Designing Peace Catalyst: Designing Peace

ISSUE 12 I SUMMER/FALL 2013 Leading Creative Economies

What to Expect

CATALYST was designed to stimulate thinking and encourage conversation about the role of strategic design in defining and developing creative economies and thriving cultures for an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future. CATALYST is accompanied by a blog that is our means of continuing the conversation between print publications. Blog posts are related to, as well as unique from, those in the print publication. You can find the CATALYST blog on our website: http://www.catalystreview.net

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01 28 52 Catalyzing the i Am Here for You Infographic: Conversation By Barbara Arredondo Measuring What Matters

02 34 By Vimvipa “Pla” Poome From Empowering Communities catalystreview.net for Peace and Resilience 54 By Vipavee Kunavichayanont Tools for 06 Catalyzing Change Designing Peace for 42 the Seven Billion Peace and Commerce 58 By Alvaro Serrano Interview with Grant Elliot Catalysts: 46 Richa Agarwal 18 The Power of Music to Giselle Carr Placemaking and Create Change Peace By Montserrat Castañon, Pamela Hernan- Interview with David A. Smith dez, and Sacha Wynne The next CATALYST theme will be about Creative Economies. Please submit article concepts and recommendations for resources to: [email protected] Catalyzing the Conversation

A WORLD OF SEVEN BILLION requires a generative impulse-a desire to nourish and nurture, engage and enable. Generativity requires creativity, but creativity is often very individual and focused on expression in form. Generativity is collaborative and focused on generating new possibilities in a variety of forms. It finds its expression in the way we encounter each other and in our intentions toward each other. It is explic- © The Design Management & Arts itly and unabashedly caring. and Cultural Manage- Generative leaders use their creativity strategically to dis- ment programs cover and define, design and deliver futures filled with options of Pratt Institute, and opportunities. This is not always easy. It can be especially Summer 2013 difficult at a time when economies are stagnant and for many Dr. Mary McBride young people the future seems to be on hold. Chair of the Graduate Executive Editors: But generativity is the antidote to stagnation. It strives Design Management Mishelle Oun & Arts and Cultural Rebecca Paul toward the possible and encourages exploration. Management programs This issue of Catalyst begins our exploration of the genera- at Pratt Institute Managing Editor: tive impulse at play in the creative professions. This impulse is Vimvipa Poome generating new creative economies. The actions we take now Dyanis DeJesus can generate new options for the many-if we care, collaborate Editorial Board: and create. Rasha Al Shihabi Designing peace will be essential to generating futures and Meghan Bumbaugh securing human rights. A world at war expends its energy on Tyra Nicole Dumars protecting the boundary of what is. Peace creates a horizon of Laura Caballero-Torrijos possibility-a movement toward what might be. Tatiane Ferreira In this issue, we went in search of the peacemakers and Dan Geva Belen Ilara shapers and even the peace entrepreneurs. You will meet the Edwin Kuo cultural curators and creative strategists who are on the leading Azroz Mohd edge of change. Yuri Ohara They remind us that the economies of war- resource wars, Lisa Overton geopolitical or trade wars- offer a stale and increasingly fragile David-Georges Renaud Ashtine Rodriguez security. Creative economies can do more than secure us behind Carolina Rivera boundaries of gender, class, national identity or “culture”. Yvette Santiago Creativity + generativity can enable us to design objects and Haris Silic curate experiences that re-define who we are and who we might Anke Stohlmann become. Sacha Wynne Jamie Yellen

Visual Design: Dr. Mary McBride Kathleen Mejia

Editors: Denise Tahara COVER ART: NEW INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LOGO, DESIGNED BY PREDRAG STAKIC OF SERBIA, UNVEILED IN 2011. This design was selected by an international jury of human rights defenders including Aung San Suu Kyi, Ai Weiwei, Muhammad Yunus, Michael Gorbatchev and Jimmy Carter, along with the internet community,as a universal symbol to raise awareness of human rights violations, to give a voice to those fighting for their rights, and to inspire people around the world to take action in designing peace and protecting the rights of all people. Visit http://www. humanrightslogo.net/ for more information and the join the community of purveyors of human rights and peace.

Designing Peace 1 From Catalystreview.net

Transforming Medellin, Colombia From a City of Fear to a City of Hope by Design

By: Carolina Rivera, Adriana Fracchia, Felipe Ribiero, Phakkapol “Shane” Pasuthip, and I-Ying “In” Chen

With design as his ‘weapon’, Sergio Fajardo transformed the second largest city of Colombia, Medellín, from violence, drugs and corruption to a place of calm, beauty and peace. Fajardo, a former mathematics professor, was appointed mayor in 2004, at a time where the concept of peace in the city seemed hopeless.

2 Catalystreview.net However, Fajardo began community’s behaviors strategic, responsible and working towards peace by improving their phys- transparent manner, even from his first day in office. ical, cultural and edu- in the presence of deeply The newly elected mayor cational environments. rooted corruption. Colom- built a foundation to One of the most famous bia has a long history of design peace by identifying projects that came to be violence and social inequal- key areas of focus such as during this period of time ity, made worse by a lack of education, social respon- was, Parque Biblioteca community and education. sibility, and urban renova- España. This building was Fajardo gave Medellín the tion. With his efforts new designed by Colombian hope it had lost twenty construction and renova- architect Giancarlo Maz- years before, and the rest tion for public use began to zanti. Parque Biblioteca of the world an admirable cover the city with a new España was constructed example of how the power outlook, hope. in 2007, and is located on of design can make peace top of a mountain in the and social transforma- Believing that “aesthetics neighborhood of Santo tion a reality for even the is a tool for social transfor- Domingo. It is made up of bleakest of places. mation,” Fajardo was com- three complex buildings mitted to implementing with exteriors resembling architecture, infrastructure the mammoth stones and and design to transform rocks that already exist “Fajardo the city. The primary areas within the surrounding addressed were Medellín’s landscape. This project believed that poorest and most danger- was just one among several ous neighborhoods. Fajardo implemented during Fajar- the most believed that the most do’s time in office. vulnerable vulnerable communities needed and deserved the Today, Sergio Fajardo is communities best of the best. As he once well remembered by the stated, “the most beauti- citizens as the mayor who needed and ful for the most humble.” led Medellín “del miedo a deserved the With a limited budget, the la esperanza,” in English designs for public buildings meaning “from fear to best of the were realized through open hope.” His impact was so competitions giving local strong that future mayors best. As he architects a unique oppor- readily continue his vision. once stated, tunity to promote their Fajardo is currently gover- work and contribute to the nor of Antioquia, and he “the most social and urban transfor- hopes to become Colom- mation of the city. bia´s next president. beautiful for the most Fajardo’s main objec- Fajardo has proven that tive was to transform the it is possible to govern in a humble.”

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Designing Peace 3 From Catalystreview.net

CAN VOLUNTEER RATES AMONG 20-29 OLDS BY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

BE TAUGHT?

WE MUST START TO PROVIDE OUR STUDENTS WITH A LESSON IN COMPASSION SO THAT WE MAY BEGIN TO RE-DESIGN OUR WORLD FOR THE BETTER ADOLESCENTS ENROLLED ADOLESCENTS NOT ENROLLED IN SCHOOL VOLUNTEER IN SCHOOL VOLUNTEER WITH COLLEGE EXPERIENCE WITHOUT COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Average rate of volunteering for university students ADULTS AGED 45-65 YEARS OLD taught about the value of helping others in high school WITH COLLEGE EDUCATION ADULTS VOLUNTEERS AGED Average rate of volunteering for university students without 45-65 YEARS OLD being taught about the value of helping others in high school

Average rate of weekly volunteering for university students taught about the value of helping others in high school

Average rate of weekly volunteering for university students without OF STUDENT VOLUNTEERS ARE being taught about the value of helping others in high school INTRODUCED TO VOLUNTEERING THROUGH THEIR UNIVERSITY OR STUDENT’S UNION

sources: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/12/31/teaching-compassion_n_2388388.html http://www.pointinc.org/youth-volunteer-statistics 1989 2005

Design as a Common Language: Ronny Edry Designs Peace in the Middle East

By: Nazli Ceren Binyildirim, Wanshi “Dawn” Mai, Hansel Noriega, Pongpol “Lory” Yodmuangcharoen , Ashtine Rodriguez

There are roughly 6,900 recognized languages spoken around the world. While this figure is astounding, it does not even include local dialects or unofficial lan - guages. As a society we are highly reliant upon our ability to verbally express our - selves in order to communicate with one another, yet what happens when there is no common language?

4 Catalystreview.net and resolution. Proving never happened before, Resorting to gestures that language may be the with Israel and Iran and social cues as a key to designing peace spreading the same mes- means of communication around the world. sage - peace. becomes our first instinct; however, we cannot always “Iranians, we will never In less than a year rely on being able to speak bomb your country. We Edry’s Facebook page has face-to-face. This inability heart you.” This was the reached 106,000 likes and to communicate effec- Facebook post Israeli approximately 2 million tively affects us in a much graphic designer, Ronny people on a weekly basis. greater capacity than Edry sent to Iran in March He has truly shown what we realize, as language 2012. With Israel and Iran the power of one person plays a fundamental role on the brink of war, Edry can do. What started out in linking perception to realized now more than as a simple campaign to reality. The Sapir-Whorf ever he needed to com- communicate with Iran hypothesis states, “lan- municate with the people has turned into a global guage determines how we of Iran before it was too peace movement that con- perceive and think about late. What followed was an tinues to grow at a rapid the world.” online movement for peace rate. The absence of language fueled by design. The can distort our percep- response to his poster was It is time to communi- tions; therefore, potentially almost immediate. This cate in a way that can be affecting our reality. Lan- was a huge shock to Edry; understood on a global guage does not only influ- “you have to understand level. Using Edry as a ence our reality, but also we [Israelis] don’t talk model we can see that our sense of culture. to people from Iran.” The designing sustainable power of this dialogue was peace for tomorrow is On a global scale we amplified as Edry began indeed possible. have seen how language designing posters with his has influenced politics friends, colleagues, and and war, especially in the students. Through this he Middle East, and it con- designed a movement that tinues to do so. Yet what if all Israelis could partici- “Language language could do just the pate in. Furthermore, cre- opposite, what if language ating a common language. determines could design peace? The book Languages at War Yet after a few weeks how we touches upon the power of something even more language in war and con- astonishing happened – perceive and flict. Furthermore, tracing Iran began to respond think about the role that language can back. It became a truly play in designing peace unique dialogue that had the world.”

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Designing Peace 5 6 Catalystreview.netCatalystreview.net Executive Summary

In October 2011, the global population reached seven billion — more than double the population just 50 years ago. With con- siderable implications for sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment, a world of seven billion offers a rare chance to renew global commitments to a peaceful, healthy and sustainable planet for all. With this momentous milestone, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recognized that in order to transform this challenging situation into an opportunity for positive change, programs that mobilize young people are imperative for success. The young people of today are history’s largest and most interconnected cohort, adapting to new technologies and transforming politics and culture. People under 25 make up 43 percent of the seven billion. In the least developed nations this number reaches a staggering 60 percent. As parents and teachers of the next generation, their choices will determine future population trends. Investing in young people sets a path for accelerated development and genuine opportunities for peace and equality. The UNFPA is leading an innovative global campaign—7 Billion Actions—to build awareness around the opportunities to solve for our world’s challenges and to create an effective, inclusive online platform for participation, engagement, collaboration, actions and solutions to improve the quality of life in every corner of the world.

Designing Peace for the Seven Billion Facing a Challenge. Designing an Opportunity. BY ALVARO SERRANO

The question facing the UNFPA1 as the global population reached Seven billion was, “How can we capitalize on this milestone to engage and mobilize the world’s young people to work towards a more peaceful existence?” Although youth would not be the only people mobilized around this effort, they would constitute a key audience for all of our efforts. Designing a program – a movement, really – that could inform, inspire and engage this group would require rethinking traditional communication strate - gies and channels. We recognized that traditional, unidirectional communications, © UNFPA

Designing Peace 7 DESIGNING PEACE FOR THE SEVEN BILLION

in which messages are disseminated centrally the transformative impact of technology have and received passively, do not resonate with meant that young people are quickly connect- young people. They are accustomed to more ing throughout the world. They are sharing active, interactive participation and do not more ideas, values and symbols and are hardly appreciate being “messaged to.” Today’s young passive. Many are organizing and networking people have a technology-powered ability to themselves in both formal and informal ways. tune out, fast-forward, block and even sati- A global youth culture has emerged, and youth Strategy rize unwanted communications expounded by are contributing to the construction of global in Action the proliferation of advertising and marketing and local cultures. around the globe. This means that we would The employment situation for young people, have to design an engagement program that however, has been worsened by the lingering >> Design a campaign that connected with young people when, where and global economic crisis, and the current condi- enhances the partici- how they communicate. tions pose an urgent challenge with long-term pation of the citizens, We knew that web-based communications implications for both young people and society especially the young and social media would be the core of our youth as a whole. There is no doubt that a contributing population. outreach efforts. But using the right chan- factor to the Arab Spring uprisings is the dis- >> Empower nels was only a first step. What content would turbingly high levels of youth unemployment the individual stories engage young people? How could we encourage in the Middle East and North Africa. Yet the as actions to follow them to be active participants in a movement globally. for peace, rather than passive observers? Suc- >> Sustain cess would be measured not solely on page hits a youth advocacy but on actions. Thus was born the name of our “When young people movement that will initiative: 7 Billion Actions. be part of the global can claim their right response to 21st Cen- tury issues WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOUNG to health, education PEOPLE? >> Engage and decent working governments, citizens, Peace means different things to different peo- NGO´s, corporations, ple. For some, it is about working to achieve media and academia conditions, they become to share visions and and ensure a safe, secure and just world outside experiences through a their doors and far beyond. For others, it can a powerful force for multichannel strategy. be defined more personally: securing a solid education at the school of their choice; a well- economic development paying and satisfying job; access to opportunities to develop their full potential; a trusted and positive change. environment to freely express themselves and have their views respected; and to live free of This can be a major poverty, discrimination and violence. Peace is to live without strife. catalyst for peace locally, The transition of adolescents and youth to adulthood today needs to be understood nationally and globally. ” in a larger context. Increased poverty, social inequalities, low-quality education, gender dis- focus on youth employment is basically shaped crimination, widespread unemployment, weak- by such important questions as: How do we ened health systems and rapid globalization are and our societies create, enable and champion the realities that young people face today. These young people’s participation in local and global challenges pose serious threats to a peaceful economies in a meaningful way? How do we world. The situation may look tough, but youth foster, nurture and allow each young person in 1 http://www.unfpa.org/ public/adolescents/ also have an incredible ability to find out what our society to flourish? is going on and to contend with the problems: Today’s young women and men, albeit eco- Exposure to vast networks of mass media and nomically burdened, are smart and aware, rely-

8 Catalystreview.net © UNFPA ing on a wide array of resources for their news actions to tell the stories of the people behind and networking: print, broadcast, cable and the big number. Using a broadly consultative digital media. They demand better schooling, process, UNFPA engaged experts, stakehold- good healthcare and well-paying jobs to support ers and the private sector in designing and themselves and their future families. In many spearheading a movement. Based on inno- countries in the north, young people are realizing vation, collaboration and peer-based social the benefits of marrying later and having fewer media, UNFPA and its partners designed children; that trend is also occurring in many a plan was to create an effective, inclusive developing nations, slowing the growth of popu- online platform for participation, engage- lation, creating a middle class and thus spreading a country’s wealth more equitably. When young people can claim their right to health, “In a world of seven education and decent working conditions, they become a powerful force for economic develop- billion people, ment and positive change. This can be a major catalyst for peace locally, nationally and globally. incremental actions History has shown us that healthy, educated and gainfully employed people are far more likely to will create exponential live peacefully with their neighbors next door, across the border, and around the globe. results. ”

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DESIGN A MORE ment, collaboration, actions and solutions PEACEFUL WORLD? to improve the quality of life in every corner of the world. People under 25 years of age – As the United Nations agency responsible for 43% of the world’s population – are a prime marking the milestone of a world of seven audience for these efforts. billion people, the United Nations Popula- The 7 Billion Actions Initiative was tion Fund (UNFPA) is leading an innova- designed to achieve two key objectives: tive global campaign—7 Billion Actions—to • Build global awareness around the oppor- build awareness around the opportunities tunities and challenges associated with a and challenges of a teeming world. UNFPA world of seven billion people; has enlisted a wide group of corporations, • Inspire governments, nongovernmental organizations and individuals to support this organizations, private sector, media, aca- initiative, using online, mobile and offline demia and individuals to take actions that

Designing Peace 9 DESIGNING PEACE FOR THE SEVEN BILLION

will have a socially positive impact. The initiative is based on the concept that successful intercultural dialogue is essential to helping everyone navigate the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century. In a world of seven billion people, incremental actions will create exponential results. CATALYST Insight An engaging and HOW HAS THE INITIATIVE COME TO accessible open LIFE? source design fosters the collaboration of the citizens across UNFPA began its work on the campaign nations to create in January 2011 at the Columbia Univer- a world in peace. sity School of Journalism, where we set up a Individual stories that new-media “boot camp” to generate ideas. promote health, edu- Fifty communicators and new-media experts We are now part of a global community where cation, sustainability, participated in brainstorming sessions on how actions taken in one country or region can have equity and self-esteem show the faces behind to unite people around the campaign. These an immediate impact on other parts of the numbers. Seven bil- sessions led to a concrete outline defining ways world. This can lead to rapidly-proliferating lion people become to encourage people to commit to personal violence. It can also result in a proliferation of seven billion actions actions that would address such global chal- peace. We have yet to realize the vast potential to improve the world lenges as climate change, urbanization, ris- among women and girls – half the world’s pop- in which we live. ing maternal deaths in poor countries, youth ulation – and the energy and talents of some unemployment, lack of influence in govern- two billion young people. ment policies, reproductive health and rights, and educating more women and girls. Under- A world of seven Billion is a call for innova- lying all of the concepts and ideas generated tion, collaboration and action at Columbia was the conviction that the world This milestone provides an occasion to recog- can truly be at peace only when these chal- nize and celebrate our common humanity and lenges are addressed. diversity. It is also a time to demonstrate our The boot camp laid the foundations for an responsibility to care for one another and our overarching narrative that framed the devel- planet now and not later. Ensuring the well- opment of 7 Billion Actions. Three overarching being of current and future generations will concepts emerged: require unprecedented cooperation. Individu- als can make a difference by uniting through A world of seven billion is a challenge social networks, popular culture and the values Already, too many people suffer from poverty, reflected in international agreements. discrimination and violence. Conflicts and weather-related disasters are forcing people ENGAGING YOUTH THROUGH NEW to flee their homes. Climate change is exacer- MEDIA IN THE SHARED PURSUIT FOR bating food and water shortages. As more peo- PEACE ple are born, solving existing challenges will become increasingly more urgent – and new The current generation of young people is challenges will arise that demand the best in connected globally and shares the dream of a each of us. better, more peaceful world. But the pace of change is fast and the obstacles youth face are A world of seven Billion is an opportunity to more global and complex than ever. New ways design peace of thinking and collaborating are needed to Never before has the world nurtured so many address these issues. Youth are working more talented, creative and educated people. Never than ever across cultures, organizations and before has humanity been so interconnected. networks to champion their role in worldwide

10 Catalystreview.net building in a spirit of innovation. This would not look like, feel like, or act like a traditional campaign or public service initiative.

DESIGNING FOR A GLOBAL AUDIENCE

The first step in creating a peaceful world is fostering understanding of, and empathy for, the people around us. Technology now enables global connections in unprecedented ways, and 7 Billion Actions was designed to use technology to create connections between © UNFPA the seven billion inhabitants of our planet. Images were chosen to reflect empowered decisions and moves. The goal of 7 Billion Actions was to design a program that would harness this global energy around a specific “Innovation also requires milestone – the population topping seven billion – to create a worldwide movement for a creativity and more peaceful, healthy and sustainable world. collaboration. Although THE ROLE OF INNOVATION MATTERS IN ACHIEVING PEACE. innovation is created by

Innovation is vital to improving the quality of people of all ages, youth life for people everywhere. We face enormous problems – as individual companies and insti- are particularly open to tutions but also as nations, societies and the planet. Most, if not all, of these challenges can creating, and accepting be highly responsive to innovation. But we must think and act boldly and we need to do transformative, even more. disruptive change. ” Innovation is the primary driver of business, financial and economic growth, and it demands excellent leadership. Innovative individuals rather than passive victims. Bro- leadership fosters understanding, action and chures were digitally printed so that differ- peace. We need strong innovative leaders not ent individuals could appear on the cover of just in our labs and universities, but at all each printed piece, celebrating the diversity levels in business, legislative and policy roles of the global population. Advertising featured and in nonprofit and nongovernmental insti- inspiring stories of the power of individuals, tutions. including that of Kakenya Ntaiya, the first At the end of the day, innovation is a human girl from her Maasai village in Kenya to get activity. It benefits people and should be a university education. Kakenya returned to inspired by, and focused on, their needs and her village to establish the Kakenya Center for aspirations. Innovation also requires creativ - Excellence, a school for Maasai girls with the ity and collaboration. Although innovation is potential and dedication to follow in her foot- created by people of all ages, youth are partic- steps. By putting human stories front and cen- ularly open to creating, and accepting trans- ter throughout the campaign, we encouraged formative, even disruptive change. Thus, as people around the world to learn from others we designed 7 Billion Actions, we focused on and inspire change at the personal level. The © UNFPA

Designing Peace 11

DESIGNING PEACE FOR THE SEVEN BILLION

story of seven billion people is a story of indi- on the 7 Billion Actions website, constituting a viduals, of families, of communities, of nations visual mosaic of thousands of 7 Billion Action- – a story of humanity. In every component, we ists. Visitors can view as many of these stories focused on the people behind the number to as they like, using a sorting tool to find stories foster a deeper understanding of our world. on specific issues. A dashboard will track the online and offline actions and stories, provide MOBILIZING THE DESIGN AND NEW a map of past and future actions and highlight Related Resources MEDIA COMMUNITIES. trends using data analytics. 7 Billion: How Your World An interactive web/mobile application (“7 Will Change, National 7 Billion Actions has engaged governments, Billion and Me”) allows users to submit per- Geographic, 2011 NGOs, the private sector, media, academia sonal data (date of birth, place of birth, etc.) to and individuals to share perspectives, expe- compare their “population profile” to UN pop- GoodPlanet, by Yann riences and actions through a multichannel ulation data at global, regional and national Arthus-Bertrand strategy executed in an open-source manner. levels, and understand their place in the global www.7billionothers.org/ We designed a campaign to solicit stories, ideas population. A digital application was created and creative expressions from people around and has been downloaded thousands of times; the world using digital and analog tools, lever- social-media outreach through Facebook, aging storytelling through music, photogra- Twitter and other channels, using the #7billion phy, writing, and live interaction. These stories hashtag, has generated global conversations focus on what people think and, more impor- about the issues central to 7 Billion Actions. tantly, what they have done to improve their A population dashboard allows visitors to take own lives and the lives of others. We designed a closer look at the world population now and the program so that each story in itself is an beyond by region or country. It enables visi- action – a way for people globally to contrib- tors to look at the proportion of young versus ute actively. And we announced the ambitious old, and see what paths the future population goal of registering seven billion actions for growth may take. seven billion people. Elements of the 7 Billion Actions Platform: Print Coverage: A special print section in the Digital Strategy: An online arena – September 2011 issue of National Geographic www.7billionactions.org – serves as the main magazine drove awareness and inspired campaign gateway and the central source of involvement, reaching 40 million readers information, updates and resources for those worldwide. Videos produced by National Geo- supporting the initiative and new to the cam- graphic, the campaign’s media partner, have paign. Operating as its own media outlet, the been viewed by millions of people and helped platform features content from partners, the to raise awareness of the dynamics of a world initiative’s own programs and social-media of seven billion. channels. Partners have featured their own stories and activities and linked the platform with Music: Music is often called the universal their own. On World Humanitarian Day in language, and for young people in particu- 2012, the 7 billion Actions platform provided lar, music is a unifying force that transcends the inspiration in the design and implementa- language, political and cultural barriers. In tion of “I Was Here” campaign [http://www. designing 7 Billion Actions, we were intent whd-iwashere.org/], counting the actions of on making music an integral component. people and institutions committed to doing We chose “United” as the initiative’s anthem. something good for someone else. Participants in Playing for Change, a multi- “7 Billion Stories” – was designed as an media movement created to inspire, connect online portal where people can submit photo- and bring peace to the world through music, graphs of themselves and share stories about traveled around the globe on behalf of 7 Bil- the issues that are important to them, and the lion Actions. They worked with local musi - actions they have taken to make a difference. cians, adding them to the “United” track, and This collection of profiles and stories resides creating a music video that serves as a tangible

14 Catalystreview.net © UNFPA example of something positive we can all do together governments, UN agencies, youth together as a human race. representatives, civil society and the private sector in a formal review of the 1994 ICPD. Film: With the explosive growth of YouTube The goal was to review progress and challenges and other online video-sharing sites, film has in delivering the goals of the ICPD. But it had become another medium, like music, that a wider aspiration: to deliver new mechanisms engages and mobilizes young people. They for youth participation that would reach are comfortable expressing their opinions and beyond the Bali conference center to mobilize showcasing their actions through film in ways and build the 7 Billion Actions community to that previous generations are not. Thus, 7 Bil- take part in defining the official outcome of a lion Actions incorporated a film component UN Conference. As the first event in a series into its strategy. A film contest organized by that would help to set the development agenda UNFPA and the 10.12.48 Foundation solicited for the next 20 years, the goal was to generate and curated short original films on one of the a sustainable youth advocacy movement that seven topics of the campaign: climate change, would be part of the global response to 21st urbanization, rising maternal deaths in poor Century issues. countries, youth unemployment, lack of influ- Led by young people for young people, ence in government policies, reproductive the Global Youth Forum was attended by health and rights, and educating more women 630 delegates, and involved over 2,500 vir- and girls. Winners were selected from Spain, tual delegates from 180 countries, who used Brazil and Vietnam. a deliberative process to develop a set of forward-looking recommendations on: Photography: Photo exhibitions, organized • Staying healthy; with National Geographic, have been dis- • Comprehensive education; played in European capitals, including Berlin • Transitions to decent employment for youth; and Copenhagen. • Youth rights, well-being and sexuality; and • Fully inclusive civic participation. THE GLOBAL YOUTH FORUM: Recognizing the value of building social SUSTAINING MOMENTUM networks around key issues, the Forum was broadcast online to registered virtual dele- An opportunity to extend the immediate rele- gates – who used a dedicated online space to vance of the 7 Billion Actions program was the contribute, and social media applications to International Conference on Population and build dialogue and connections with other Development (ICPD) Beyond 2014 Global delegates who shared their concerns. Part- Youth Forum (the Forum). Held in Bali, Indo- ners from civil society with global networks nesia in December 2012, the Forum brought also created simultaneous local events where

Designing Peace 15 DESIGNING PEACE FOR THE SEVEN BILLION

young people with technological barriers COMMUNICATING A CAMPAIGN OF could use the partners’ technology resources ENGAGEMENT to participate. The Forum was designed to ensure the The 7 billion Actions initiative involved doz- widest participation of young people, creat- ens of players worldwide. In designing the ing a sustained conversation on youth issues program, we knew that we needed to engage before and after the Forum, and contribut- individuals directly as well as through the Alvaro Serrano ing to building a platform that enables young organizations that are important in their Alvaro Serrano is pioneer people to influence policy at country, regional lives. When individuals, governments, busi - in the world of digital and global levels. Virtual delegates registered nesses, academia, NGOs and the media are communication, innovation and signed on to fundamental principles for inspired to address progress for all of human- and storytelling. With 30 years of experience participation. In the lead up to the Forum, ity, peace can be achieved. Thus, we designed in broadcasting, web, virtual delegates were supported with design the program with multiple tiers of messages social media, and mobile materials and preloaded social media func- targeting specific audiences: technology, he has traveled to more than 50 countries, tions that enabled them to easily identify documenting the inter- themselves as concerned with a specific issue For Individuals, 7 Billion Actions is about linkages between people, and to log their action as part of the 7 Bil- shared commitment. culture and development. Since 2000, Serrano has lion Actions movement. During the Forum We are interconnected, so we must recognize been providing the vision itself, the virtual delegate platform provided and embrace our individual and collective and direction for moving an easy interface for submitting recommen- ability to improve the world. It takes individ- UNFPA, the United Nations dations on the key themes being addresse- ual actions to produce institutional change, Population Fund, forward through the complex and but it takes a commitment from each of us to rapidly changing field of make this possible. online communication. Serrano earned a For Government, 7 Billion Actions is about degree in Management shared leadership. Information Systems from “Shared value” is not just California University and The challenges and opportunities of 7 Billion has advanced education social responsibility or can be addressed by countries with skilled, from Florida International healthy workers and a strong commitment University and the Business Administration School, philanthropy but a new to research, technology and efficient ways in his native city Bogotá, to move people, goods and information. Colombia. way to measure success Government at every level must support In 2011, as the global organizations and individuals working to population reached seven by adopting sustainable improve society. National governments can billion, Serrano envisioned and led a Global Initiative: practices and policies work together to guide and shape a collec- 7 Billion People | 7 Billion tive understanding of what is important in Actions. Its goal was to regional and international contexts; break create a global movement that produce benefits around the challenges, down barriers impeding progress; and foster opportunities and over time. ” innovation. Sound government leadership implications of population can propel peace. dynamics on sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth For Business, 7 Billion Actions is about empowerment. shared values. Six hundred recommendations, received by Businesses can use their influence to create a team of youth volunteers in Bali, were fed economic returns while ensuring a value directly into the formal deliberative process. for society. “Shared value” is not just social The outcome of the event, the ICPD Global responsibility or philanthropy but a new way Youth Forum Bali Declaration, may be the to measure success by adopting sustainable first formal outcome of a UN intergovern- practices and policies that produce benefits mental process that has used web and social over time. Companies that create a shared media to provide substantive input. value enhance their own competitiveness

16 Catalystreview.net while advancing the financial and social con- was expected to (and indeed did) top seven ditions in the communities in which they billion, there was much hand-wringing operate. Through monetary contributions or over the implications for global health, sus- in-kind donations, companies can become tainability and peace. 7 Billion Actions was official sponsoring partners of 7 Billion created to transform this milestone into an Actions. opportunity for positive action. From the beginning, we viewed young people as the For NGOs, 7 Billion Actions is about shared prime catalyst for action. And we recognized Patrick responsibility. that engaging them would require rethinking Durgin-Bruce NGOs can play many roles in improving the traditional approaches to communicating. Patrick Durgin-Bruce world, including acting as a bridge among Leveraging the power of web-based com- is a branding and business, government and civil society; con- munications and social media was just the graphic design expert who is passionate necting policy makers to grassroots players; start. In designing the program, we provided about using the tools of suggesting practical solutions to problems; continuous opportunities for two-way com- mass communication calling their peers to account; and being a munications, through words, music and film, to improve health. He is the Co-Founder and voice for the weak. NGOs must engage with and through a global forum that combines Creative Director of other institutions and sectors in instituting on-site and virtual participation. As its name Ultravirgo Creative, a projects that stretch visions and capacities. implies, this was about action and interac- branding agency based tion, not the passive intake of information. in New York City. His 20 years of experience For Media, 7 Billion Actions is about Peace is not the absence of violence. It is the in design has produced shared perspective. active commitment to creating a world in memorable brands Media plays a critical role in holding institu- which better health, education and sustain- and campaigns for clients including the tions accountable to the public and elevating ability create peace. This was the idea that United Nations, the public discourse. The media have a responsi- guided the design of 7 Billion Actions. National Parkinson bility to provide accurate, timely and relevant Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson information. Solid information and analysis, Foundation and Pfizer from a multitude of credible voices, can build Pharmaceuticals. He collective wisdom. The media can clarify is a founding member issues and reinforce our understanding of the “Individuals can be of 7 Billion Actions - providing visual and interconnected and interdependent nature messaging strategy, of the world. 7 Billion offers a compelling encouraged to share and coordinating global chance for media to explore the complexities communications. and contradictions of demographic trends their insights and and their ability to spur action. ideas, to participate For Academia, 7 Billion Actions is about in discussions and shared understanding. Education and research are basic to enhanc- decision-making, and ing society. People’s aptitude and abilities can be cultivated through formal and informal to acknowledge the education. Individuals can be encouraged to share their insights and ideas, to participate need for solidarity and in discussions and decision-making, and to acknowledge the need for solidarity and social responsibility. ” social responsibility. Academia can spark ideas, conversations and actions related to a world of 7 Billion. Visit UNFPA’s 7 Billions Actions at www. Conclusion: The movement continues 7billionactions.org to join the movement, In the months and years leading up to share your own story, and to inspire others October 2011, when the world population to take action.

Designing Peace 17 Housing units developed for informal settlers being displaced from slums in the Philippines. NGO’s, governments, and citizens struggle to produce decent housing and living conditions due in part to rapid and increasing urban growth.

18 Catalystreview.net Executive Summary

In 2010, for the first time in history, the United Nations (UN) estimates indicated that the global population had tipped from being mostly rural to mostly urban. This trend has continued and the number of us living in cities is estimated to double by 2030. In the spring of 2013, protests in the streets of Istanbul provided a graphic demonstration of why rapid urbanization is relevant to a discussion of peace. The role of urban planning, housing, use of public space, and increasing commercialization of our cities will inevitably become crucial as cities grow.

Placemaking and Peace Designing Peace into our Growing Urban Centers

AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID A. SMITH, AFFORDABLE HOUSING INSTITUTE BY: LISA OVERTON

The Affordable Housing Institute (AHI) is a non-profit consultancy that works to enhance housing ecosystems, expand business activities, and improve lives of impoverished people by helping housing finance and development entities throughout the world. Since David Smith founded the global organization in 2002, they have worked to increase the impact of Mission Entrepreneurial Entities (MEESs) in five continents,

Designing Peace 19 PLACEMAKING AND PEACE

including countries such as Brazil, Haiti, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and CATALYST: What are groups like the Afford- Uganda to identify and convert resources into able Housing Institute doing to address this? delivery mechanisms for better homes and DAS: You want to turn a slum into an asset. I communities with strategies for sustainable interpret the asset in economic and financial scale and growth. Some months back, Catalyst terms. A slum needs to be seen by the city as SDR’s Lisa Overton spoke with David Smith a neighborhood in the city in which the city Strategy of the Affordable Housing Institute about the gains revenue and provides services. Property in Action unprecedented move to cities and the search within a slum needs to be seen by people who for peaceful solutions to urban problems. live in the slum as something worth investing in because it can be sold to recover the cost of the >> Invest time, energy CATALYST: How is housing instrumental in investment. To make that shift from something and capital into fostering peace? not being an asset to being an asset you actu- slums; they are DAS: Simply put, over-concentration of ally have to formalize – the building structure entrepreneurial under-housed people living in close proximity has to be durable – you have to formalize legal incubators and assets to people who are successfully market-housed structure so there is a right of transfer, and so to cities. has throughout history been a formula for on and so forth. So our theory is that we want >> Empower urban violence. There were housing and bread to change slums into assets and we want to do the impoverished riots in Rome in 75 BC. The 1848 European that by changing the housing and the residential by helping uprisings all arose out of urban slums. In 1967 environment within those slums into some- mission-powered you could turn on your television and watch entrepreneurial enterprises. Walter Cronkite narrate how America’s cities were burning. In 2003 there were riots in “I think the evidence >> Embrace Morocco. In 2011 we had the urban violence in the free transition of Tottenham. Urbanization, large concentrations is overwhelming information; isolation from it inhibits of rootless young men, substandard housing, that if you want social and economic lack of economic opportunity, when placed in advantage. close proximity to economic success and the rule of law almost always leads to urban vio- a peaceful world lence. You can connect it to Egypt to Tunisia; you have to have you can connect the unacceptability of housing situations to urban unrest in Saudi Arabia and successful cities; if Bahrain as well. So, simply put, I do not think you can have a world, an interconnected urban you want to have world that is at peace if there is generally unacceptable housing in large and rapidly growing successful cities cities. I think the evidence is overwhelming that if you want a peaceful world you have you have to have to have successful cities; if you want to have successful cities you have to have successful successful affordable affordable housing within those cities. housing within those CATALYST: How has our current global financial crisis impacted slum dwellers? cities. ” DAS: The short answer is, not much, but it has shrunken the source of donor funding for thing that is worth people’s while to invest in, to experiments. Donors are more hesitant, and so improve, and to deliver municipal services to. some of the things I would like to see done are In particular, we think that change is driven not happening because there is just less of this by entities, not by advocacy and not by gov- CSR and donor capital floating around, which ernment but by entities or enterprises or what is too bad. some people call social enterprises and what we

20 Catalystreview.net Saturday, June 19th, 2013, the day that demonstrators were forced to leave Gezi Park.

©JONATHAN LEWIS WWW.JONATHANLEWISPHOTO.COM call mission entrepreneurial entities or MEEs. pay something to buy it. The thing itself is an A MEE – “MEEs” like rhymes with bees, as in engineered financial product or physical product, busy bees – that produces a product or service it transforms the environment, it shows people that poor people buy because they want to buy it, how the ingredients can turn into something the doing of which, the MEE can make money better. That is the theory of impact and that is at, and the successful doing of which causes what we do. everybody else to go, “Oh look, not all is hopeless in the slum.” So, savings groups, micro finance CATALYST: What are some of the challenges institutions, little bitty community developers, of poverty alleviation and improving condi- little bitty co-ops all make a difference. You can tions for the urban poor today? Can you speak move up from that and say entities that organize to any current, modern influences on urban or support these things are the magic change growth trends? agents and we want to help them grow and DAS: It is made more of a challenge – it is a thrive. We do that with financial consulting and challenge today for two reasons, both of which financial advising that tries to connect them to are global trends of long duration that we are formal institutions and formal capital markets. only partway through. One of them is a fif- Those “pollinating bees” are the effective change ty-year trend and one of them is a twenty-year agents to cause what was a slum to be changed trend. The fifty-year trend, which started into an asset, and we think that the support and about 1980, 1985, is this acceleration in the encouragement and consulting and problem rate of urbanization. We are about halfway solving for those pollinating bees -- what they through that trend. People are moving to cities need to grow, and so that is what we do. So that –the population of cities and the percentage is why we are working in Haiti, to try to figure of people who live in cities are rising at rates out how Core Date can develop this little bitty without precedent in human history. Every neighborhood and why we are working in Dubai, year 80 million more people live in cities than because I think the housing finance agency in the year before. About half of them are rural- Dubai is trying to be one of these bees. We will to-urban immigrants, and the other half are work any place and with anybody where – it can born in the cities. And that pace is overwhelm- be a for-profit or a nonprofit, but do something ing all capacity to provide a built environment that poor people will pay their own money to to handle that urbanization. And in saying this buy, maybe not the full cost of it, but they will I’m not criticizing any particular government

Designing Peace 21 PLACEMAKING AND PEACEBUSINESS

or any set of policies. There have always been for the rich to be unaware of the poor and the moments in time when the pace of people poor to be unaware of the rich – that is impos- coming to the city has outstripped the capac- sible now. Internet technology is a leveler in ity of the city or formal institutions to cope making the case and getting the message with them. And that is a fifty-year trend that heard. As information becomes truly free, will continue for another 25 years. the ability of a cadre of leaders to control the It is made more challenging now than it CATALYST Insight has ever been in the past because cities are By connecting infor- more technological. So as buildings become mal entrepreneurs, more technological, become more sophisti- “In a global society co-ops, and organiza- cated, they go up, to get more people on the tions to formal institu- same land. As you go up, the physical environ- where an increasing tions and markets, ment that constitutes a housing unit becomes slums can become percentage of the valued as an asset. a more sophisticated and a more highly This can increase engineered technological construct. The size value of goods is in economic and social of the building becomes larger, and therefore value for a city and all the number of people who are accommo- the service component, inhabitants and build dated within one structure becomes larger. a foundation for living in peace. To get to the 12th floor you have to have an the value chain, the elevator, which presupposes a certain amount of electricity. It also presupposes structural intellectual add, if you steel reinforcement, steel and concrete reinforcement. And that means the business of isolate yourself from responding to urbanization becomes more complex and larger scale. the free transmission Second big trend, the immediacy trend, – this is a twenty-year trend and we are ten of information you years into it – information can no longer be caged. The Internet, broadband – as the suffer a substantial speed and immediacy of information goes economic comparative to infinity, as the cost of information goes to zero, the awareness by poor people of rich- disadvantage. ” ness around them becomes omnipresent. The awareness of rich people of poor people around them becomes omnipresent. The world narrative vanishes. In a global society where has not come to grips with this. Among the an increasing percentage of the value of goods events that are illustrative of the challenge, is in the service component, the value chain, when Muammar Gaddafi got killed, every- the intellectual add, if you isolate yourself one in the world knew about it within fifteen from the free transmission of information you minutes because somebody with a cell phone suffer a substantial economic comparative ran a scan of it and uploaded it, and not only disadvantage. did everybody know about it, you couldn’t In the Middle East, the Gulf states are now not know about it. When Hitler was killed coming to grips with the fact that if they want in the Führerbunker it took four months to an inclusive society, a global international establish he was dead. Well, there’s a flipside society, if you want get peoples’ ideas and their to that, and we have seen it in Tottenham and money to come there then it has to be inclu- we saw it in the French riots in 2005 and the sive, and it is incredibly debilitating to try to like. When the Internet is a great leveler of control the flow of information. Nations have access to information, it means culture moves to go with the prevailing wind of urbanization instantly and expectations move almost as and they have to go with the prevailing wind instantly. Prior to urbanization, it was easier of information immediacy. Once you do those

22 Catalystreview.net two things, then it becomes unacceptable to Cairo. One of the things they use as part of too many people that there is extreme poverty their sophisticated value chain is pigs, because within a quarter-mile of extreme wealth. And pigs will eat a great many things and will all of the dictators in the world, whether they turn certain kinds of garbage into fertilizer are autocratic or megalomaniac or anything and also turn it into ham. Of course, pigs are in between, are coming to understand that haraam under Islam. So, the Zabaleen are they cannot stop this, and even if they thought Copts; they are Christians. Cairo has been they could stop it, their kids are going to do seeking to develop garbage-truck sanitation, it. Their kids are going to make them change. and the Zabaleen have sought to compete for So in that world, if you are not tackling the the contracts, and when they are allowed a fair David A. Smith problem of healthy cities you will have urban competition they deliver higher-quality service David A. Smith is the violence, and if you are not tackling the prob- at lower price. founder of the Affordable lem of affordable urban housing you will not So part of what I like about slums in the Housing Institute, which develops sustainable have healthy cities. global environment is that to survive in a housing financial slum in the emerging world you have got to ecosystems worldwide. CATALYST: You have said that slums are an be entrepreneurial and you have got to have With more than 30 years direct experience important element in the urban eco-system. in affordable housing, Can you expand on that? David combines the DAS: Slums represent the adolescence of an roles of practitioner and “If you are not tackling theoretician, participant urbanization environment because what’s and policymaker. His happening is that some things – people mov- the problem of work as an international ing to the city, investment in private structure, housing finance policy informality – are growing much faster than advisor/ program healthy cities you will developer encompasses other things that take longer to grow – rule of projects on Brazil, law, extension of the municipal grid, making have urban violence, Colombia, Egypt, India, formality more inclusive. The reason people Ireland, Kenya, Middle East, Panama, Sri come to the city is that it is economically and if you are not Lanka, South Africa, sensible to do so. They come for themselves Turkey, and United and for their children. They are rational to do tackling the problem Kingdom, and he is a speaker on affordable that. Throughout history, cities have been the housing issues around wealth generators. So within a slum there are of affordable urban the world. A 1975 very few barriers to entrepreneurial creativity. Harvard graduate, he is That is the big comparative advantage. housing you will not an award-winning author with more than 100 Slums are entrepreneurial incubators, abso- published articles in real lutely. And in particular informal communi- have healthy cities.” estate, valuation, and ties are really good at innovating value chains policy periodicals, and a textbook, as well as an that do not depend on expensive technol- a work attitude. In the emerging world, if influential blog. AHI™ is ogy. They use interpersonal credit systems. you live in the slums you work, and you run a USA-based global non- Another example, again, that you can find around and you do something and you sell profit, providing housing finance expertise and going back through history: rag pickers. Rag it and you make ends meet. So those are the thought leadership to pickers and night soil men have existed within good parts about it; they reduce the barriers organizations working to informal communities since as far back as we to entry, they reduce access. In cities entrepre- make housing accessible can go. Rag pickers, as you know, are people neurs can make money formally, informally, to low-income people. Their mission is to help who scavenge and then sort and then resell or illegally. There are lots of things that are pro-poor innovators products, this could be recyclable bottles, informal but probably ought to be legal. If you build healthy housing it could be newspapers, it can be pieces of kill all of those then the only thing that is left ecosystems worldwide. corrugated metal. One of my favorite examples that is informal is illegal. And if the only guy of this is the Zabaleen of Cairo. The Zabaleen in the public housing project with a good car live in a ghetto neighborhood called Garbage is a drug dealer, that is what you learn, that City. They are essentially a guild of rag pickers becomes your upward path. So you see this and trash and rubbish and garbage people in connection between slums and crime. You also

Designing Peace 23 Istiklal street, Istanbul during the 2013 Gezi Park demonstrations.

©JONATHAN LEWIS WWW.JONATHANLEWISPHOTO.COM

PLACEMAKING AND PEACE

see slums becoming vote banks. You see slums to significant ecological and environment creating ward bosses, so Boss Tweed emerges breakdown. It is also the case that poor people out of slums, etc. and over time the only way live in geologically unstable land; they live in you make them go away is the formal city has low-lying or marshy land. And even at any to out-compete them. constant rate of tornadoes, tsunamis, hurri- canes, and rain, an increase in urbanization CATALYST: What are the environmental puts increasing numbers of people in climato- Related Resources impacts of slums, and how do their surround- logically at-risk places with inadequate infra- AHI BLOG: ings affect the health and welfare of slum structure. So this is the discussion we had ahiglobal.wordpress. dwellers? about Istanbul or Banda Aceh or Calcutta or com DAS: Ironically, for any given quantum of Bombay. When the tsunami comes, it is going human beings, cities are greener than suburbs, to affect more people. suburbs are greener than the rural environ- We have recently been doing some work in AHI WEBSITE: ment. For any hundred people, thousand Haiti. Some three hundred thousand people affordablehousing people, 10,000 people, it is less stress on the died in the Haitian earthquakes. Most of institute.org environment for them to live in cities than to them died because houses fell down hill- live anywhere else. Part of the reason being, going back to where we started with technology, in cities you share a wall, a floor, a roof with somebody else. And, as cities go “Do not think of up and become more technological, then you are starting to have a circulatory system: you slum upgrading as bring water up, you bring [waste] down, and so on and so forth. providing housing At the same time, rapid urbanization without concomitant infrastructure can over-stress for poor people. and potentially, essentially, blow out environmental capacity in certain cities. So if you go Think of it as health back in America’s urban history, The Boston Harbor was polluted, [in Britain] the Thames and safety for all of was undrinkable: there was something in 1855 us, because if the called The Great Stink, where you literally could not approach within 300 yards of the reservoir gets filthy, Thames because it would make you ill. So we have this capacity, we can blow out the then your kid gets environment. There is a temptation among rich people to sick, too.” blame the poor people for this, because it was the poor people after all who settled on the banks of the reservoir in Sao Paolo and pol- sides because they were geologically unstable luted the water. So that is true, so what? What because the hillsides were weak. They did not are we going to do about it? The poor people die because of what happened directly in the cannot afford to put the infrastructure in to earthquake, they died as a consequence of a clean it up, so the rich people have to put it in built environment on an unstable base. And to clean it up in self-defense. Do not think of so there is a significant risk of individual city slum upgrading as providing housing for poor environmental catastrophes arising out of all people. Think of it as health and safety for all of this. That does not change my view about of us, because if the reservoir gets filthy, then urbanization being desirable, but it is a reason your kid gets sick, too. why everybody else in the city should care So, the urban environment under pres- about formalizing the informal communities, sure from rapid urbanization is vulnerable to out-compete them.

26 Catalystreview.net ©JONATHAN LEWIS WWW.JONATHANLEWISPHOTO.COM

very good at systems analysis, and they envision CATALYST: Are there ways of empowering that the process of preventing suicide bombers slum dwellers to improve their own living con- or guys who have IEDs can be depicted on a ditions? What is required for that to happen? graph that runs from left to right, left to right DAS: Answer: put money and property rights representing a time sequence where at the right in their hands. Make it possible for them to end the bomb goes off or the suicide bombers have something that they own, that they are does the terrible thing. And they spend a lot of confident they will not be dispossessed of, that time thinking about how to reduce risk “left of they can invest in. That is the message of micro- boom,” meaning earlier in time to interdict the finance. We take it, I would say, a step further development of it. Well, I will suggest to you and say, Microfinance works great if it is a cow that war and violence and terrorism, if those or textiles or a sewing machine or a cigarette things are societal booms, making cities work roller. It does not work so well with a house, and making housing work is an intervention which is a physical asset and also not directly that reduces the likelihood of them occurring. related to the production of income, or does Part of the reason the king of Morocco started not seem that way. But when 80% of microfi- his anti-slum program was because he had a nance borrowers are women, most of whom are series of terror bombings in Rabat and Fez and self-employed or informally employed, it turns Casablanca, and all of the young men who car- out there are only so many hours in the day, and ried them out were living in the slums of those if it is easier for her to watch the kids or she can cities. So I would say, affordable housing and work at night because she has a light bulb, then urbanization and improving cities and cities’ you have changed her earning power and you infrastructure is how you intervene left of social have done that because you have enabled her to boom…Yeah, I spend a lot of time thinking have a new home. about what you do upstream. I will give you a last word. In the military, in Iraq and in other places, they are actually

Designing Peace 27 28 Catalystreview.net Executive Summary

Bárbara Arredondo is a noted cultural curator, a journalist who writes about peace building, and a peace entrepreneur recently named a global shaper by the World Economic Forum. Her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico was once considered one of the safest cities in Latin America, until the city became afflicted by violence of drug cartels in recent years. Arredondo is leading the design of a new chapter for Monterrey, and has created a platform to empower the community’s women to become vital influencers and shapers of positive change. With her mission in mind, she launched the first chapter of the i Am Here Series in Monterrey in 2012 as a platform of conferences and workshops where women where can recognize their potential and vital role in designing peace at different levels in their communities.

i Am Here for You Empowering women to lead their communities to peace BY BARBARA ARREDONDO © SALAS DE PAZ COMMUNITY PROJECT COMMUNITY PAZ DE © SALAS

IN 2011, BÁRBARA ARREDONDO ORGANIZED A GATHERING of 6,000 peace - makers in her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico for a weekend of intensive conferences and workshops with notable figures ranging from the Dalai Lama to iraqi-born wom - en’s activist Zainab Salbi. The following year, she launched iListen - a design thinking consulting agency that creates and curates experiences that redefine human potential. The i Am Here Series was its first project. In this article, Arredondo describes in her own words what the i Am Here Series platform is and shares her own journey.

Designing Peace 29 I AM HERE FOR YOU

I do not know much about war, but I have nity was now desolate. As overwhelming as been actively learning about peace, and peace it was, an enlightening moment occurred. In starts from within. I came to this personal the midst of the great silence I began to feel realization on August 25, 2011 when over 50 a sense of hope that the city would recover people died during a narco-terrorist attack faster than one could imagine. After all, it is at a casino in my hometown of Monterrey, in our nature as people to overcome adver- Mexico. The news spread across the world. sity. Tohoku made me realize that we must Strategy This appalling incident sparked a shift in celebrate our time on Earth even though in Action Monterrey, from one of the safest cities in situations out of our control will always Latin America into one of the hot spots for happen. There are ebbs and flows in life, and drug-related violence. Hate and hopelessness no matter how much devastating situations >> Recognize your potential; soon became an engrained part of our city’s impact us and how much joy they take from magnify it with your atmosphere. community. When I was a journalist, I was eager to write stories that presented my city and my >> Own “In order to ignite a country in a positive light, to help uplift and the problem so you have the proper comfort our people during these chaotic conversation and to insight to design a times. However, I realized that I could not solution. catalyze peace through my writing alone. design peace in the I realized that I could not solve my city’s >> Build a community. problems myself. I needed to bring people 21st century we must Creating peace is not together. I needed to have hundreds by my a one-woman show. side. Together we might heal our own per- address the issues sonal emotional wounds as well as those >> Identify from a positive per- peace stakeholders in inflicted on our communities by empowering a community. Monterrey’s women to design peace into everyday experiences, structures and objects. spective, one of hope >> Connect Together we can build the resilience vital to peace entrepreneurs and possibility rather at different levels of our communities in this constantly changing the society. world. It was then that I decided to be a peace than one of tragedy entrepreneur. By stepping outside of my own comfort zone and home of Monterrey and vis- and doom. From hate iting a place suffering from disaster, I found the inspiration for how to begin my work. to love or war to peace,

INSPIRED BY RESILIENCY AND HOPE our everyday choices

In 2011, I was invited to speak at Byakko determine our reality. Shinko Kai’s (BSK) inspiring Symphony of Peace and Prayers annual event in Japan. BSK, a Japanese organization founded in the us, we need to be agile and resilient to reori- 1950s, is dedicated to world peace and raising ent ourselves to peace. the consciousness of everyone on Earth. In the most devastating situations, creative During my stay in Japan I visited Tohoku, thinking can play a critical role, helping us to the most damaged region by the earthquake re-examine our circumstances and identify and tsunami of March 2011. As I stepped opportunities to bounce back and design off the bus, the silence and emptiness were peace. This particular trip influenced my overwhelming. I stood amongst utter devasta- personal outlook on how humans deal with tion, a place where homes with families once chaotic environments. It was the impetus shared thousands of moments as a commu- that led me to create the i am Here Series

30 Catalystreview.net Founder, President, and CEO of Raising Change, Kathy LeMay, speaking at the I Am Here Series Conference.

©ANA ELENA STUDIO

CivilizingDesigning the Economy Peace 31 I AM HERE FOR YOU

as a platform to communicate to people in how important it is to develop these systems, Monterrey that we cannot let environmental people were afraid of what could happen if situations, in this case drug-related violence, they interacted with well-known dangerous dictate our future. Our people, especially areas of the city. During the i Am Here Series, women, need to discover our strengths and opportunities to bring back peace and unity to Monterrey. It is about taking reality in our Barbara hands. For me, the challenge was to create the “To design peace it is Arredondo platform to communicate that possibility to Founder and CEO, IListen the community of Monterrey. critical for women to & i Am Here Series Bárbara Arredondo is a LEVERAGING THE STRENGTHS OF be fully present in the noted cultural curator OTHERS TOWARDS A MISSION OF PEACE and journalist in peace- process. It is vital for building. Bárbara worked as content director for One of the i Am Here Series partners during women to understand the Second & Third those months was Zihaume Mochilla, which Worldwide Meeting on means ‘Women with Hope’ in the Nahuatl Human Values and as how relevant and ED tech project manager language. This organization was founded in for EducarUno and 2003 and focuses on educating women of powerful their Kiran Bir Sethi. She has the Nahuatl community in the area of Nuevo advised diverse projects and events such as the León, Monterrey. Besides celebrating their contribution can be in Lincoln Center Institute’s heritage as indigenous people; women take Imagination Summit Spanish classes, library and computer courses, decision-making and the Newark Peace violence prevention classes, and programs to and Education Summit. On 2012, she launched develop skills sets that enable them to shape processes within their IListen - a design think- their community and create extra income. ing consulting agency The interaction between the i Am Here communities. Their that creates and curates experiences that redefine Series and Women with Hope left partic- human potential. Her ipants from both groups with a profound empowerment can first project began as a sense of responsibility for the development of 4-month series called lead to the creation of i Am Here Series – a their communities. Participants were enthu- platform featuring con- siastic that this interaction was the starting critical solutions to ferences and workshops point of something bigger than them; they where women were able felt able to work together toward the com- to recognize their own complex problems. ” potential to craft positive mon mission of ‘designing peace’ within their and meaningful change communities. in their communities. Early this year the World Economic Forum named THE KEY COMPONENT TO DESIGNING participants were awakened to their potential Barbara as a Global PEACE FOR MONTERREY’S FUTURE for shaping peace in their own lives and were Shaper. encouraged to leverage their different sets of To design peace it is critical for women to skills in order to magnify their impact in their be fully present in the process. It is vital for communities. Gradually, woman within the women to understand how relevant and community began to connect with each other. powerful their contribution can be in deci- Although most participants were acquain- sion-making processes within their commu- tances through the program, over the course nities. Their empowerment can lead to the of the program they began to work together creation of critical solutions to complex prob- in more honest and meaningful ways. Some lems. Before the i Am Here Series, the major- began projects of their own for their children ity of participants had never engaged in any and schools and others for their businesses. humanitarian or community-supporting ini- The women of Monterrey were empowered to tiatives. Even though they were fully aware of change the circumstances of violence in their

32 Catalystreview.net © SALAS DE PAZ COMMUNITY PROJECT community and the I Am Here series pro- our reality. We need to start celebrating our vided tools and strategies to help them bring time on earth with the utmost joy. We need CATALYST Insight peace back to Monterrey. initiatives that remind us that there is always It is not about altru- Through the i Am Here Series, we are not something we can do even when we feel ism from women to only empowering women to believe in the powerless and that peace within oneself leads women. It is about possibility of peace for Monterrey, but also to peace for our community. In conclusion, empowering women to connect existing gaps empowering ourselves as sponsors and sup- if peace and joy are what we are seeking; we so that their com- porters as results of our interactions within need to allow ourselves to be entrepreneurs in munities can respond the platform. Our needs, skills, and strengths the area of peace. We need to be open to the more effectively when fuel each other’s passion and commitment. idea that we absolutely have each other and facing a common This inspired the mantra of the platform: I that without hesitation i Am Here for you, and problem. am here for you. We are not alone. We aim we together can promote and design peace. to build peace through our common ground, celebrate our uniqueness, grow from our differences, and design a dignified, self-supporting system for ourselves and for future generations. In order to ignite a conversation and to design peace in the 21st century we must address the issues from a positive perspective, one of hope and possibility rather than one of tragedy and doom. From hate to love or war to peace, our everyday choices determine

Designing Peace 33 34 Catalystreview.net Executive Summary

When we design, we design for the real conditions of people’s lives in a world subject to sudden change. Our designs can create a sense of peace and safety even during the most unsettling events. Design for Disaster (D4D) designs peacemaking through place making that factors in the consequence of disruptions in the natural environment and conflict between humans.

E m p o w e r i n g Communities for Peace and Resilience Mitigating Risk of Disaster Through Design

WRITTEN BY VIPAVEE KUNAVICHAYANONT | TRANSLATED BY VIMVIPA POOME

In this complex and unpredictable time, many catastrophic events happen suddenly and without warning. Both natural and man-made disasters - earthquakes, volcanoes, extreme weather conditions, epidemics, even wars and protests - occur more frequently in many parts of the world. The damage from these disasters is also increasing. For example, in Thailand, a country rich in natural resources and with a laid back joie-de-vivre, disaster only became part of the norm beginning with the tsunami in 2004, a flood crisis in 2011 and recent earthquakes.

Designing Peace 35 EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR PEACE AND RESILIENCE

In response to this new reality, a group of talented designers, artists, and academics came together to lend their country a hand, forming a non-profit organization named Design for Disaster (D4D). Their main goal is to design solutions that mitigate risks when disasters occur and to spread aware- Strategy ness throughout the country. In this article, in Action D4D Co-Founder Vipavee Kunavichayanont describes the organization’s work and its importance to the shaping of stability and >> Smile Thailand is knows as peace for Thailand’s future. “The Land of Smiles” Thailand used to be a “lucky” country and D4D’s 2010 where disasters of this kind rarely occurred. initiative demon- Rich in natural resources, there is a Thai strated the power of proverb that can summarize the history of this simple gesture in our country: “There are fishes in the water, relieving tension during times of turmoil there is rice in the field.” The Thai way of and divided affiliation life has always been laid-back and relaxed, amongst people but after the Tsunami in southern Thailand in 2004, we understood that Thailand is >> Promote Promote public aware- not safe from catastrophe anymore, as we ness on what causes used to believe. The frequent earthquakes, climate change and its land subsidence, coastal erosion, drought, impact. Through edu- flash floods, mudslides and landslides have “Despite the clear, visual cation, anyone can be reduced the quality and quantity of agricul- resilient and transform manifestation of the their surroundings into tural goods vital to our economy. Man- something meaningful made disasters are now a new topic around conflict and tension, here. We have plenty of chemical pollution >> Experiment from factories and corruption in society. No design is ready D4D optimistically The ethnic separatist insurgency, taking until it has been tested and refined. place in Southern Thailand continues to be believed that another Experiment with new more severe. Political conflict is still ongo- materials and tech- ing. visual statement niques to enhance the Events like these affect people’s mind- possibilities for good sets. Thai morality, ethics, and virtues design solutions could transcend these are on the decline; people lack a feeling of >> Survive! peace and stability. Nobody knows when chromatic barriers, the Sometimes a clear, a disaster will happen and how long will it straightforward take to recover. We need to learn to adapt simple yet well-known directive is the best to uncertainty. motivation to design Thai smile. ” real, applicable, viable Design for Disaster (D4D) was founded solutions in 2010 within this context. It is a non- profit research network of young designers, artists, and academics from various fields. vision is to encourage society at large to Without any obligation, members are have the preparations, knowledge, skills, committed to help with diverse projects, and most importantly, a good morale for based on their expertise and schedules. survival. With that, the aim is a society able The goal of the organization is to build to survive disaster together, and resiliently. awareness and find long-term solutions for D4D encourages people to become “open- everyone to be prepared for disasters. The minded to understand” through design,

36 Catalystreview.net ©ART 4D MAGAZINE while also encouraging cooperation between 5. Apparel Design government agencies, private sector actors 6. Textile Design and non-governmental organizations, in 7. Graphic Design order to foster peace, safety, resilience and 8. Film sustainability in Thailand. 9. Communication Arts When talking about disaster, we are focused both on the uncertainty and its D4D’s work has ranged from research many possibilities. D4D has compiled the and design to implementation. In the first essential needs that are usually affected by year, we focused on creating public aware- disaster in this Top 11 Problems List: ness about possible disasters in Thailand. 1. water During the second year, our work was more 2. food concrete, offering research that people could 3. medicine apply to real-life situations. Below, we share 4. clothes some examples of the projects that D4D has 5. shelters produced since it began just a few years ago. 6. sanitation 7. energy SHARING SMILES IN A TIME OF 8. immigration POLITICAL UNREST 9. communication 10. transportation During April and May of 2010, Bangkok and 11. safety Chiang Mai experienced political tensions, demonstrations, and conflicts between D4D then created the multi-disciplinary civilians and authorities. People affiliated designs that can address the list of Top 11 themselves with certain political parties and problems listed above: expressed their conflicting ideologies through 1. Urban Planning / Design their choice of apparel. One group wore 2. Architecture T-shirts of a certain color while another wore 3. Interior Architecture / Design a different color, and so on. Despite the clear, 4. Product Design visual manifestation of the conflict and ten-

Designing Peace 37 EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR PEACE AND RESILIENCE

sion, D4D optimistically believed that another EXPERIMENTAL LIFE-SAVING AND visual statement could transcend these FLOTATION DEVICES chromatic barriers, the simple yet well-known Thai smile. D4D launched the Thai Smiles During 2010’s monsoon season, Thailand Outreach campaign. We stopped strangers, experienced a devastating flood that ravaged regardless of shirt color affiliation, and simply many parts of the country. D4D did a survey asked for their sincere smile to contribute to in Ayutthaya, one the country’s most import- Vipavee Kunavi- our “Thai Smiles Campaign.” As they revealed ant historical cities and a UNESCO World chayanont their beautiful smiles, the color of the shirt Heritage Site, and Chainat, a province in the Vipapee spent many they were wearing lost importance, and all upper central region among those damaged years in the United tension seemed to subside. Surprisingly, most by the two-meter flood, to have a first-hand States attaining degrees were more than happy to allow D4D to take understanding of the local experience. From at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, photos of their infectious grins. It is no wonder our findings, D4D identified a need for low- Rhode Island School of that Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles.” cost, rapidly employable flotation devices, Design and architecture Even the simplest of gestures can play a part and then conceived flood flotation devices school in Harvard, along in guiding people back to peace. with a summer intern- ship with Pritzker Prize-winning architect, RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT CLIMATE Peter Zumthor. After the 2003 Tsunami that CHANGE THROUGH IMAGES “D4D encourages caused massive devastation in 2003, Climate change is an undeniable global issue people to become Vipapee experienced affecting our planet at large. D4D values the recurring nightmares “open-minded to that almost kept her importance of genuine understanding and away from her home public awareness about the root causes of country of Thailand in climate change and its impact. We believe understand” through fear. Instead, Vipavee that through positive thinking and creativity, made this her directive design, while in life and decided to the impact of climate change can be miti- pursue another field of gated. Every individual in society can sig- also encouraging study called Disaster nificantly contribute in making this world a Preparedness, Mitigation and Management at the better place if we would open our minds and cooperation between Asian Institute of senses to envision the possibilities for positive Technology. She then change. founded the group government Design for Disasters in By seeing the world with a fresh perspec- 2010 with the intention tive, we will have the ability to comprehend agencies, private to help Thai people in and transform our surroundings into some- preparing and handling thing new and meaningful. This was the disasters, to help sector actors and mitigate the drastic idea behind Bangkok and Climate Change, consequences of climate a mobile photo exhibition held in October non-governmental change, through design. 2012. The project was organized by D4D in collaboration with the United Nations Devel- organizations, in opment Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic and Social Committee for order to foster peace, Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), UN-Hab- itat, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administra- safety, resilience tion, Lomography and many more. It came and sustainability in to life as a photo contest, with more than 100 entries, and the winners became part of an Thailand. ” exhibition that traveled around Bangkok.

38 Catalystreview.net A gallery exhibit of Design for Disasters’ programs and initiatives in Bangkok, Thailand. Below, a design in action: a flotation device made with common household items that can be rapidly deployed. . ©ART 4D MAGAZINE EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR PEACE AND RESILIENCE

from everyday objects (plastic water bot- the verge of disaster, assets to be lost and tles, fishing nets, rope, etc.), which can be lives threatened. easily accessed and quickly constructed in The causes of the disaster are: an emergency situation. The idea behind this experiment was to instruct citizens to 1) Severe wind and heavy rain in Bangkok; help themselves in times of need, as D4D 2) Immense floods from the North over believed that this is more crucial than flowing Chao Phraya River; CATALYST Insight expecting immediate assistance from exter- 3) Rising sea level in the Gulf of Thailand; Empower survivors by nal organizations in such cases like cata- 4) Land subsidence. teaching them to adapt strophic floods. The teaching is that life can to devastation. Work to be more sustainable when fostering self-re- We specified that the survival device must re-establish a solid liance. The results of this experiment were be designed so that an untrained, uniniti- foundation of basic needs, and enlighten studied and the designs led to D4D’s next them to use local big project in response to the 2011 floods. resources in an innovative way to PREPARING FOR SURVIVAL “It is not often develop a community where resiliency is The 2011 floods presented the worst flood possible to predict inherent. crisis we have ever experienced as a country. At that time 62 of the country’s 76 provinces exactly when, where, were affected, including Bangkok, the capital and most populous city. Traditionally, our and how a disaster ancestors lived in harmony with the water, knowing how to adapt their lifestyles accord- will happen, as we ing to the seasons. However, the way we live inhabit a complicated now in the urbanized and industrialized world increased the severity of the flood- and sophisticated ing. The riverbanks of the Chao Phraya and countless canals in Bangkok are no longer planet. The best protected from the seasonal floods, due in large part to the impact of increasing urban- thing we can do is ization on the cityscape and land infrastructure. These waterways, along with existing to carefully design water retention areas and giant water drain- age tunnels are not always able to handle by recognizing, the volume of water that comes with a flash flood. problems, taking After the 2011 flood, D4D launched Sur- vive! as an open call for designs. Survive! inventory of our invited participants to transform household items into products, materials, and resources, and devices that can help a person survive during practicing a multi- the event of a flood or other disasters. The parameters for the design were directly influ- disciplinary approach enced by the experience of living through the floods, earthquakes, and political crisis to create the most experienced in Thailand in recent years. The scenario set up for the Survive! Competition viable solutions for was: Bangkok is hit by a flash flood. Water rises to two meters within a course of three our people. ” hours. Millions of Bangkok residents are on

40 Catalystreview.net ated member of the general public can easily “Disaster Management” and D4D was hon- assemble the device within three hours. The ored for the design process. The project aims device must effectively resolve at least one of to raise awareness and share knowledge on the five problem categories, which are: shel- how to prepare for and what to do in times of ter/living quarters, sanitary ware, transpor- disaster. The toolkit offers a series of learning tation vehicle, clothing, and communication. materials such as a calendar, poster, hand- The general public was encouraged to partic- book, checklist, brochure, monopoly game, ipate, particularly college students in all dis- card game, and puzzle game. By the end of ciplines, December 2011, Emergency Medical Institute Winning entries were awarded cash prizes, of Thailand and World Health Organization worth more than Bht60,000. The judging had successfully distributed the calendars and panel included experienced professionals posters, and by August 2012, the handbooks, including designers, lecturers, rescue staff, to a number of hospitals and communities in as well as medical volunteers, survivors, and many parts of Thailand. The checklist and D4D founders. Winning entries were exhib- other games were released in late 2012. ited at the Bangkok Design Festival 2012. It is not often possible to predict exactly when, where, and how a disaster will happen, HELPING PEOPLE FACE THE POTENTIAL as we inhabit a complicated and sophisticated FOR DISASTER THROUGH ART planet. The best thing we can do is to carefully design by recognizing, problems, taking Bangkok’s Art and Culture Centre (BACC), inventory of our resources, and practicing in collaboration with the Design for Disas- a multi-disciplinary approach to create the ters network, showcased an exhibition to raise most viable solutions for our people. Collabo- awareness on the environment and its alarm- ration is an integral part of D4D’s action plan ing transformations in early 2012. Titled Let’s to fulfill this task; we encourage this alliance Panic, the exhibition used the work of 15 art- between government agencies, private sector ists and designers to reflect on the various and non-government organizations to pro- scenarios of what could happen if Bangkok mote peace, safety, resilience, and sustain- faced another major disaster. The participat- ability. We seek to bridge the gap between ing artists and designers offered a variety of industry, education, finance, science, policy, concepts, creating diverse atmospheres, emo- public, disaster management and media to tions, and feelings to portray some possibili- bring light to its actual realization, public ties in an experiential way. The exhibition was awareness and creative solutions. Through accompanied by a series of weekly talks on D4D’s platform, we seek to impart wisdom topics relating to designing for disaster. The and inspire creativity, to help Thai people to guest-speakers ranged from architects, illus- be agile, resourceful and resilient with the trators and writers, to flood survivors and uncertainties of a changing natural world. rescue staff. All in all, the “Let’s Panic” exhibition generated an exchange of knowledge and information that will hopefully contribute to RELATED RESOURCES the public awareness towards conserving our environment and mitigating risks inherent in http://www.designfordisasters.org/ disasters. Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back, by PROVIDING TOOLS FOR PREPARATION AND Andrew Zolli, 2012 SURVIVAL IN TIMES OF DISASTER Sustainable and Resilient Communities: A The Disaster Risk Reduction Toolkit is a Comprehensive Action Plan for Towns, Cities, collaboration between the Royal Thai Gov- and Regions, by Stephen J. Coyle, 2011 ernment (RTG) and the World Health Orga- nization (WHO). The theme of the project is

Designing Peace 41 Executive Summary

Conventionally, the advancement of social good is a function of non-profit and governmental institutions, but an increasing number of for-profit entities are challenging this paradigm. Organizations like Voxiva take an unapologetically capitalist approach towards solving social issues and addressing social problems. They are challenging common perceptions of both the limitations of corporate integrity and what it means to reinvest in a cause.

Commerce and Peace: The Value of Capital and Resources for Real-World Solutions AN INTERVIEW WITH GRANT ELLIOT, BY: REBECCA PAUL

Voxiva is an international pioneer in the production of interactive mobile health services. Its programs address a variety of health concerns, including maternal and child health, smoking cessation and diabetes self-management. In early 2010, Voxiva launched Text4baby, an award-winning educational service for pregnant women and new moms. Today, Text4baby is the largest mobile health service in the United States.

Former Voxiva’s Director of Operations, Grant Elliott, has watched the company mature from a struggling start-up into a global success. This experience has rein - forced his belief that commerce (along with the capital and resources it makes acces - sible) is essential to the evolution of great ideas into tools, products, and services that offer real-world solutions. Catalyst’s Rebecca Paul recently sat down with Mr. Elliott to discuss his insights and experience. To Elliot, revenue is more than a signifier of capitalist achievement – it is the lifeblood of any enterprise that seeks to make an impact, deliver the best products, or even design peace.

42 Catalystreview.net Designing Peace 43 COMMERCE AND PEACE

CATALYST: In your opinion how is the idea of creating a “sustainable” business connected to CATALYST: How do outside perceptions of a designing Peace? “for-profit” vs. “non-profit” company GE: When you start working in developing influence your ability to be successful? countries, you realize that there are three areas GE: It is hard for people to feel comfortable with of focus that will improve the quality of life for proceeds going towards higher salaries, glitzy Strategy the people living there: agriculture, education marketing events or shareholder dividends, in Action and health. If you can develop a country where instead of being reinvested into “the cause.” This the majority of the population is well-educated is why government and NGO’s typically pay lower and has access to basic nourishment, its people salaries than “for-profit” companies, and can >> Customize commercial strate- will be able to feed themselves and achieve some result in the best talent going to the “for-profits”. gies to sustain the wealth through trade and agriculture. That will In most developing countries, the smartest peo- impact of social stimulate economy, and subsequently stimulate ple invariably work for mobile network providers services. [sensibilities] that are more aligned with the because they pay [the highest salaries]. Western world. Clearly, people want to support organizations >> Transform that have the most impact. But the problem is Transform concep- that, as a society, we look at that and say, “well, I tions surrounding the integrity of for- “...fundamentally, the basic don’t like to donate a dollar to something when profit social enter- I know fifty cents is going to administration.” prises, to balance principles of profitable However, that fifty cents goes to the adminis- the distribution trative costs for the salaries of highly-talented of talent between business plans advance people, money for the marketing and PR cam- market sectors. paigns that get the message out, and investments >> Accountability sustainability when solv- in technology that provide more efficient means Accountability ing many social issues.” to collect money. to shareholders Of course there has to be balance, and like any- provides incentive thing else, there are always those who will take for social entrepre- advantage and exploit the market. But funda- neurs to success- CATALYST:What are some of the challenges mentally, the basic principles of profitable busi- fully address social that you face working to provide social services ness plans [advance] sustainability when solving issues. as a for-profit organization? many social issues. Would the Arab Spring have GE: The challenge with trying to save the planet, occurred without Facebook and Twitter? Would feed starving children, eradicate disease or solve micro-funding be successful in Africa without global warming is that it is difficult to develop the explosion of mobile phone use, enabled by CATALYST a business model. Everyone agrees that these extremely profit-conscious mobile network oper- Insight are noble causes, but what’s the best approach to ators? The quest to make money provides focus For-profit and championing them? Traditionally, most funding and ensures that businesses provide products of social good are not to support social development is provided in the value. mutually exclusive. A focus on increas- form of government aid. Either domestic govern- ing shareholder ments fund local aid programs, or international CATALYST: Can you explain some of the prob - value, and return aid is provided by rich countries to developing lems that these perceptions create for fostering on investment, can ones. For example, in 2013, the U.S. Government sustainable solutions that address social prob- help social enter- will spend over $40 billion in foreign aid alone. lems in today’s society? prises to attract the best talent, At Voxiva the problem is that, as a for- GE: In my opinion, the main problem caused by innovate solutions profit organization, we are competing against the stigma surrounding the intent of for-profit to global prob- non-profits. Unfortunately, common perceptions organizations is that we are stifling innovation, lems and catalyze regarding the integrity of for-profit companies and thus preventing progress. The reality is that change to design (versus non-profits) may prevent social entrepre- revenue motivates many individuals with the peace. neurship and social innovation from developing, skill sets essential to success as social in the areas of public interest or social service. entrepreneurs.

44 Catalystreview.net

Grant Elliot During his time at Voxiva, Grant Elliott, served as Chief Opera- tions Officer and Chief Information Security Office, and helped the company grow from a struggling mobile health startup into a profitable digital health engagement company. In 2013, Grant founding Ostendio, Inc. a mobile solutions provider that supports Mobile Application development and delivers multi-channel mobile applications. He understands first-hand the need for capital to motivated to make it work because we needed to turn great ideas into There are three main stakeholders in the [non- make a return [on investment] for our sharehold- tools, products, and profit] ecosystem: those who use services, those ers. Organizations are never more accountable services that provide who fund services and those who provide services. than when profits are at stake. real solutions. Organizations [that provide services] may or may The advantage provided by a for-profit com - not be invested in the solutions, because there is pany is that at the end of the day it comes down little accountability. In this context, we have to to one thing, if you don’t make enough money, question the sustainability of government and your shareholders are not going to invest in you. charitable aid. In “Fortune at the bottom of the The challenge with non-profits is whether or not Pyramid,” C.K. Prahalad argues that true sustain- methods for measuring effectiveness and accountability is only attainable if the question of return ability, other than return on investment, can be on investment can be answered. Successful busi - identified. ness models must be developed from the bottom up, so that profit can be maximized in a self-sus- CATALYST: How have you addressed this taining manner. By leveraging commercial enter- challenge as an organization? prise, in even micro fashion, the importance of GE: At Voxiva we try very hard to demonstrate return on investment is reinforced – allowing suc- that our objective is to generate profit, to fuel cessful business ideas to flourish. the innovations necessary to make progress and A few years ago I presented a solution to a senior solve social problems. That’s why as an organi- Ministry of Health official, from an East African zation, we are a socially-oriented for-profit and country. I later learned that we were one of five being “socially-oriented” is an important part of organizations competing to provide a solution the culture. It’s become a constant mindset, and (none of which the Ministry would have had to pay when we make business decisions as an organi- for). We were the only “for-profit” company. When zation, they are not determined purely by finan- asked why he should choose us, I explained that cial gain. We always try to make decisions that we were the only company that’s business was at continue to further the objective of doing good, risk if we were not successful. That we were more and we want to do so as efficiently as possible.

Designing Peace 45

Executive Summary

In a time when the chasm between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is widening, and socio-economic mobility is stagnant, the arts are re-emerging as an effective means for community advancement. An examination of Venezuela’s El Sistema, Paraguay’s Recycle Orchestra and the UK’s Love Music Hate Racism reveals the power of music to elevate a community’s soul and surroundings, and provide once-elusive opportunities to the many.

The Power of Music to Create Change Global Stories of Music and Empowerment BY MONTSERRAT CASTAÑON, PAMELA HERNANDEZ AND SACHA PHILLIP

The arts’ ability to inspire and nourish is vital to the health of individuals, communities and countries, and yet, we continually underestimate their power to catalyze change. In our mercurial global economy, we need dynamic and innovative leaders who perceive the world with artistic sensitivities. These are the individuals who will create the solutions that overcome socio-environmental challenges and design change that is truly transformational. © GUSTAVO DUDAMEL DIRECTING © GUSTAVO

Designing Peace 47 THE POWER OF MUSIC TO CREATE CHANGE

Artful change management is currently practiced in Venezuela, Paraguay and the United Kingdom, where music programs are used to foster self-esteem, strengthen local pride and empower communities. Music is inspiring communities to express themselves, expand their perceptions of the Pa m e l a world, explore their imaginations and con- Hernández nect with people within and beyond the Pamela, born and borders they inhabit. raised in Mexico City, is passionate about EL SISTEMA contemporary arts and social media. She has worked at the Venezuela’s state-funded orchestral sys- International Society tem, “El Sistema” (The System), was cre - of Mexican Art Values ated by maestro José Antonio Abreu in (SIVAM), MoMA PS1, The Solomon R. Gug- 1975. Abreu believes that music is the vessel genheim, Creative Time, through which complex emotions are best Issue Project Room, communicated: “music has to be recog - among other non-profit arts organizations. In nized as an agent of social development in 2012, she coedited a the highest sense, because it transmits the book gathering more highest values of solidarity, harmony and than 50 philanthro- mutual compassion. And it has the abil - pists, 18 contemporary Mexican artists and ity to unite an entire community and to a group of artisans of express sublime feelings.” He is dedicated Chiapas, Mexico; and in to a utopian vision, in which the orchestra 2013, Pamela created an artists residency represents an ideal society. The sooner a program between NYC child is immersed in this environment, the and Mexico City. Today, better for all. she is interested in exploring the challenges Abreu derives inspiration from Mother and opportunities pre- Theresa’s belief that the worst thing about “To successfully develop sented by an increasing poverty is not the lack of a roof over one’s global art market and head. Rather, it is the destruction of iden - digital communications. new types of industry in She holds a Bache- tity, the feeling of being “nobody”. It is lor’s degree in Media essential that children develop self-esteem any country, city or com- and Communications and receive acknowledgment within their from the Universidad munity, interested par- Iberoamericana and communities, to combat the darkness of a Master’s degree despair by illuminating possibility. Music in Arts and Cultural education provides powerful means for ties need a scrupulous Management from Pratt Institute. children to do so, and is therefore a crucial element in the betterment of society. understanding Most of the 310,000 to 370,000 Venezu- of the cultural, elan children who attend El Sistema’s music schools originate from poor socio-economic environmental, political backgrounds. A stipend is provided and children are selected by a youth or city and economic factors orchestra, to both emphasize the value of a musical education and to facilitate con- present within the tinued participation. Most of El Sistema’s teachers are former students, who have perspective region.” returned to the program to nurture subse -

48 Catalystreview.net Montserrat Castañon Born and raised in Mexico City, Montserrat Castañon is an industrial designer with experience focusing on the production of design projects and art exhibitions in museums and galleries such as Lab- oratorio Arte Alameda in Mexico City and Cristina Grajales Gallery in New York City. She currently works at Fitz & Co, a strategic communications agency for art and culture, with clients like Art Basel, Paris Photo and Sharjah Art Foundation. Her Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra at Oslo, 2010, passions are the creative Gustavo Dudamel Directing intersection between disciplines, like art and . design, and cultural © MIGUEL O. STRAUSS exchange. She looks to work with creative talents quent generations of young musicians. The ing the Prince Asturias Award for the Arts, to bring their work to new audiences and markets. students’ mobility demonstrates the power the UNESCO International Music Prize of ensemble music to change the lives of a and a TED Prize), and has nurtured glob - nation’s youth, while it transforms the com- ally renowned musicians such as Edicson munities around them. Ruiz and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The The Simón Bolívar Music Foundation Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra regu- governs El Sistema, and aims to promote larly dazzles audiences around the world, in social organization and community devel- legendary venues like Carnegie Hall. opment through the practice of symphonic Americans inspired by El Sistema’s Sacha Wynne and choral music. At the present time, El visionary programs have a local resource, Sistema oversees 60 children’s orchestras, in the form of El Sistema USA. This sat - Sacha Wynne is a graduate student in Pratt nearly 200 youth orchestras, 30 profes- ellite operation provides information on El Institute’s Graduate Arts sional adult orchestras, dozens of choruses, Sistema’s methodology and offers a variety and Cultural Management and the training programs that make them of resources that aid those seeking to build, program. She is also a professional writer, and possible. Under the auspices of the Simón expand and support El Sistema programs has contributed to several Bolívar Music Foundation, El Sistema has in the United States – and beyond. groundbreaking print emerged as the most comprehensive social and online publications, responsibility program ever developed in including TRACE, paper- THE RECYCLE ORCHESTRA mag.com, and VIBE Vixen. Venezuela, and has made unparalleled Sacha aspires to innovate impact worldwide. Music serves society on a smaller scale in at the intersection of the El Sistema’s influence stretches far Cateura, Paraguay. As the recipient of 1,500 arts, the private sector, and public works. In the beyond Venezuela’s borders: it is the winner tons of garbage daily, Cateura is not the type meantime, she is writing a of numerous international awards (includ- of environment in which opportunities for collection of short stories.

Designing Peace 49 THE POWER OF MUSIC TO CREATE CHANGE

self- and community-development usually exist. However, they do. Using the trash that “Music has to be surrounds them, the Cateurians have lever- aged their creativity and collective efforts to recognized as an agent create The Recycle Orchestra. The musicians in The Recycle Orchestra of social development play string, woodwind and percussion instru- Strategy ments that are masterfully fashioned from in the highest in Action recycled garbage. Its founder, landfill worker and musician Favio Chavez, wants people to sense, because it >> Connect “realize that we should not throw away trash Artfully carelessly. Well, we should not throw away transmits the highest people either.” >> Envision The Recycle Orchestra has performed values of solidarity, Multi-faceted internationally, in Brazil and Colombia, and outcomes harmony and mutual some of its original members currently play >> Identify with traditional orchestras around the world. compassion.” the beauty and Their stories will be featured in the “Land- potential in all fill Harmonic” documentary, which will be >> Challenge released in 2014. perceptions of what perform at, and produce, local events. Much is possible LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM of Love Music Hate Racism’s work is advo- >> Foster cacy-based, and the organization works tire- expression to Love Music Hate Racism was founded in lessly to mobilize voters against not just the empower communities 2002 to combat racial violence, racist rhet- BNP, but all intolerant candidates. Recog - oric, and the increasing popularity of the nizing the importance of local organizers to United Kingdom’s fascist British National these efforts, Love Music Hate Racism pro- Party (BNP). vides them with a host of resources that help The organization is a direct descen- individuals to galvanize their communities dant of the seminal Rock Against Racism toward change. movement. Rock Against Racism gained Love Music Hate Racism unites mul- prominence in the late-1970s, when it was tiracial, multicultural, multifaith crowds founded to counter racist remarks made through the celebration of shared experi- by popular musicians of the day (including ences. Through music (rock, hip-hop, grime, a handful who were subsequently inducted soul, bhangra, drum ‘n base, indie, punk, CATALYST Insight into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame), and reggae, and jazz), it bolsters the strengths The arts are essential growing white nationalism. Rock, punk, that unite us and weakens the tyrannies that strategic elements of funk, jazz and reggae musicians “sang out” would tear us apart. transformational civic change. against these destructive ideals and inspired El Sistema, The Recycle Orchestra and their fans to join together for the cause. The Love Music Hate Racism demonstrate that movement was revitalized, in the form of the arts can: create moral and aesthetic val- Love Music Hate Racism, with the re-emer- ues; serve as channels for self-expression; gence of similar sentiments in Great Britain shape identity; build communities; increase in the early aughts. economic opportunity; improve sense of Love Music Hate Racism produces large- belonging or community attachment; reduce scale musical events, and is affiliated with the risk of delinquency; and have an incred- influential artists – from legends like Mick ible power to unify. These communities in Jones (of The Clash) to dance floor icons Paraguay, Venezuela and Great Britain are like Estelle and Basement Jaxx. At the same proof of the power of the arts to improve time, it affords the spotlight to emerging circumstances, catalyze social change and musicians across the United Kingdom who foster peace.

Designing Peace 51 By Vimvipa Poome (Pla) Findings Michael Porter, a leading authority on Competitive Strategy and the Shared Value concept, has revealed a new “Social Progress Index” that envisions “to advance global human wellbeing, by combining national social performance and capacity indicators with solutions-oriented outreach to sector leaders, and grassroots champions, who together can effect large-scale change.” WELLBEING = MONEY= Social Progress Index (SPI) PROGRESS HAPPY? The Social Progress Index measures the extent to which countries provide for the social and environmental needs of their citizens. "There has always been the idea that economic growth is what gives you wellbeing, but While greater income does lead to a better what the index shows is that it also works the other way around and that wellbeing also standard of living, once it has gone beyond creates economic progress.” a certain point, peoples' happiness flatlines.

Many poorer nations performed better than Many rich nations performed poorly on Progress relies on an effective policy Dimensions Components SPI 3 12 expected based on their level of income. some measures. structure rather than the size of the economy. BASIC FOUNDATIONS HUMAN NEEDS OF WELLBEING OPPORTUNITY 47 MOST GDP

Nutrition & Basic Medical Care Access to Basic Knowledge Personal Rights Air, Water and Sanitation Access to Communications Access to Higher Education 14 11 POLICY Shelter Health & Wellness Personal Freedom & Choice Mozambique is 47th overall and bottom The United States (which spends the most For example, Ghana and Nigeria are similar (50th) in terms of GDP, but ranks 14th in per capita on healthcare globally) ranks just in size, but Ghana is shown to be much more Personal Safety Ecosystem Sustainability Equity & Inclusion terms of Equality and Inclusion. 11th in terms of Health and Wellness. effective in terms of achieving progress.

Rankings

SPI Basic Human Needs Foundations of Wellbeing Opportunity

median 1 2 3 4 5 23 32 33 43 50 Sweden United Kingdom Switzerland Canada Germany Thailand China Russia India Ethiopia

SOURCES: View more infographics like these at http://www.socialprogressimperative.org/ http://www.happyplanetindex.org/ catalystreview.net/categories/infographics-2/

52 Catalystreview.net By Vimvipa Poome (Pla) Findings Michael Porter, a leading authority on Competitive Strategy and the Shared Value concept, has revealed a new “Social Progress Index” that envisions “to advance global human wellbeing, by combining national social performance and capacity indicators with solutions-oriented outreach to sector leaders, and grassroots champions, who together can effect large-scale change.” WELLBEING = MONEY= Social Progress Index (SPI) PROGRESS HAPPY? The Social Progress Index measures the extent to which countries provide for the social and environmental needs of their citizens. "There has always been the idea that economic growth is what gives you wellbeing, but While greater income does lead to a better what the index shows is that it also works the other way around and that wellbeing also standard of living, once it has gone beyond creates economic progress.” a certain point, peoples' happiness flatlines.

Rankings

SPI Basic Human Needs Foundations of Wellbeing Opportunity

median 1 2 3 4 5 23 32 33 43 50 Sweden United Kingdom Switzerland Canada Germany Thailand China Russia India Ethiopia

SOURCES: View more infographics like these at http://www.socialprogressimperative.org/ http://www.happyplanetindex.org/ catalystreview.net/categories/infographics-2/

Designing Peace 53 Tools for Catalyzing Change

winner of the Right Livelihood he illustrates how to measure Gross Award. He has founded a number National Happiness (GNH): the of NGOs, is a visiting professor at degree of trust, social capital, cultural University of California Berkeley continuity, access to healthcare and and Cornell University, and advised education, social solidarity, and the the government of Bhutan on the level of environmental integrity. It Gross National Happiness policy and simply considers the opposite way of implementation. His economic theory “mania for success” as he states: “Real continues E.F.Schumacher’s work success is not to conquer others, not “Small is beautiful: Economics as if to have more cars and money, but People Mattered” which is a return to appreciate what you have, how to to focus on small-scale economies. share with others.” Simplicity and nonviolence are The book encourages the the keys of the theory. Bottom-up strategic intent in defining an development and education are the alternative economic model “as keys of the implementation. if people mattered”. The reader The Wisdom of Sustainability does not require a prior knowledge outlines the development of the of Buddhism or economics to current economic practices and the understand the lessons Sivaraksa details of its absence of sustainability. intends to teach. Anyone who is The Wisdom of Sivaraksa discusses the belief that interested in sustainability will Sustainability: Buddhist the World Bank’s current policy on benefit from his book and his open financing modernization left the heart. “We should never think that Economics for the 21st Century developing countries to depend on our tradition is the best. We need to By Sulak Sivaraksa industrialized ones. The book focuses study and respect all traditions and Reviewed by Vimvipa (Pla) Poome on Thailand, his home country, practices…we can share peace with as one of the examples of how the others. This is the foundation of true “National security,” “private economy of globalization created the security”- Sulak Sivaraksa. property,” and “free-market economic disparity and the loss of capitalism” are current social cultural diversity. He also illustrates “Rather than focus only on structures that coexist with violence, how the indigenous Buddhist economic disparity, environmental economy can be integrated into Gross National Product degradation, and religious the current system to design peace (GDP), he illustrates how intolerance. One alternative that into economics, especially in the puts the human dimension back “agricultural South” countries. to measure Gross National into economics and can bring about The points that Sivaraksa makes Happiness (GNH): the a more peaceful world is Buddhist are powerful. He touches on both Economics— “Societies where people individual and global levels of degree of trust, social help each other in difficult times, sustainability, the importance capital, cultural continuity, where power is shared rather than of education based on holistic fought over, where nature is respected understanding of development access to healthcare and wisdom cherished” (p.30). that includes spiritually and and education, social Sulak Sivaraksa is one of Asia’s culturally appropriate, and moral leading activists, twice nominated government. Rather than focus only solidarity, and the level of for the Nobel Peace Prize and a on Gross National Product (GDP), environmental integrity.”

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and spaces. see green building credits with which In 2011, Perkins+Will launched PVC-free materials correspond, such as Transparency as a comprehensive tool LEED, Green Star, and Living Build- to help designers, builders, and their ing Challenges rating systems. clients make more informed design While the online tool is currently decisions, built upon the precaution- geared toward the built environment, ary principle, which states that “if an product designers, apparel designers, action or policy has a suspected risk and others should also take notice to of causing harm to the people or the the valuable information it can offer. environment, or when no scientific data Perkins+Will is setting the standard for is concluded, one should proceed with designing solutions for the challenges caution.”4 The database offers valuable of the 21st century and their Transpar- information about substances found in many architectural and interior “If an action or policy The Transparency Project products that have been evaluated and has a suspected risk classified by multiple regulatory enti- transparency.perkinswill.com ties as detrimental to the environment of causing harm to By Perkins+Will and human health. the people or the Reviewed by Mishelle Oun There is a great deal of information in Transparency, well organized into environment, or when Recent studies by the Centers for clear categories, with the Precautionary no scientific data is Disease Control and Prevention, Amer- List, Asthma Triggers & Asthmagens, ican Lung Association, and other agen- Flame Retardants, and News, Media, concluded, one should cies have revealed that our indoor air is & Additional Research as the starting proceed with caution.” often more harmful to human health points. Users can explore and search than outdoor air pollution. Asthma, for based on different criteria: alpha- ency tool is setting the bar higher for all example, can be aggravated, or caused betically by name, by health affect, designers. It challenges us to design a by exposure to chemicals offgassed by by chemical type, as well as by Con- future where responsible, sustainable, common building components like wall struction Specification Institute (CSI) and healthy building environments paint, flooring, countertops, furniture, Division- the industry standard for are the norm, and provides us a tool to etc.1 Exacerbating the problem, the specifying materials. shape a world in peace one building at average American spends 90% of their A good place to start is with the a time. “It is our belief that products time indoors.2 Fortunately, many Precautionary List. Here, users can se- that are harmful to humans, animals, design professionals are acknowl- lect a substance from one of many list- and the environment should not be edging their role in indoor air qual- ed, such as volatile organic compounds, used in our projects, and to that end, ity (IAQ) conditions, and are taking urea-formaldehyde, cadmium, etc., for we seek to inform our clients of avail- action, seeking alternative materials more information. For example, users able alternatives so as to permit them and techniques to deliver spaces that can discover that polyvinyl chloride to make informed decisions.”5 are benign by design. Perkins+Will, (PVC) is commonly found in resilient References 1 an architecture firm recently recog- flooring, wallcovering, furniture, and U.S. EPA/Office of Air and Radiation. Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6609J) Cosponsored with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. window treatments. Another click re- (2009). The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. EPA 402-K- nized as one of the top ten innovative 93-007. 3 veals information about PVC’s known 2 architecture firms by Fast Company , Westervelt, A. (August 8, 2012). How Our Buildings Are Making Us Sick. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywester- is pivotal to this industry-wide change. and suspected health effects, another velt/2012/08/08/how-our-buildings-are-making-us-sick/

3 With the launch of their Transparency section lists laws and building codes http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2013/ that regulate the use of PVC. Users can industry/architecture website (Transparency), transparency. 4 Science and Environmental Health. (1988). The Precautionary Principle. perkinswill.com, the firm is leading the learn about alternative materials and Retrieved from http://www.sehn.org/wing.html. 5 movement to design healthy buildings PVC-free material options and even http://transparency.perkinswill.com/

Designing Peace 55 Women, War, and Peace Sheds rights. The fourth is “The War We wake up – you have a voice in the are Leaving,” a case in Colombia, peace process!”2 resonates still to Light on the Changing Ways of where the Afro-Colombian commu- women throughout the world. War and Peace nities struggle for land rights against Women, War, and Peace gives an the government and the guerrillas. eye opening view into current-day By Abigail Disney, Pamela Hogan and “War Redefined,” the fifth and final conflict and the reality in which wars Gini Reticker episode of the series, analyzes the fought soldier-to-soldier is a thing of Reviewed by Montserrat Castanon and metamorphosis of modern warfare the past. The series shows that today, Sacha Wynne and the consequences of conflict war tactics increasingly consider without a “front”. civilians as targets. Women are re- There are many accounts of war, but The stories chronicle the impact sponding by challenging convention- few are told from the perspective of its made by women during and after al wisdom that only the traditional invisible soldiers: civilian women. PBS’ civil war as they fought to bring their key actors in war should be the key documentary Women, War and Peace communities back from the brink of actors in peace. They are shifting the confronts this issue, spotlighting those devastation to a state of peace and focus from politics to peace, from sidelined during battle. resilience. One such story is of Ley- revenge to rights. Women, War and In five episodes,Women, War, and mah Gbowee, who was awarded the Peace emphasizes the pivotal role of Peace sheds light on the stories of strug- Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 “for [her] women to the advancement of har- gle, survival, and strength of women in non-violent struggle for the safety mony and design of peace. various areas of conflict throughout the of women and for women’s rights to The five-part series, which origi- world. The first, “I Came to Testify,” is a full participation in peace-building nally aired in 2011, is now available 1 soul-shattering introduction; a terrify- work.” Gbowee led a women’s peace for online viewing at http://www.pbs. ing account lived by the Bosnian women movement that, after months of org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/. during their country’s civil war. “Pray the peaceful demonstrations and tactics devil back to hell”, the second chapter, such as a sex strike, helped end the 1 “The Nobel Peace Prize 2011 – Press Re- presents the consequences of civil war Liberian Civil War in 2003. The lease”. Nobelprize.org. 2011-10-07. in Liberia, Africa. The third chapter, message of “We are tired! We are tired of our children being killed! “Peace Unveiled,” tells the story of Afghan 2 Gbowee, L and Mithers, C. (2011). Mighty We are tired of being raped! Women, women and their insatiable fight for civil Be Our Powers. Page 127. New York: Beast Books

“Women are responding by challenging conventional wisdom that only the traditional key actors in war should be the key actors in peace.”

56 Catalystreview.net Read more Tools for CATALYZING Change at: catalystreview.net//tags/tool-reviews/

Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, shares her message of the role of women in bringing peace at a special screening of ‘Women, War & Peace’ in 2011.

Designing Peace 57 Catalysts

Richa Agarwal leads the Product development the triple bottom line approach implicit in Design team for Eileen Fisher Inc., a company that Management principles that advocate balancing designs and manufactures eco-conscious women’s profitability with environmental sustainability, apparel. In her role, Richa facilitates the work of as well as the interests of all stakeholders. In a team of technical designers, product developers, progressively reducing CO2 emissions, decreasing pattern and sample-makers to provide the most chemical usage in the textile dying process, efficiently constructed, eco-friendly and well- increasing the use of organic materials in product fitting garments for discerning customers. In design, promoting closed-loop processes and Richa Agarwal addition, Richa collaborates with the company’s artisanal techniques in manufacturing,Richa social consciousness team as a thinking partner, values her collaboration with various teams across contributing towards the company’s sustainability the company. She encourages her colleagues in and human rights initiatives drawing on her being catalysts of positive change in the apparel experience as a Project Manager with BRAC industry. USA. Previously Richa worked in Bangladesh Richa has worked in the apparel- with BRAC’s largest social enterprise Aarong, manufacturing sector with some of the premium employing 65,000 rural artisans where she apparel brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin oversaw projects, funded by the Bill and Melinda Klein, and Phillips Van Heusen. Her roles with Gates Foundation, aimed at increasing Aarong’s these companies have encompassed collaborating institutional capacity. with cross-functional teams that were responsible Richa thinks of herself as a global citizen and for product development and manufacturing is passionate about bringing grassroots change processes. Richa is multilingual and enjoys to the apparel-manufacturing sector on an travelling around the globe. She was educated at international scale. When facilitating decisions Boston University, FIT and is a graduate of the for her team and the company, Richa references Design Management program at Pratt Institute.

Giselle Carr is currently the Head of Brand require a synergistic approach, and that design Strategy and Planning at Inglefield/Ogilvy & intelligence can strategically address business Mather Caribbean Ltd. in Trinidad & Tobago, and societal problems. During the past year at where she works with her team toward the the company, she has worked with corporate company’s core belief of making the world a entities, government ministries and bodies, as brighter place – for clients, their customers, the well as law enforcement agencies. The goal of the public, the countries within which they operate, latter projects was to create value for communities and internally as well. She brings prior experience in terms of national security and justice. In in graphic design, web design, editorial page developing strategy for several of these entities, Giselle Carr design, marketing and infographic design to create methodologies employed measured psychographic research and marketing materials. A graduate trends, cultural data and societal issues, pairing of the Design Management Program at Pratt, relevant brands that are uniquely positioned to she works to develop teams that discover, define, address those societal needs, while helping them to design and deliver strategic advantage, positioning increase business effectiveness simultaneously. firms and organizations across media platforms in Giselle continues to work with strategic design worldwide markets. as everyday practice, and towards developing triple Her passion lies in utilizing design to create bottom line by design business practices within positive change, and she believes that great her region, as well as global markets. design can change the way we do business, and ultimately the world. She feels strongly that the twenty first century’s unique problems

58 Catalystreview.net