THE NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY FORUM 2017
THEME: PHILANTHROPISTS AS AGENTS OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DATE: MARCH 23-24, 2017
VENUE: ACCRA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, GHANA
Last Year Tour
About Forum
Around the world today there is a vast outpouring of civic energy and vitality aimed at advancing people's interests at the local level in the face of unrelenting economic and social pressures that are changing traditional customs and ways of life. Especially now, when foreign aid resources fall far short of needs, social and economic development requires the vital spark of people and communities engaged in self-reliant actions that will better their lives. Today as never before there is an opportunity for philanthropy to play a vital role in support of human development.
The historic 2016 conference brought together over 250 participants consisting of delegates from Ghana’s parliament, public sector institutions, development practitioners, seasoned professionals from the academia and the philanthropy fraternity. It also saw the initial draft of the 10 policy recommendations slated to assist government in creating an enabling environment for Ghana’s philanthropy space.
Added value!!!!
Be part of history! Witness the launching of the premier Ghana Philanthropy Awards 2017. In this year’s event, we would acknowledge individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Ghanaian community through diverse philanthropic efforts.
The 2017 forum will bring together accomplished third sector professionals and managers, philanthropists, leaders in faith-based initiatives and leading social entrepreneurs to share best practices in philanthropy and effective models for social change. The forum is particularly unique as it provides unmatched opportunities for Networking, Forging Partnerships and discovering ways to make a Greater and more Meaningful Philanthropic Impact.
Tracks
TRACKS
- TRACK 1
- DISCOVERING THE GHANAIAN PHILANTHROPY SPACE This track hopes to explore and provide preliminary insights into the Ghanaian Philanthropy landscape including defining the concept relative to the local context. It seeks to provide an account of the state of indigenous philanthropy in Ghana and across Africa. It is also hoped to set the agenda towards creating an enabling environment for Philanthropy (private celebrity foundations, faith-based, philanthropy from local Ghanaian owned business, etc.) to strive in Ghana. More importantly, the session will discuss the critical role and value of philanthropic data in mapping and for achieving more effective grant making and development outcomes, highlight current data and knowledge initiatives. This track will also explore how local Philanthropy can be positioning in accelerating progress towards the SDGs and also for the attainment of national development goals. Questions we want to answer
- What is the state of the philanthropy sector in Ghana?
- Existence of Philanthropists
- How do we encourage the growth of local Philanthropists
- Issues Tax Incentives for private & corporate philanthropy
- What obstacles exist?
- What can be done to address each of the obstacles in order to enhance the sector or space?
- What need done in respect of policy/institution-wise to revamp the sector to contribute to the attainment of National/Regional or global goals?
- TRACK 2
- CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY/PHILANTHROPY AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS The world is now experiencing a growing consensus on the practicality, viability and sustainability of using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to address social, environmental and economic issues within a community. Furthermore, Not for profit organizations and civil society organizations face serious institutional, technical and operational limitations. For the most part, these organizations still lack the required capacities for the necessary interchange at different levels. The dialogue will touch on how NGOs can build social action partnerships with private corporations and private sector businesses. The participants will identify opportunities for implementing joint programs to deal with impeding development concerns.
- TRACK 3
- BUILDING CAPACITY OF NGOS/CSOS TOWARDS THE REALIZATION OF GLOBAL AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS The quest for core funding to sustain development work is a constant challenge, taking an inordinate amount of time and efforts – again and again–project by project, year by year. In the fierce competition for scarce philanthropic and public resources, even the most popular and highly qualified organizations struggle to sustain funding for their good work. This track will not only explore innovative ways of leveraging financial resources in light of the current funding challenges, but also examine mechanisms that improve the use of those resources. It will also look at how not for profit organizations can move beyond challenges to collaboration with peers to identify successful models and key opportunities in leveraging resources for development projects. The gathering will also provide opportunities for face to face-interactions with donor agencies and CSO/NGO/Philanthropy support organizations. The track will explore these questions among others;
- 1. Identifying national and regional support organizations and platforms whose resources can be leveraged by CSOs/NGOs towards the attainment of national and regional development goals
- 2. Issues of sustainability of CSOs/NGOs in the context of the changing aid and development landscape in Ghana and within the sub-region.
- 3. What innovative ways exist for leveraging financial resources in light of the current funding challenges? (Grant Funding, Corporate Funding, Private/Indigenous Funding, etc.
- SPECIAL SESSION
- THE ROLES OF NGOs/CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN LOCALIZING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which came into effect in January 2016, are a new, universal set of economic, social and environmental goals and targets that United Nations (UN) member states are expected to achieve by 2030. The SDGs build and expand on the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by focusing on critical dimensions of sustainable development in both developing and developed countries. Like the MDGs, the SDGs will not be legally binding; they represent a political commitment to development by all UN member states. Ultimately, these universal goals are expected to create a benchmark that ensures the balancing of economic development and global environmental goals with poverty reduction objectives. The track will explore; expectations and revelations so far in the process of the SDG“ localization” which calls for an inclusive approach that utilizes local knowledge.
Our Speakers
Afia holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, African & Africana Women's Studies, a Dual Master’s in Organizational Development & Change, and Public Policy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She has over 20 years of experience working, writing and teaching in the areas of African Politics, International Affairs, and Development; Education (Higher Education/Curriculum Development/Teaching); Gender Studies; Environment/Political Ecology Studies; and African-centered Leadership. Other areas of specific policy development foci of Africa include: Health & HIV/AIDS, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Governance, democracy and human rights, Globalization, and African cultural science and indigenous knowledge. As Country Representative for WaterAid Ghana (WAG), since 2010, Dr. Zakiya provides the strategic leadership and vision for a team of 27 to provide access to clean, safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for poor and marginalised communities based on culturally appropriate programmes. Afia is a member of the WaterAid West Africa Regional Leadership Team, leading on finance and organizational development issues and WASH research. She is part of the WASH Development Partner’s Group along with UNICEF, the World Bank, and other’ and also represents WAG at Ministerial sector working groups, influencing national policy in favour of the poor who face WASH injustice. Prior to joining WaterAid in 2010, Dr. Zakiya was an independent consultant and researcher. She led a global team to review the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Member Country’s Gender Plans of Actions for Women and Gender Ministries.
Dr. Afia Zakiya, Country Representative, WaterAid Ghana
Mr. Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Programmes Manager of STAR-Ghana. STAR-Ghana is a multi-donor pooled funding mechanism funded by European Union, Department for International Development and Danish International Development Agency and United States Agency for International Department to increase the influence of civil society and Parliament in the governance of public goods and service delivery to improve accountability and responsiveness of Ghana’s government, traditional authorities and the private sector.
Mr. Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Programmes Manager of STAR-Ghana
Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), has worked with and within the civil society sector for the past 19 years and is a passionate advocate for sustainable development in Africa with the full participation of an effective, efficient, influential and sustainable civil society. As Executive Director of WACSI, Nana worked with the team to ensure that the 3rd ISTR Africa Regional Network (ISTRAN) Conference was successful. She played a key role in fundraising and logistics as well as provided opening remarks for the conference and served as session moderator. WACSI will also host the 2017 ISTRAN meeting in Accra. WACSI has been an institutional member of ISTR since 2014. She is a lawyer by profession and has worked on areas of governance, human rights, philanthropy and capacity building with national, international, continental and regional organisations in Africa. They include the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, National Coalition on Domestic Violence Legislation in Ghana, Women’s Initiative for self-empowerment (WISE), the African Society of International Law, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa
Mrs. Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
Kordzo Sedegah is currently the Economics Specialist at UNDP, where he has worked for the past 13 years in various capacities. Kordzo Sedegah holds M. Phil and BA (Hons.) degrees in Economics from University of Ghana with a cumulative eighteen (18) years working experience in three (3) main thrust area: development programming & policy; research and consulting; and teaching. He is knowledgeable in formulation of results based management program and projects. Demonstrated ability in formulation and management of sensitive program and development projects related to country program, and reorganization, negotiating, financial and economic analyses and management. He has been working with the Office of President (OoP), National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) and Ministry of Finance as well as Universities such as University of Ghana and University for Development Studies. Familiar with current policy instruments and services, development paradigms, and programming tools: Post 2015 Development Agenda & SDGs, MDG Accelerated Framework (MAF), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSPs), Poverty and Inequality, Local Economic Development (LED), Sustainable Livelihood Programs, National and District Human Development Reports, Development Effectiveness, International Trade and Regionalism, United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), HIV/AIDS,
Mr. Kordzo Sedegah Economics Specialist, UNDP
Ms Pearl Darko, is the National Coordinator of the SDG Philanthropy Platform. Pearl Darko has over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining APF, she worked as the marketing director for an internationally recognized legal firm in her home country of Ghana. From 2009 until February of this year, Pearl worked in a senior position with The Global Fund, an international financing agency focused on combating AIDS, TB and Malaria. Among other things, Pearl provided strategic marketing, communication direction and implementation of the private sector resource mobilization strategy. She also provided leadership on an innovative marketing campaign “Gift from Africa”, which focused on Africa’s contribution to The Global Fund’s objectives. Prior to her work with The Global Fund, Pearl was senior regional manager & head, public affairs & communication for the Coca-Cola Africa Group (2005-2009) and director, public relations and communication, West & Central Africa, Boeing International Corporation, Ghana (2001 – 2005). Pearl also pursued a master’s degree in International Negotiation & Policy Making at the Graduate Institute of International & Development Studies, Geneva and a BSc Social Science and Administration, London School of Economics & Political Science. She is currently completing a Masters of Studies in Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge, UK
Ms Pearl Darko, National Coordinator, SDG Philanthropy Platform
Olufunke Baruwa is a passionate gender and development practitioner and founding board member of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund. The last 15 years has seen her working in government on inclusion of women and girls in economic, social and political circles in Nigeria with development partners, civil society and the private sector. Until her appointment with the Fund, she was a Technical Assistant on Research, Policy & Planning in the Ministry of Communication Technology where she worked on inclusion of women and girls in ICT and pioneer Gender Advisor at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals. At the MDGs office, She was responsible for designing and implementing programs to fast track the achievement of the UN MDG 3 – To promote gender equality and empower women.
Olufunke Baruwa Chief Executive Director- Nigerian Women Trust Fund, NIGERIA
Dr. Odharo is the Deputy Chief of Party for USAID Partnership for Education (Learning), Ghana, and supports the Chief of Party in managing the USAID funded $71 million project designed to increase the reading performance of 2.8million early grade children. Prior to assignment to Ghana, Dr. Johnson Odharo has more than 30 years in international education development with expertise in teacher training, curriculum design, educational materials development, host country capacity building, policy development, educational testing and measurement, and project management and evaluation. He was Chief of Party for the USAID-funded $30 million South Sudan Teacher Education Program (SSTEP). Dr. Odharo worked in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education to develop policies on national standards for teachers; teacher certification, registration and licensing; gender and affirmative action plans; teacher training curriculum and delivery materials; strengthen the English language skills of teachers; and implement early grade reading programming. He was also the Chief of Party for the USAID-funded $50 million Liberia Teacher Training Program (LTTP), where he played a pivotal role in developing the capacity of the Ministry of Education, school heads and teacher. His other experiences in teacher education and curriculum include Ethiopia, Malawi, , Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Dr. Johnson Odharo, Deputy Chief of Party for USAID Partnership for Education (Learning), Ghana
Nana Kofi Sarpong-Boachie Mbe is the Executive Director of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics at the London Guildhall University and MBA Degree in Export Management and International Business from The City University Business School, also in London. In 1997, he assumed the role of Disability Employment Advisor with the Department for Work and Pensions, a position he held until his retirement, and relocated to Ghana in November 2010. He represented the Department at numerous district, regional and national conferences, presenting on various aspects of disability. He rises to become the Lead Disability Employment Advisor in the Lambeth Southwark and Wandsworth District in London during his thirteen years that he performed, and was recognised nationally as a worthy ambassador for the Department. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 31 March 2011, in recognition of his significant contribution to the Disability Agenda in the UK. He has consulted for SWEB Foundation, a disability-oriented NGO based in Accra, been a regular radio panelist presenting on disability and public health issues.
Nana Kofi Sarpong-Boachie Mbe, Executive Director. Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled
Mr. Kwame Essah is currently the Public-Private Partnership Manager of USAID Ghana Partnership for education: Learning. He has over 20 years’ experience in research, general business, construction, and real estates, media/advertising/broadcasting, FMCG, consulting/professional services, sport, and education, both in Ghana and abroad Mr. Kwame Essah obtained his MBA in Marketing at the University of Ghana, Legon. He also attended a FIFA/CIES program in sports management at the University of South Africa. He also obtained entrepreneurship in coaching at the Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
Mr. Kwame B. D. Essah, Manager, Public-Private Partnership, USAID Ghana Partnership for education: Learning