Sport for Change
Sport has long been recognised as having the potential to play a role in society with intrinsic benefits in terms of physical health and emotional well being, and the ability to contribute to issues such as crime prevention and increased educational attainment. Within the NGO sector, Sport for Change programmes have generally been delivered in […]
Sport fights social and economic discrimination: the Olympics and beyond
In its series on the social legacy of the Olympics, the International Platform on Sport and Development took a magnifying glass to some of the most contentious issues surrounding the Olympics. Contributors to the series examined the potential the Olympics have in garnering support for one potent idea: sport can and does make a difference […]
Running Across Borders
Malcolm Anderson is the Co-Founder of Running Across Borders, an inspiring organization that seeks to expand economic opportunities to East African youth through running. Malcolm truly is at the intersection of international development and athletics. He holds a Masters degree in African Studies (Oxford 2008) and a MA in International Relations (St Andrews 2006) and […]
Empowering Girls: International Inspiration using sport to tackle gender issues
One thing that gives me a buzz is that the significance of International Inspiration, London 2012’s international legacy programme, is not just about opening doors for children and young people to PE, sport and play. Of course this is important in its own right. But what is exciting is that International Inspiration is using sport […]
Tanzania trip highlights Olympic International Inspiration benefits
By Lord Sebastian Coe, Olympic Champion & Chairman, London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) This February was slightly different to my usual one. Instead of facing the cold snap in the UK, I was put through my paces by an eight-year-old child during a visit to an International Inspiration project. I […]
Interview: Wilson Kiriungi, CEO RUN with Kenyans
Interview by Chris Markl, Founder, Kourage Athletics Wilson Kiriungi is the Founder and CEO of RUN with KENYANS. I first began talking with Wilson about 2-years ago, when both of our organizations launched. We’ve shared our vision for the future of Kenya, fantastic conversations and some beers. There is no one who I’ve encountered that […]
The Fairtrade Football Story
The manufacturing of quality footballs has changed little since the 1960s when leather balls where phased out in favour of plastic and artificial materials but the actual process of making footballs, stitching the panels together by hand, has changed little over decades. The stitching process of making a football is still typified by high levels […]
International Inspiration helps young people choose a brighter future
After becoming an International Inspiration Ambassador in 2009, former sprinter and hurdler Colin Jackson visited one of its projects in Trinidad and Tobago. Having collected a host of World, European and Commonwealth gold medals over the years, Colin witnessed gold medal moments first-hand on the small Caribbean islands, where International Inspiration – London 2012’s international […]
Fairtrade Olympics
Last Friday, London, the largest Fairtrade City in the World, welcomed the London 2012 Olympic Games that are the Fairest Olympics the World has ever seen. During the Games, an estimated 10 million Fairtrade bananas from the Windward Islands and South America will be eaten, 7.5 million cups of Fairtrade tea served, 14 million cups […]
Interview: Olympic Medallist, Douglas Wakiihuri
Interview by Chris Markl, Founder, Kourage Athletics Douglas and I connected via mutual friends in the Kenyan running community. After exchanging calls and emails, I was on a plane to Las Vegas, Nevada where Douglas had recently relocated. We spent 15-hours together over a period of two-days. We ate incredible sushi together, which Douglas ordered […]
The Fairest Olympics the World has Ever Seen
Last Friday, London, the largest Fairtrade City in the World, welcomed the London 2012 Olympic Games that are the Fairest Olympics the World has ever seen. During the Games, an estimated 10 million Fairtrade bananas from the Windward Islands and South America will be eaten, 7.5 million cups of Fairtrade tea served, 14 million cups […]
Creating Shared Value in the World’sToughest Places
Over the past few years, for-profit and non-profit partners have been experimenting with new ways of working together, creating what’s often now referred to as ‘shared value’. At its heart this concept is about bringing companies and NGOs together and leveraging the expertise of both, in order to achieve the greatest possible social and economic […]
The Power of Business-Driven Development
In 2011, Africa received $7 billion USD more in foreign direct investment than foreign aid, providing unprecedented potential for large-scale economic growth and opportunity. In fact, as companies expand their operations in frontier markets, we are witnessing businesses from developed and developing countries alike delivering a profound, positive impact through employment opportunities, training and education, […]
Kourage: The Power of Sport to Fight Poverty
I’m Chris Markl an economics professor and an expert on foreign investment and job creation. I’m also the founder of Kourage Athletics. Kourage Athletics is Kenya’s running brand. Our mission is to leverage the tradition of Kenyan runners to create authentically kenyan running apparel. In addition Kourage seeks to become the first African brand that […]
Moving Capital- Are you investment ready?
Finding the right people and resources can be tough in a climate of austerity, especially if you are a social entrepreneur. However, there are great opportunities in the sector for those willing to put in the hard work. Andrew Stunell, Communities Minister, has recently announced that £30 million in grants will be available for local […]
Why Is Digital Communication Increasingly Important For Marketing At The Bop?
Prahalad’s BoP concept has become well known by now among scholars and practitioners. Co-creation with poor people as active consumers, producers, and innovators are central to the concept. It envisions social development through market growth. In order to discuss why digital communication is increasingly important for marketing at the BoP, two perspectives are key: Firstly, […]
Corporate Responsibilities in Times of Civil Unrest: the Case of Egypt and Vodafone
In January 2011 Egypt experienced one of its largest civil revolutions in recent history. Influenced by the example of the ousting of the unpopular Tunisian president via mass civilian protests, unrest in Egypt grew, with mass protests erupting on 25th January (25th January Revolution). This initiated a chain of events leading to the ousting of […]
Towards a Sustainability Mindset: How Boards Organise Oversight and Governance of Corporate Responsibility
Although this report’s title focuses on the oversight and governance of corporate responsibility within the boardroom, the sub-plot throughout is really about leadership. At a time when confidence in business and the markets is at a low which matches only the 1920’s, and which is exacerbated by a prolonged recession, the market needs business leaders […]
Getting Google to Gaza: Creating shared value in the world’s toughest places
Over the past few years, for-profit and non-profit partners have been experimenting with new ways of working together, creating what’s often now referred to as ‘shared value’. At its heart this concept is about bringing companies and NGOs together and leveraging the expertise of both, in order to achieve the greatest possible social and economic […]
THE SOURCE AWARDS – REWARDING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN FASHION AND SUSTAINABILITY
The SOURCE Awards put the spotlight on the most innovative and inspirational businesses, individuals, and initiatives in the fashion industry, globally. The awards recognise excellence in 12 different categories, from design innovation to brand leadership across women’s, men’s, accessories, and children’s wear, sustainable supply / manufacture, retail, and individual contribution. SOURCE recognises that sustainable practices […]