Objectives:
To exchange experiences and frameworks from different development fields that can contribute to reaching people affected by conflict with enterprise development services that help improve family livelihood security.
To share practical experiences, cases, and strategies which have helped conflict-affected people to access appropriate and beneficial business services.
To brainstorm innovative solutions to the challenge of reaching conflict-affected people with enterprise development services.
To facilitate improved understanding, relationships, and dialogue among practitioner in different fields who are concerned with improving the lives of those affected by conflict in developing countries.
To develop a research agenda for next steps to furthering these objectives.
Format:
A 5-week discussion will take place through an email listserve with guided questions from SEEP facilitators. The discussion will be launched with a thinkpiece prepared by SEEP members. In addition to short emails, participants are encouraged to submit information about specific programs or research.
Questions? Contact Camrin Emmons-White, white@seepnetwork.org
Facilitators: Mary McVay, The SEEP Network and Tim Nourse, American Refugee Committee (ARC)
Enterprise development services (BDS)―market links, training, and improved technology―have enormous potential to assist post-conflict populations secure incomes and rebuild assets. This on-line discussion is centered around three sets of questions that asked participants to: a)Share their experience and their programs; b)Describe initiatives with potential to overcome the challenges microenterprises face; and c)Consider ways to incorporate social and personal initiatives into BDS programs that target conflict-affected populations.
A conference entitled "The Role of Private Sector in Peace Building, Reconciliation and Development" was jointly organized by three prominent business organizations, namely, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) in Kathmandu. The conference was participated by about 150 businessmen and their delegates and representatives. The purpose of the conference was to share South African experience on the role played by the private sector business community in resolving national conflict situation in early nineties when South Africa successfully completed its transition from an apartheid regime to a democratic setup.
A resource document for "BDS and Conflict, Neglected Potential?" The document is an Expert Working Paper by International Famine Center Tuft University, USA.
A resource document for "BDS and Conflict, Neglected Potential?" This document brings up questions about BDS in conflict situations, worthy of greater discussion.
