What has UPS learned along the way as the world’s largest shipping firm has explored and deepened its partnerships for development?
The latter — beyond just writing checks — actually came from CARE, which approached UPS to tap into their logistics expertise to help the international relief organization address some of its most pressing development challenges.
Several years later, UPS is now working with several NGOs on humanitarian supply chain solutions, James Coughlan, president of global solutions at UPS, said in a video interview with Devex Impact.
Imagine a tractor-trailer and a mule, he explained, representing the different paces and levels of technology necessary in different places so the focus would be on building solutions that don’t necessarily require a high level of engineering or technology — but fit the needs of the beneficiaries.
Coughlan said UPS learned that simple solutions are often the best, and it’s critical to understand the NGO partners, their environments and their needs to be able to partner and help most effectively.
Join Devex, the largest online community for international development, to network with peers, discover talent and forge new partnerships — it’s free! Then sign up for the Devex Impact newsletter to receive cutting-edge news and analysis every month on the intersection of business and development.
