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A Window on the 2010 JCI Global Partnership Summit
If you missed the 2010 JCI Summit, it’s not too late to get a taste of the experience and play a role in the future of global development.
On June 23, 2010, JCI closed the books on the 2010 JCI Global Partnership Summit, which featured some of the world’s most influential leaders in business, government and civil society. But, like a drop of water into a pond, the ripples are only beginning to spread. Read on for a glimpse into the Summit experience, and find out how you can extend the momentum to your own Local Organization.
Monday, June 21
In the shadow of the United Nations tower, Summit delegates are convening to kick off the 2010 JCI Global Partnership Summit. The sun is setting on Manhattan, but the air is still hot and buzzing with the anticipation of more than 250 people eager to witness history.
Finally, the Summit Welcome Ceremony begins and immediately, there is a tremendous surprise in store for you and your fellow delegates. Everyone stands and looks to the back of the room and you see a familiar face. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon walks to the podium and explains how vital it is that the UN and JCI work together to overcome adversity and create a positive impact. You decide you can’t let him down and resolve to think of three ways to develop partnerships to help advance the Millennium Development Goals.
After a short welcome by 2010 JCI USA President Jeff Lank, Summit Chairperson Hisanori Gomyo invites JCI Secretary General Edson Kodama to the stage. He delivers a short speech and introduces Ted Sorensen. A former advisor to US President John F. Kennedy and renowned author, Sorensen’s immense wisdom and vast knowledge leaves delegates energized. Shortly thereafter, 2010 JCI President Roland Kwemain shares a few personal stories about his time as president, and the Summit breaks for the evening.
You’re one of the lucky few in line who gets to buy a signed copy of Sorensen’s book "Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History.” You then spend an hour talking with your fellow JCI Members about the days to come and the challenge you have set for yourself.
Tuesday, June 22
Tuesday morning comes, and you wake and immediately reach for the day’s program. You still can’t decide from whom you are looking forward to hearing most. After a short trip to the ballroom, the session gets underway with opening remarks by Secretary General Kodama, President Kwemain and Chairperson Gomyo.
Beginning with Senior Advisor to the United Nations Foundation Gillian Sorensen, a parade of individuals crosses the stage, each one sharing a wealth of knowledge and experiences on approaching and promoting collaboration. Between presentations from Afzaal Malik from The Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Jack T. Watters from Pfizer and Professor Fred Dubee of the UN Global Compact, you fill your note paper with all of the great information from the brilliant speakers.
Dubee tells the delegates, “You are the present, you are the people who will bring about change if anybody is going to bring about change, and that change really depends on innovative thinking.” Secretary General Kodama closes out the session by discussing JCI’s global partnerships and the rich history of JCI’s commitment to positive change.
Head simmering with ideas, you break for lunch and reflect on the lessons you just learned. Back in the ballroom for the panel discussion, you see some new faces on the stage joining Dubee and Secretary General Kodama. Dr. Louise Kantrow, ICC Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Wayne Clarke, Managing Partner of the Best Companies Partnership LLP are here to share their perspectives.
The panelists address the audience and field questions, which come in rapidly from delegates and JCI members across the world watching the live streaming online. Your fellow members have some great questions on how to maximize their professional relationships and how the lessons can apply directly to their Local Organizations and communities.
Before you know it, the session is wrapping up and the General Manager of the Corporate Social Responsibility Department at Sumitomo Chemical Co., Hajime Sonishi delivers a presentation. He is followed by a screening of "When the Night Comes," a film showcasing the disastrous affects of malaria in Africa and a real tear-jerker. UN Foundation Nothing But Nets Director Adrianna Logalbo provides a quick question-and-answer session following the film, with the most common request being “Where can I get a copy of that?” You make a mental note to stop by the registration desk and make a donation to JCI Nothing But Nets before retiring to your hotel.
After the film and a short break, you file into the United Nations Global Compact Networking Reception with other JCI members eager to make friends with some influential JCI members and UN Global Compact Local Network attendees. After filling your pockets with business cards, you make your way back to the hotel, but only after setting an example for your fellow members by emptying your wallet into a JCI Nothing But Nets donation envelope. Skipping that second coffee tomorrow is a small price to pay for saving children’s lives.
Wednesday, June 23
As you take your seat for the third plenary session, the delegates are discussing the innovative ways they’ve raised money for JCI Nothing But Nets. You chime in about the project your Local Organization is planning and are offered a seat near the front next to some enthusiastic JCI members.
Adrianna Logalbo is back on stage with Angelique Zonneveld, Programme Officer for Cordaid, to discuss the fight to eradicate malaria as an example of how the pillars of society can collaborate to reduce poverty. Once again you and your fellow JCI members are inspired and exchange whispers about the partners you plan to approach to support the JCI Nothing But Nets campaign in your area.
At 2 p.m. the workshops begin and you quickly fill the pages of a fresh notebook with strategies for implementing partnerships and maximizing change through collaboration. You wonder what other surprises are in store as yet more impressive presenters, including Rutger Westenburg, 2010 JCI UN Affairs Commission Chairperson, conduct the session. Unfortunately, you missed the workshop on strategies to raise awareness with Adrianna Logalbo and Sarah Schiavetti, Executive Director for CCS Fundraising, as well as JCI Japan’s session on OMOIYARI and the UN MDGs. You meet with your fellow JCI members during the break before the Gala and exchange notes on what you’ve learned.
With the energy still running high, you can’t believe the Summit is already coming to an end. At the JCI Nothing But Nets Commitment Gala Dinner, President Kwemain takes the stage and thanks you for your participation and generosity. UN Affairs Commissioner Rutger Westernburg delivers the Summit Declaration, in which the delegates resolve to take active steps to engage and provide a roadmap for governments and to build a global network of partnerships to make a positive impact.
As you board the plane back home the next day, you reflect on the events of the past three days. The Summit was just the beginning. Now is the time to take action to advance the UN Millennium Development Goals. With this new approach to partnerships, your Local Organization’s projects will have more impact than ever. It’s the action of one person that can make all the difference.
View Summit photos and read the full Summit declaration.
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