During the autumn of 2016 Partnership for Change invited participants to the seminar series “Women and development”. Through a series of five seminars we took a closer look at women’s role in sustainable development. A variety of models and examples were showcased with special emphasis on the importance of achieving a productive cooperation between the public, not-for-profit and private sectors in development work.
When PfC was established, the objective was primarily to break down barriers between the various sectors in society. The idea was to create greater understanding of the fact that social responsibility is the correct ethical choice for business and industry – and the most profitable long-term option. Similarly, we now wish to create an understanding that not-for-profit activities must be economically sustainable if they are to bring social benefit over time. One of the reasons PfC was set up was to promote cooperation. We have seen greater interest and understanding for the need for businesses, voluntary organisations and individuals, as well as governmental authorities, to join forces to address and resolve societal problems – at the local, national and international levels.
This is evident in this autumn’s programme, which will include the following seminars:
Financial development models: Concepts such as venture philanthropy and impact investment tend to confuse more than they explain. We look at new financial models for sustainable development. Opening speeches will be held by organisations such as Acumen, the Peace Corps and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will debate the White Paper “Working together”. The seminar is being organised in cooperation with the Peace Corps.
Tourism for sustainable development: Tourism can contribute to growth in a country while simultaneously threatening the distinctive nature of local culture, the environment and communities. We will consider the principles for sustainable tourism, using examples from tourism projects in African and Asian countries.
Trade for sustainable development: Imports from low-cost countries can be one way of achieving economic development. We take a closer look at how business and industry can ensure that trade is in fact sustainable. What tools and methods can be employed? Using trade in development work – examples.
Why invest in women? Over recent years a global network of investors has made a conscious decision to invest in women – investors who invest in their own countries and in the third world. We present some investors that have led the way, including the network Women Effect.
Women, business and sustainability: We know that investing in women is particularly effective in development work. In connection with celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day we look more closely at what investing in women as leaders means, and how this can help build sustainable development.
