupting development: Designing for a circular economy
• Incorporate indigenous communities into solution development
• Companies should practice responsible marketing to influence positive behavioural
change
• Develop ecosystems that enable entrepreneurs and SMEs to thrive
Innovation, youth and technology:
Parallel session recommendations
13. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
13OUTCOME REPORT
Connecting Africa through mobile technology
• Develop an ecosystem to address barriers to access
• Consider generational differences in the development of technology
• Build an African Union, or continent wide platform of data
Shaping a future without hunger: the innovations accelerating agricultural growth
• Banks should devote a percentage of their portfolio to farmer loans
• Develop a mobile platform to score political commitments to agriculture
development
• Launch an agriculture literacy curriculum in middle schools in Africa
Impact investment: A catalyst for sustainable development in Africa
• Allow for multiple types of capital through the value chain
• Ensure that business development services support the impact investment value
chain
• Broad stakeholder engagement & create generational dialogue
The leapfrog model: Innovations in healthcare
• Redesign the concept of Community Social Investment and Aid
• Invest in technology and the knowledge of young people in the industry
• Help government to change policies and create enabling environments
A systems approach to plastic waste in the oceans
• Businesses to promote consumer action on reducing use of plastic and correct
disposal
• Government to create economically enabling environment & enforce regulations
• Businesses commit to accept end-use products back into their value chain
Innovation, youth and technology:
Parallel session recommendations
14. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
14OUTCOME REPORT
AUDIENCE PROFILE
Audience Profile by Organisation
Audience Profile by Level
Business 42%
IO / NGO 29%
Government 9%
Other 9%
Academic Institution 7%
Association 4%
Head of department / Director 34%
Manager 27%
CEO / Managing Director 22%
Student / Volunteer 9%
Consultant / Advisor 8%
15. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
15OUTCOME REPORT
AUDIENCE PROFILE
Audience Profile by Industry
Audience Profile by Countries
Banking & Finance 20%
IT, Electronics, Telecomms 18%
Food, Beverage & Agriculture 17%
Other 17%
Consumer goods, services 8%
Energy & Renewables 8%
Environmental services 6%
Oil, Gas & Mining 6%
Delegates were drawn from 36 countries:
Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt,
Ethiopia, France, Ghana, India, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho,
Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique,
Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Singapore, Somalia, South
Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United
Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
16. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
16OUTCOME REPORT
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
“Tackling food insecurity on the
continent is a staggering challenge and
we can’t do it alone”
Angus Kelly
Head of Business Sustainability, Africa, Middle East,
Syngenta
“We have to focus on job creation. But
that does not mean that we can’t focus
on skills development too”
Lamin M Manneh
Director, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa
“We need to change the question from
what are the jobs, to what are the
opportunities?”
Michele Malejki
Global Head, Strategic Programs, Sustainability &
Social Innovation, HP
“The SDG’s provide us with a message
that it’s not business as usual”
Cecilia Njenga
Head, UNEP Office in South Africa and Regional
Programme Coordinator, Southern Africa
“The youth must drive our thinking. We
can’t think short-term, we need to think
long-term”
Brett Wallington
Senior Manager, Sustainability, Standard Bank
“We need to reimagine African cities
in ways that are consistent with our
culture”
Jane Afrane
Regional Head, Africa Network, World Green
Building Council
“In RSA, 6 million youth between the age
of 18 and 35 are unemployed. 60% of
the unemployed live in townships and
rural areas”
Temitope Illuyemi
Associate Director, Global Government Relations,
Africa
“We need to step up our technology and
our reach thereof in rural areas”
Taki Netshitenzhe
Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs, Vodacom Group
“We have to start actively engaging and
leading change as young people”
Priscilla Chimwele
Programme Specialist, UNDP
“We are very confident that RBF Africa
will assist to overcome the constraints
that hold our continent”
Nardos Bekele-Thomas
United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP
Resident Representative, South Africa
17. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
17OUTCOME REPORT
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
“Technology is the ticket out of major
environmental impact”
Mandla Nkomo
Managing Director, Solidaridad, Southern Africa
“Migration matters to all, it matters to
government, it matters to the individual
and it matters to society”
Jason Theede
Senior Labour Mobility and Human Development
Specialist, Southern Africa, IOM
“Impact investing is a very good
opportunity for sustainable
development in Africa”
Salma Seedat
Interim CEO, Impact@Africa
“Designing a circular economy is about
transforming environmental risks into
job opportunities”
Alexandra Russell
Vice President, Strategy, Policy & Sustainability,
Sasol
“Transformation and change are an
inside job”
Lynette Ntuli
Chief Executive, Innate Investment Solutions
“The SDGs are the engine to promote
economic growth”
Phumzile Langeni
Executive Chairperson, Afropulse & Chairperson,
Primedia Limited
“The youth has the greatest energy that
the African continent has ever seen”
Daniel Zaire
Deputy Director of Energy, Ministry of Mines and
Energy, Namibia
“When it comes to energy access, there
is a difference between having lights
and being electrified”
Charity Wanjiku
Chief Operating Officer, Strauss Energy
“There is a lot of power in government
and private sector”
Mfanufikile Motha
Head of Enterprise Development, Standard Bank
“Africa can turn its growing youth
population into a demographic dividend”
Mmamoloko Kubayi Ngubane
Minister of Science and Technology, South Africa
18. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
18OUTCOME REPORT
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
In line with our efforts to limit the waste generated at RBF Africa, for the second
year in a row, the RBF Connect App was instrumental in providing an integrated
digital experience for our delegates. With access to the agenda, speakers & sponsor
details and attendee lists, RBF Connect was well utilised by the participants at
the forum. Delegates had important forum information at their fingertips, and live
updates on the schedule. The app also worked as a digital concierge in arranging
meetings between the delegates at the forum and helped maximise networking and
discussion opportunities. The app also provided a platform for delegates to interact
with the speakers through the Q&A feature, as well as participate in the polls and
survey. Lastly, RBF Connect was successful in providing a space for delegates to
share their updates, images, new relationships and backstage preparation from the
forum, which raised the engagement on the app to a higher level.
2006
views
Activity Feed
1249
views
Agenda
466
views
Speakers
19. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
19OUTCOME REPORT
SOCIAL MEDIA
133
Number of tweets posted
528
Number of tweets liked
57,000
Number of tweet impressions
305
Number of retweets
#RBFAFRICA
TRENDING
TOPIC
on Twitter in
Johanesburg
626,000
times delivered on other people’s timelines
20. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
20OUTCOME REPORT
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
As an Academic partner of the Responsible Business Forum, 2018, the University
of Pretoria worked closely with the Global Initiatives team to identify a group of 30
students who lended their time to assist with registering guests and speakers and
to help take notes, photos and quotes from all of the Forum’s sessions. The students
came from a range of academic backgrounds including law, economics, business
studies and international relations and were instrumental in adding a youth
perspective to each of the workshops and plenary discussions. Global Initiatives
is grateful for the University’s support and will look forward to hosting even more
students next year.
21. Responsible Business Forum
on Sustainable Development
25 – 27 June 2018
Johannesburg
21OUTCOME REPORT
THANK YOU!
Global Initiatives would like to thank you for supporting the Responsible Business
Forum on Sustainable Development Africa 2018.
We look forward to welcoming you to the next forum.
RBF China on Climate Innovation
15 – 16 January 2019
RBF Thailand on Food and Agriculture
March 2019
RBF Africa on Sustainable Development
July 2019
RBF Singapore on Sustainable Development
November 2019