Building a New Haiti

commerce – business – investment

SIDE EVENT

Reconstruction and Business Opportunities in Southern Haiti

12-13 June 2010  —  Cap Lamandou Hotel  –  Jacmel

The Société Immobilière d’Agriculture, de Commerce et de Tourisme, Inc., (SImACT) and the Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF), in collaboration with Haitian and other partners, will conduct a tour and informal workshop for potential investors and businesses toward the common objective of revitalizing Southern Haiti after the earthquake.

This is an addition to the Panel PPAF and SImACT will hold on Friday, 11 June at the “Building a New Haiti” conference at the Club Indigo, 9-11 June.  That conference is organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic, the American Chamber of Commerce of Haiti, and the US Commercial Service, along with other collaborating organizations.   SEE blog entry for Building a New Haiti Conference.

The Jacmel side event will focus on sustainable development in the South and South-East Regions of Haiti, in keeping with the Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

AREAS OF INTEREST   ● Infrastructure – Seaport, Airport ● Historic District ●   Ethanol Cookstoves ● Housing ● Agriculture ● Social Venture Capital ● Microfinance ● Health ● Tourism ● Arts and Artisans

ARRANGEMENTS  ● Transport by bus from Club Indigo to Jacmel ● Meals and one night lodging at Cap Lamandou Hotel ● Return to Port-au-Prince ● Total additional cost US$100

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION   +1 (914) 478-3450 or ppafoundation@gmail.com    Registration deadline: 1 June 2010.

Powering Haiti’s Future

TAMPA, Fla. (March 16, 2010) – International experts involved in the rebuilding of Haiti believe there’s an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate alternative energy sources into the new infrastructure, says David Stillman, the executive director of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation which is working with the United Nations in charting a new path for the earthquake-ravaged nation.

Stillman will brief the USF community on those plans during a talk at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 22, in the Marshall Student Center, Room 2707, on sustainable development and renewable energy in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and other developing nations. The conversation is open to the public.

The Public-Private Alliance Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing poverty in the world by uniting business, governmental, community, academic with efforts through the United Nations. The organization’s goal is to stimulate entrepreneurship, commerce and investment in sustainable development. 

Stillman, a United Nations senior officer for 30 years, said he recently attended a Haiti reconstruction conference where organizations are already taking steps to incorporate alternative energy resources – such as ethanol-powered cook stoves – into relief and rebuilding efforts. Stillman said alternative energy can be built into the Haiti’s new infrastructure, creating jobs and a sustainable economic base for the impoverished nation.

The organization had already been considering opportunities to incorporate alternative energy into development in the Dominican Republic when the Jan. 12 earthquake hit Haiti. The focus had been on a sugarcane-based ethanol – a natural because of the island’s history in sugarcane production, which has waned in recent years leaving fields vacant and workers unemployed. But other alternative forms of clean, sustainable energy could be developed if public, private, academic, non-governmental organizations, private corporations and financiers can coordinate their efforts, he said.

“Renewable energy is needed and is possible in various ways at various levels,” he said.

Stillman’s presentation is part of a continuing focus the Patel Center has on renewable energy projects in the region. The center recently selected two USF students for a six-week business development internship to analyze market potential for alternative energy products in the Dominican Republic and Panama.

Kedwin Dominguez is currently a junior majoring in electrical engineering. His research interests include incorporating alternative energy sources in communities in United States and Dominican Republic. Wilnelly Ortiz is a marketing major in the College of Business Administration with an interest in learning more about businesses in other countries.

The focus of these U.S. Department of Education-funded internships is to help small businesses in Florida involved in alternative energy products and services to develop and expand their export markets.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top 63 public research universities and one of only 25 public research universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  USF was awarded $380.4 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2008/2009. The university offers 232 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

-USF

by

Vickie Chachere
News Manager
University Communications & Marketing
813-974-6251
vchachere@admin.usf.edu

Dr. David Stillman, PPAF Executive Director, will speak at the  HAITI – Resources for Reconstruction & Humanitarian Assistance Summit, to be held 9 – 10 March 2010 in Miami, Florida.  He will be a panelist on Economic Recovery and Reconstruction and also participate in afternoon roundtable meeting sessions. 

The event stresses the pivotal role the private sector will play in long-term reconstruction in Haiti.  This not-for-profit event constitutes a partnership between Global Investment Summits and the IPOA (International Peace Operations Association).  The aim of the summit is to allow the parties involved to begin addressing the vast efforts required to reconstruct Haitian infrastructure and rehabilitate the country’s economy and society.  All profits from the event will be donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. 

The objective of the summit is to help rebuild the political, economic and commercial hubs of Haiti, particularly in the devastated capital, Port-au-Prince. With an estimated 60% of the country’s GDP eradicated, up to half of building infrastructure ruined and damaged in the capital, and nearly 1 million displaced people, rebuilding the nation will prove to be a massively complex process. The summit aims to contribute to the reconstruction efforts in fields spanning from logistics, transport and communications infrastructure to security sector reform, while helping ensure stability for and the welfare of Haitians in terms of medical and nutritional aid and shelter.

The Organizing Committee of the Workshop “STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DOMINICAN AQUACULTURE 2010-2015″ has reported that its plans are well advanced. Institutions and public and private agencies linked to national and international production and marketing of fish, shrimp and other seafood in our country have been invited to participate in this important event.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 March in the Conference Room of the Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Research (IDIAF), whose Executive Director, Dr. Rafael Perez Duvergé, has expressed the commitment of this institution to strengthen the development of aquaculture through efforts for training, research and evaluation and technology transfer.

The Organizing Committee is composed of a representative from each of the following institutions and agencies: IDIAF, CONAPROPE, ADOA, CODOPESCA, FAO-RD, University ISA and the TAIWAN Mission.

This unique event will bring together more than 45 professionals from government institutions, local and international universities, international cooperation agencies, consultants, importers and exporters, in hotel and restaurants, supermarkets, congressmen and producers, who will debate the way forward for the next five years, and update the 2007 Plan.

Kentucky State University (KSU) has confirmed the participation of Dr. James Tidwell, Director of the Department of Aquaculture and past president of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS).  He will give a lecture on global aquaculture and strategies for success.  Also Dr. Darryl Jory, a professional with the American Soybean Society (ASA-IM) will give a lecture.  ASA-IM has concluded support arrangements for 2010 with the Dominican Association of aquaculturists, Inc. (ADOA).  

Agriculture Minister Salvador Jimenez is scheduled to give the keynote address, and a paper will be presented by the Deputy Minister of Planning.

Dr. David Stillman, Executive Director of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF), will also participate.  PPAF is linked to the United Nations.  Since 2007 PPAF has supported numerous events and activities of  ADOA and the aquaculture sub-sector in the Dominican Republic.  Through the efforts of PPAF, Mr. Aurelio Monreal will make a presentation on alternative energy use in aquaculture.

Discussion and debate will begin in mid-afternoon the first day and continue on the final day of the event, concluding with the presentation of the draft new strategies for 2010-2015.

PARTE DE PRENSA

La Comisión Organizadora del Taller “ESTRATEGIAS PARA EL DESARROLLO DE LA ACUICULTURA DOMINICANA 2010-2015”, informó, que los trabajos para la realización del mismo se encuentran muy avanzados. A este relevante evento han sido invitados a participar, instituciones y organismos públicos y privados nacionales e internacionales vinculados a la producción y comercialización de pescados, camarones y otros mariscos en nuestro país.

 El Taller se realizará los días miércoles 24 y jueves 25 de este mes de marzo, en el Salón de Conferencias del Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales (IDIAF), cuyo Director Ejecutivo, el Dr. Rafael Pérez Duvergé, ha expresado el compromiso de esa institución con el desarrollo acuícola, a través del esfuerzo que se realiza en la capacitación, las investigaciones y validaciones y la transferencia tecnológica para consolidar el mismo.

 La  Comisión Organizadora está compuesta por un representante de cada una de las siguientes instituciones y organismos: IDIAF, CONAPROPE, ADOA, CODOPESCA, FAO-RD, Universidad ISA y MISION TAIWAN.

 Este evento único, reúne a más de 45 profesionales de instituciones del gobierno, universidades locales e internacionales, organismos de cooperación internacional, consultores, importadores y exportadores, sector hotelero y restaurantes, supermercados, congresistas y productores, quienes debatirán sobre el camino a seguir durante los próximos cinco años, y la actualización del Plan 2007.

De la Universidad del Estado de Kentucky (KSU), ha confirmado su participación, el Dr. James Tidwell, Director del Departamento de Acuicultura y pasado Presidente de la Sociedad Mundial de Acuicultura (WAS), quien dictará una conferencia sobre la acuicultura mundial y estrategias para el éxito. También el Dr. Darryl Jory,  profesional de la Sociedad Americana de Soya (ASA-IM), como parte de los acuerdos de apoyo para este año, concertados con la Asociación Dominicana de Acuacultores, Inc. (ADOA). El Dr. Jory tendrá a su cargo una Conferencia Magistral.

Se ha programado un discurso principal que realizaría el Ministro de Agricultura Salvador Jiménez, así como una ponencia la cual estaría a cargo del Viceministro de Planificación.

En adición, participará en el Taller, el Dr. David Stillman, Presidente de la Fundación para la Alianza Pública-Privada (PPAF), enlazada a la ONU, quien desde el año 2007 ha apoyado en numerosos eventos y actividades a la ADOA y a todo el sub-sector acuicultura en la República Dominicana. Por gestiones de la PPAF el profesional Aurelio Monreal hará una presentación sobre la utilización de energía alternativa en la acuicultura.

Las discusiones y debates se iniciarán a media tarde del primer día y continuarán en el día final del evento, concluyendo con la presentación del borrador de las nuevas estrategias 2010-2015.

The Public-Private Alliance Foundation is proud to join the United Nations Department of Public Information (UN/DPI) as an accredited non-governmental organization (NGO).   The DPI Committee on NGOs approved accreditation of PPAF at its December 2009 meeting because of its record and abilities.  

PPAF’s active program of information on UN-related issues and its work with the UN has included:

• Four conferences held at the UN in collaboration with UN offices;
• Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Public-Private Alliance for Rural Development; the UN Office for Partnerships; the UN Office for Sustainable Development; the UN-INSTRAW (UN International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women, based in the Dominican Republic), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Development Program (UNDP);
• Collaboration with the Missions to the UN of Madagascar, the Dominican Republic and other countries;
• Videos produced in cooperation with Global Connections Television and UNTV and shown on the PPAF YouTube channel;
• A website and blog which provide information related to the UN including the Millennium Development Goals, the UN Global Compact, and the Principles of Responsible Investment; and
• Numerous reports and press releases about PPAF activities and their relation to the United Nations.

From the UN/DPI Website:

What is the relationship between NGOs and UN / DPI?

About 1,600 NGOs with strong information programs on issues of concern to the UN are associated with DPI, giving the UN valuable links to people around the world. DPI helps these NGOs gain access to and disseminate information about the issues in which the United Nations is involved so that the public can better understand the aims and objectives of the world Organization and support its work.

What is an NGO?

 A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a not-for-profit, voluntary citizens’ group, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good. Task-oriented and made up of people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens’ concerns to Governments, monitor policy and programme implementation, and encourage participation of civil society stakeholders at the community level. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health.   

The third in PPAF’s series of meetings on biofuels and bioenergy, in collaboration with ResearchPAYS, will take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from October 7 to 9. Planning meetings took place in early September in Santo Domingo. Please see the press release, events page, and the YouTube videos below for further information.

Interviewed on Dominican TV, David Stillman and Tom Kadala describe plans and the format for the forthcoming Bioenergy international debate co-organized by PPAF and ResearchPAYS. The meetings will be held 7-9 October 2009 in Santo Domingo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Co-hosts will be H.E. Carlos Morales Troncoso, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Enrique Ramirez, President of the National Energy Commission. The Revista 110 Sabado Agropecuario show is hosted by Dr. Enriquillo Rivas and Manuel Gonzalez Tejera.

Ambassador Federico Cuello introduces Pres. of National Energy Commission (CNE) and organizers of forthcoming international debate Bioenergy Investment Risk Management through Business Model Innovation. CNE President Enrique Ramirez announced convening of event and spoke of importance of bioenergy to the D.R. Others present: David Stillman, PPAF; Ambassador Juan Pla Gomez; Tom Kadala, ResearchPAYS.

(Press Release)

Bioenergy Investment Risk Management
through Business Model Innovation

An International Debate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

7 – 9 October 2009

(Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) –    An event on Bioenergy Investment Risk Management through Business Model Innovation will be held in the Dominican Republic from 7 to 9 October 2009 . This will bring together members from the public and private sectors, academia, innovative energy companies. financial experts, non-governmental organizations and United Nations representatives. The Bionergy meetings will be held under the auspices of H.E. Carlos Morales Troncoso, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Enrique Ramirez, President of the National Energy Commission, in cooperation with the Public-Private Alliance Foundation and ResearchPAYS, Inc. and in collaboration with the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic and others.

Announcement was made on 4 September 2009 at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Dominican Republic during a visit by Dr. David Stillman, Executive Director of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation and Mr. Tom Kadala, President of ResearchPAYS, Inc.

Renewable energy, including bioenergy, and its relation to climate change and other issues is at the forefront of discussions worldwide.  Through the recent passage of Law 57-07 on Renewable Energy, the Dominican Republic is taking a leading role for attracting talent, expertise, and foreign direct investments.  Bioenergy such as ethanol and biodiesel fuels can make a significant contribution toward reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels imports, providing sustainable employment opportunities, and developing international recognition for field testing research contributions.  This meeting represents the outcome of two similar discussions held recently at the United Nations in New York.  Reports on the findings of those discussions are available in English and Spanish.

The Santo Domingo meetings will build upon the initiatives developed in the first two discussions.  They will bring together business leaders and high-level representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and members of the United Nations family to wrestle with key issues.  Using a format similar to the case study method of the Harvard Business School to facilitate dynamic discussions, the group will seek to identify business model innovations for bioenergy in the Dominican Republic that can lead to investments and partnerships.

The meetings will help establish common perceptions among participants and foster collaborative business opportunities.  The participants’ roles as leaders qualify them for seats at this special event where a free-flowing discussion aimed at new solutions will instigate progressive thinking.  A limited number of seats for observers will be available.

The PPAF – ResearchPAYS® team aims to ensure that these Santo Domingo meetings become the cornerstone for future discussions and collaborative actions.  The intent is to continue to grow and deepen this initiative to attract international interest that can become part of a larger strategy that offers meaningful and sustainable benefits for the people of the Dominican Republic.