Aid providers need to see beyond charity and adopt effective business models to spur growth and development according to panelists at the opening plenary of the Business Civic Leadership Council’s 2010 Global Corporate Citizenship Conference happening Sept. 27-29 in Washington, D.C.
“We need to encourage a business model. We should look at the poor as future markets, not just charity,” Amir Dossal, executive director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships said.
Dossal’s comments followed those of Gary Fisher, general manager of corporate public policy for Chevron, who discussed the interdependency of business and communities in the company’s areas of operation.
“It’s not philanthropy and charity. It’s an investment in our business,” Fisher explained.
Fisher added that the energy giant has committed USD50 million to a new development partnership with communities in the Niger Delta. Fisher stressed that improving the standard of living in the region is both good for business and the people.
Karen Turner, director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Development Partners, cited a new joint venture between General Mills and East Africa as another example of how an effective business model can enhance aid provision and promote economic growth.
“General Mills is providing scientists and their research to East Africa. Researching food products in East Africa will create a food industry there. The industry will be good for the individuals living there, the economy there, and it will create opportunities for General Mills,” she said.
Turner added: “What we are seeing in partnerships is that we are successful when we play to our strength. It’s a business concept that can be applied to the aid sector.”
