I recently had the privilege of being on a panel at the United States Institute of Peace on “Promoting Business and Peace in Conflict-Affected Countries.” Let me share with you the summary points of my presentation there. Although security and humanitarian needs naturally predominate in the early months of reconstruction, it is never too early to start listening to the voices of local businesspeople. The private sector matters because it creates jobs, crosses ethnic and political boundaries, and sustains civil society. Listening to the private sector’s views is essential to building a framework of governance, markets, and sound economic policies that will support development and sustainable peace. Economic solutions that do not incorporate these views will be neglecting both economic needs as well as the governance need for popular feedback and accountability in policymaking.
My conclusions:
- Listen to the local business community – give them ownership and accountability.
- Build the organizational capacity of business associations and think tanks. Treat them as partners and let them learn by doing.
- Plan for long-term institutional development.
- Promote dialogue on economic policy to create a market system that works for all segments of society.
- Foster entrepreneurship to create jobs and opportunity.
Published Date: June 16, 2008