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American University, in partnership with Concordia, hosted a Partnership Forum highlighting the strategic value of public- private partnerships and the competitive advantage enjoyed by companies embracing shared value concepts. Through plenary panel discussions, a working lunch, and strategic breakout sessions, we showcased some of the great work being done by multi-national companies and non-governmental organizations using partnerships to solve some of the world’s most intractable public policy problems.

The morning session consisted of three plenary discussions featuring executives from leading companies working to solve big policy challenges associated with climate change, the empowerment of women and girls, and human trafficking in the supply chain. The working lunch highlighted best practices in partnership development. And during three 30-minute “speed dating” sessions, NGO and company representatives participated in strategic partnership development conversations, facilitated by SPA graduate students.

The goal of the PPP Forum was to walk away from the day with multiple partnerships in formation. Invited guests included companies, non-governmental organizations, and Masters students in Public Policy and Administration.

Partnership Forum Schedule

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

8:30AM - 9:00AM Registration & Breakfast

9:00AM - 9:05AM Introductory Remarks

Introductory remarks by Matthew A. Swift Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Concordia, Anita McBride, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs, and Senior Associate Dean Vicky Wilkins of the School of Public Affairs.

9:05AM - 10:00AM Climate Risk & Sustainability Panel

On November 30th, world leaders convened in Paris to negotiate a final agreement on carbon emissions. Panelists will discuss the role that business played in negotiating the final agreement and will play putting the agreement into action.

10:05AM - 11:00AM Women’s Empowerment Panel

Studies have repeatedly shown that, when given the chance, women will spend family money more wisely, resulting in a healthier and more prosperous family unit. Yet, a gender gap still exists both in terms of economic opportunity and empowerment. Panelists will discuss how tackling issues around the empowerment of women and girls is both strategic for their company and works to the betterment of society.

11:05AM - 12:00PM Human Trafficking in Corporate Supply Chains Panel

Companies are finding that their supply chain has become more complicated in an era of globalization. Companies will discuss recent efforts to make certain that their suppliers do not employ indentured servants and that human trafficking does not creep into any aspect of their global supply chain.

12:00PM - 1:00PM Lunch + Keynote Remarks

As President of the Better World Campaign and Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy at the United Nations Foundation, Peter Yeo leads the Foundation’s strategic engagement with Congress and the Administration to advance policy changes that support the UN’s work for global progress. Mr. Yeo will provide keynote remarks on the state of partnerships in global affairs.

1:00PM - 1:35PM Breakout Rotation 1* - Re-conceiving Products and Markets

1:40PM - 2:15PM Breakout Rotation 2* - Re-defining Productivity in the Value Chain

2:20PM - 3:00PM Breakout Rotation 3* - Enabling Cluster Development & Closing Remarks

* = In the afternoon, attendees will be split up into six breakout groups. Each group will participate in three 30 minute discussions on each of Michael Porter’s three “levels” of shared value and how they play a pivotal role in the creation and success of public-private partnerships. These conversations will be facilitated by AU School of Public Affairs Masters Students and Concordia Staff in an effort to identify opportunities for future collaboration between attendees.

Location

McDowell Hall, Washington, D.C., DC 20016, USA