My granny would want me to observe protocol so moving right along to the Housekeeping:
1. let's relinquish a little control, start with regulating the apathy; Let's address the cognitive dissonance that may follow.
2. Avoid compartmentalising or dissociating.
3. Allow this to resonate within you rather than blocking it out.
4. Keep it stored for when it becomes relevant.
5. Try approach this like a challenging meditation. Gobble it up or divide it into sections and return to it later; however, we need everyone's participation, so please make sure to revisit it sharing your thoughts as you work through it.
As we confront Machine Intelligence mindfully, our remarkable ability to transcend natural boundaries through technological innovation and conscientious stewardship reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to nurture the planet, ensuring that progress and preservation coexist harmoniously for a sustainable future. We need to keep in mind that with all intelligences, the learning is mutual.
The aforementioned landed critically after attending a G20 community and civil society consultation, also a Mark Sham event launching Richard Mulholland’s book, Relentless Relevance, I could not ignore that our past challenges haven’t shifted significantly, but the tools and packages to adapt to demands have.
The narrative is set on Social Innovations Entrepreneurship- the repackaged ethical capitalism. Sigh...This progressive idea is inherently profitable ergo capitalist so drags along with it iterations that will burn it's fingers on the mistakes of the past.
The big question is: How do we observe and integrate doing right by our fellow humans and thrive financially?
Followed by another big question: What is this thing called, Social Innovations Entrepreneurship?
Explored by yet another question: Is this the switch to a non NGOised, non Non Profit world?
-FEEL FREE TO TAKE A BREAK HERE. THIS IS ALOT TO TAKE IN.
The base frameworks used in NGO’s, Non Profits and Social Innovations Entrepreneurship still use objectifying models for progress, Love Languages Creations included.
So there I was at the G20 consultation with audience members calling for decentralisation, asking for resources to trickle down, for more indigenous people who need skills to be employed as consultants and at its depth it boiled down to the relentless exploitation of marginalised communities presenting an urgent crisis that always demands my most precious resource, my immediate attention.
To truly harness the potential of technology for the benefit of as many people as possible, we must fiercely advocate for fair and equitable data and knowledge transfer practices across every profession and sector.
This dual approach will help balance technological advancement with social justice and environmental sustainability. It dawned a gazillionth time, the engineered mechanisms and spirit of our cultural cosmos needs work.
A world where executives genuinely connect with civil society, trading their polished suits for sneakers and providing real value rather than dictatorial demands in exchange for data.
This is the true benchmark for adaptation. Even better, lets host suits to sneakers to soil events-Let’s get those sneakers dirty.
Monetising Ethical Growth: From Extraction to Equitable Investment
The Crux of It:
"Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter" (African Proverb)
In global development, a persistent model prevails where data and resources are extracted from Africa and other marginalised communities under the guise of research and aid.
However, economic returns rarely benefit those in need (Mbembe, 2001; Comaroff & Comaroff, 2012). And then Trump pulls out. Chaos hits hard. This pattern reflects the hierarchy within South Africa’s political and economic structures, where gains are centralised, leaving foundational communities to struggle (Ferguson, 2006).
Recent studies, such as those by Ndlovu-Gatsheni (2022), emphasise the need for decolonising methodologies to ensure that research practices benefit local communities. Redefining this balance can unlock true wealth opportunities.
Sustainable profitability arises from investing in collective development rather than pursuing isolated success (Sen, 1999). Ethical capitalism is not just a moral imperative; it is the most lucrative model for long-term stability and exponential growth (Stiglitz, 2012).
Monetisable solutions, such as social impact bonds (SIBs), can transform investments in mental health, early childhood development, food security, policy innovation, and eco-friendly programs into profitable, evidence-based, peer-reviewed models (Jackson, 2009).
The Disparity in Compensation:
A Barrier to Equitable Growth
"True growth falters when the price of expertise is measured not in value, but in disparity, leaving local potential undervalued and communities underserved." - [Author Unknown]
A glaring issue is the stark contrast in remuneration between international consultants and local experts. Expatriate consultants can cost around $200,000 annually, with significant portions going to expenses unnecessary if local consultants were employed (Moyo, 2009).
| Continent | Currency | Exchange Rate | Equivalent Value |
| Africa | South African Rand (ZAR) | 18.25 | ZAR 3,650,000 |
| Asia | Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) | 7.26191 | CNY 1,452,382 |
| Europe | Euro (EUR) | 0.9253 | EUR 185,060 |
| North America | US Dollar (USD) | 1.0 | USD 200,000 |
| Oceania | Australian Dollar (AUD) | 1.5847 | AUD 316,940 |
| South America | Brazilian Real (BRL) | 5.0 | BRL 1,000,000 |
Table: $200, 000 annual consulting fees converted into the dominant currencies per continent. Apologies if your country's currency isn't reflected. All conversions couldn't be reflected due to style trade offs. Table by, Love Languages Creations designed with currency converter using exchange rates at the time of writing using data from Moyo 2009.
This financial imbalance diverts resources away from communities, worsening disparities (Easterly, 2006). Implementing SIBs in mental health and early childhood development could finance local professionals, ensuring equitable compensation while improving social structures (Bugg-Levine & Emerson, 2011). Our value play books need adapting, to a red team move toward the outcomes required instead of overt attacking.
Marginalisation of Local Voices: Turning Knowledge into Capital
Local professionals and community members often see their insights undervalued, despite possessing deep, context-specific knowledge (Escobar, 1995). They are frequently sidelined for international "experts," leading to solutions lacking cultural relevance and sustainability (Sachs, 2005).
A review showed that community control over research and data governance is rare, with shared decision-making uncommon (Smith, 1999).
Recent research by Mkhize (2023) supports empowering communities through participatory data governance frameworks, which have been shown to improve outcomes.
SIBs tied to food security could transform local agricultural techniques into sustainable ventures. Intrinsically motivated methodologies, which should be applied to local research to empower communities to lead development (Lillard, 2005).
"It apalls us that the West can desire, extract and claim ownership of our ways of knowing, our imagery, the things we create and produce, and then simultaneously reject the people who created and developed those ideas and seek to deny them further opportunities to be creators of their own culture and own nations."-Unknown- despite this, respect this and inclusively value it.
To ensure effectiveness and sustainability, it's crucial to embrace decency in the spirit of Ubuntu—focusing on trustworthy, authentic, and respectful relationship management—rather than a competitive 'dog-eat-dog' approach by harnessing class differentiations for protection.
Recommendations for Funders, Governments, and International Organisations
Addressing these entrenched issues requires a multifaceted approach:
Funders: Embrace long-term investments that nurture capacity-building, infrastructure development, and community-led initiatives with a focus on genuine partnerships. Encourage multi-sector collaborations that foster mutual respect with shared goals to maximise impact, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all stakeholders (Adams, 2008; Mbembe, 2001).
Policymakers: Craft policies that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring they resonate with the communities they serve. Policies should be rooted in an understanding of local contexts and driven by collaborative data and insights, reflecting the collective well-being ethos of Ubuntu (OECD, 2013; Comaroff & Comaroff, 2012).
Government: Enhance funding allocations, regulatory support, and the creation of environments conducive to public-private partnerships. Strengthen accountability and transparency mechanisms, ensuring efficient resource utilisation that reflects shared values and communal responsibility (UNDP, 2011; Ostrom, 1990).
Prioritise Local Expertise: Allocate funding towards hiring and training local professionals, ensuring equitable compensation, fostering economic growth, and leveraging indigenous knowledge (Chambers, 1997). Linking efforts to SIBs in health programs can reinforce community-led solutions.
Implement Community-Led Data Governance: Establish frameworks empowering communities to control their data. The City of Toronto's Black Community Data Governance Framework serves as a model (Taylor, 2017), aligning with G20 engagements advocating for fair representation (G20, 2019).
Ensure Transparent Resource Allocation: Develop mechanisms to track and publicise fund distribution, ensuring significant portions benefit target communities directly (UN, 2015). Using blockchain for environmental programs can create accountability and allow communities to monetise carbon credits (Nakamoto, 2008).
Foster Genuine Partnerships: Involve local communities as equal partners in all project stages, ensuring initiatives are culturally appropriate and sustainable (Ostrom, 1990). Private-public partnerships in agriculture, tied to SIBs, can create sustainable investment cycles (World Bank, 2018).
Empowering Communities: Strategies for Self-Protection and Skill Development: Systemic change is imperative, but communities can also take proactive steps to safeguard their interests:
Establish Community Data Cooperatives: By forming cooperatives, communities can negotiate data collection terms, ensuring control and fair compensation. Data unions allow marginalised groups to set data policies, fostering autonomy (Zuboff, 2019).
Invest in Capacity Building: Seek training programs that enhance data literacy, research methodologies, and advocacy skills. Government-backed programs linked to eco-friendly enterprises can turn knowledge into economic opportunities (Freire, 1970).
Forge Networks and Alliances: Connect with other communities facing similar challenges to share resources and amplify bargaining power (Putnam, 2000). Regional investment forums on sustainable agriculture could monetise expertise and products globally (FAO, 2017).
Leverage Technology for Advocacy: Use digital platforms to share stories and mobilise support. Initiatives like the Digital Green Book show how technology can empower communities (Morozov, 2011).
Global Exemplars of Community Empowerment: Communities worldwide have reclaimed agency over their data and resources:
Connected Development (CODE) in Nigeria: The "Follow The Money" initiative tracks government spending in marginalised communities, promoting transparency (CODE, 2020). A similar model in South Africa could ensure resources directly reach beneficiaries.
Black Appalachian Coalition in the USA: This group addresses environmental injustices, advocating for policy changes and amplifying local voices (BAC, 2021)."Real community power is all about stepping out of the 'It's all about me' exit and strolling into the 'Let's tackle this together' lounge. It's about trading blame games for high-fives and team spirit, turning challenges into opportunities for everyone to rise and shine!"-end of transmissionIf you need to meditate after this, please do. Here's a link.
References
References
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