Among the many lessons learned in this challenging last year and a half, perhaps the most enduring one is the interconnectivity of health. As we continue to contemplate its meaning, GPF 2021 forces us to think in expansive terms and consider how effective and inclusive our communities and organizations have been at helping individuals cope with the massive stresses brought on by the pandemic.
On Day 2, we first heard a story of urban leadership and global commitments: Tony Pipa, Senior Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, Brookings Institution, highlighted how meaningful change can be sparked, even on a city block. In 2015, he led the US Delegation at the UN conference that adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of a sweeping vision to reduce poverty, improve equity, and increase sustainability by 2030. These international targets are now being adopted by cities--demonstrating how the local can serve as a model for the global. “The SDGs provide a common language and platform for connection,” Pipa said in discussion with Shaheen Kassim-Lakha, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. While critics may dismiss the SDGs as “aspirational” or “lofty”, both agreed that cities across the world, from Los Angeles to Accra are working together and collaborating on common agendas. In determining frameworks for post-pandemic recovery, the SDGs may truly be a “North Star,” guiding us towards equity, health, and justice for all.
You can hear more from Tony Pipa on the WorldAffairs podcast! Click here to listen.
We also focused on the setbacks. One of the great costs of the pandemic, besides the tragic loss of life, is the reversal of major public health gains built up over the previous decades. Barron Segar, President and CEO of the World Food Program USA underscored how sustained philanthropic efforts can help marshal resources to overcome these losses, not only to prepare for the next crisis, but also to resolve the one at hand. Global hunger is on the rise for the first time in a decade due to the three C’s: conflict, COVID-19, and climate. Worldwide, there are 811 million people facing food insecurity and 580,000 people facing famine. “There are a lot of people in the world that don’t have a voice,” Segar said, “and they’re relying on us to get it right." Both Segar and social entrepreneur and Nourish Africa founder Ndidi Nwuneli articulated the ways in which philanthropy has built greater resiliency against hunger, acknowledging the pivotal role of the private sector as partners, innovators, and accelerators of change. By better utilizing industry knowledge, communities and stakeholders can create a legacy for future generations.
Working groups explored holistic approaches to systemic issues. In the philanthropy track, the focus was on trust-based giving that allows scale to happen horizontally, rather than vertically. In effect, trust based philanthropy is not an alternative to strategic philanthropy. Rather, “it is highly strategic to share power,” said Shaady Salehi, director of Trust-Based Philanthropy Project. She encouraged everyone to rethink traditional approaches to giving and “be a partner, not a builder.” Other groups discussed sustainability in urban design and environmental justice--taking a close look at issues impacting vulnerable populations from urban centers like Oakland to indigenous groups fighting pollution in the Amazon--and theorizing how we can adapt to current challenges and better plan for healthier futures.
In the “Lightning Talks” health advocates shared their work to advance health equity. Desmond D’Sa, of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, emphasized the importance of building coalitions of community groups who can tap into a network for collective action. Diana Samarasan, of the Disability Rights Fund, talked about the importance of inclusion, “when we do well for ALL, we all do well.”
The theme of equity continued in conversations about post-COVID-19 economic recovery for women. As we’re hearing the refrain to “build back better” in recovery plans, Latanya Mapp Frett of the Global Fund for Women noted that men are going back to work in larger numbers than women. This will not result in a “better” economic outcome. Mercedes D'Alessandro, National Director of Economy and Gender for Argentina underscored how the tasks women suddenly had to juggle during lockdown: taking care of children, older relatives and more, forced them to abandon their income-generating jobs. D’Alessandro believes that women living in poverty in her country need opportunities for a better livelihood, which means access to education and technology. This should be the goal for all countries.
Then Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health, in conversation with Jane Wales, founder of the Global Philanthropy Forum, explored how public health must be for the public good. Dr. Farmer described why the US was so unprepared to deal with the pandemic and what is needed to ensure we are more resilient and capable of managing the next public health crisis. This is a moment when we should reflect and think about why we did so poorly. We need to invest in public health and take care of the most vulnerable among us. For years we’ve been divesting from that public good and public health funding. Dr. Farmer asked, “how do we reimagine the social contract and what should it look like? When is philanthropy not enough? When do we need government investment?” One of the reasons Partners in Health has been so effective is that they have relied on local knowledge and expertise, building trust among community partners. Trust is essential when tackling major public health crises. For example, during the Ebola outbreak in Africa, Partners in Health clinics were never attacked, because they understood that community health workers are also your neighbor, your aunt, a former teacher. They worked together as trusted members of the communities impacted by Ebola.
Day two concluded with a networking event – in person! – hosted with the Swiss Consulate in San Francisco at Swissnex. Interim Consul General Nicolas Descoeudres welcomed guests who braved the season’s first - and celebrated - rain to join a fascinating discussion on how to ensure access for all to safe, clean water. The conversation began with the personal; Sarina Prabasi formerly of WaterAid America asked Rupa Mukerji of Helvetas and Christoph Gorder of charity:water “what is your water story?” The conversation ended with a global perspective and how innovative technology like sensors can provide data in real time that will allow remote wells to receive needed maintenance. Small innovations can have major impacts at scale. Water is life, and clean water is a critical component of health.
