PRESENTERS:
Dr. David Wheeler, Director, Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability
(IRIS), York University
Dr. Frehiwot Tesfaye, Research Associate, Centre for Refugee Studies, York
University
Dr. Susan McGrath, Director, Centre for Refugee Studies, York University
This workshop will invite feedback and input to a proposal designed to launch a 'business, conflict mitigation, and enterprise development' initiative for the Darfur region of Sudan. The role of business in fostering local economic development and local sustainable enterprise with the goal of economic opportunity, stability, sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation has become increasingly apparent and valuable in conflict prone areas. This project will therefore particularly encourage dialogue on opportunities for business to contribute to sustainable local enterprise development, economic development, and sustainability livelihoods in the Darfur region as a manageable contribution to increased stability and the diffusion of conflict.
Anticipated outcomes of the project include:
" Specific proposals for business-led initiatives to promote stability,
sustainable enterprise development, and sustainable livelihoods in Darfur
e.g. in the fields of agriculture, water and sanitation and natural resource
management
" A network and forum for ongoing dialogue on the role of business in
conflict mitigation, prevention, sustainable livelihoods and sustainable development.
The project has been stimulated by Sudanese requests for a forum on this subject during a visit of Dr. David Wheeler, Director - York Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability (IRIS) & Erivan K Haub Professor of Business and Sustainability, York University. The project has a wider range of potential supportive stakeholders that includes UN agencies, NGOs and international businesses. The model is based on recent Canadian and international success stories.