Alison Taylor

Despite what some rebels think, governance is not the Dark Side: We’re witnessing an awakening amongst association CEOs and their Boards. There is a new hope and an appreciation that governance is a force for good and an understanding that just as a Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defence, so too must directors use governance as a force for business growth, resilience, strength, and sustainability. So, how do we ensure Boards recognise, value and lean into their transformative role? How do we avoid empire building? How do we counter resistance? "Always in motion the future is”, so how do we use governance as a tool to define that future? Recorded for the IAL's Forum Focus on #starwarsday 2021, as the sector’s governance Dark Lord, I spent time exploring the rise of governance in the association galaxy. Just like Episode IV, it's a classic and always worth rewatching (unlike Episode I....) #associationtransformation

7

2 Comments

ICT colleagues, take this survey to help the good folks at NetHope get a better sense of how organization are budgeting and investing their resources.

3

Another insightful report from Edelman -- Importantly, it points to the expectation that employers build inclusive workspaces and respond to racism. After all, we can't breathe fresh air by only removing pollution around our heads. Fresh air--like inclusive organizations--is a collective responsibility and benefit. Thanks for sharing, Stephanie Creary!

10

1 Comment

A recent report by Ariana Aboulafia, Miranda Bogen, and Bonnielin Swenor titled "To Reduce Disability Bias in Technology, Start With Disability Data," published by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), discusses the challenges and solutions for mitigating disability bias in technology through improved disability data collection. The report emphasizes the importance of accurate, inclusive, and respectful data practices to reduce discriminatory impacts on people with disabilities, particularly in contexts such as employment, benefits, and healthcare, where technology is increasingly used. Three Key Takeaways: 1. Importance of Inclusive Data Collection: The report highlights that disability data must be collected in all demographic contexts where other data is gathered, such as age, race, and gender. This approach ensures that disabled individuals are adequately represented in data sets used to develop and train technologies, which can otherwise perpetuate bias. 2. Challenges with Current Disability Data: The report identifies significant problems with existing disability data sets, including non-inclusiveness, under-inclusiveness, and inaccuracies. These issues often stem from varying definitions of disability and exclusionary data collection practices, leading to biased outcomes in algorithmic systems. 3. Recommendations for Disability Data Justice: The report outlines seven key recommendations to promote disability data justice, including the need to include disabled people in the creation and auditing of technologies, center disabled leaders in policy-making, and ensure that data collection methods are accessible to all individuals with disabilities.

9

1 Comment

Great work here from Josh Lerner and People Powered. I wrote a paper for University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit in 2000 called the two wave theory of public participation. Essentially arguing that we had two major waves of democratic innovation one driven by the civil rights movements starting in 60s; and a second driven mainly by the environmental movement getting momentum in the 80s and 90s. That's clearly an over simplification. What I really like about Josh's shift from waves to ecosystems is it better describes how we need to think about democratic innovation now and it's essentially contextual nature.

7

1 Comment

In her compelling article, Linda Robinson highlights the alarming rise of authoritarianism and its direct attack on women in politics. Here are my key takeaways: 📉 Decline in Democracy: Over 70% of the global population now lives under autocratic rule. #WTF 🚫 Targeted Violence and Threats: Women politicians face increasing threats and violence, both online and offline. Nearly half of women legislators have received violent threats, significantly more than their male counterparts. #WPL 🔄 Rolling Back Women’s Rights: Authoritarian leaders are dismantling gender equality initiatives, reducing women's political representation and influence. From outlawing gender studies to cutting funding for gender equality bodies, the rollback is extensive. 🌐 Tech-Fueled Misogyny: The rapid advancement of AI and social media has exacerbated online harassment, with women disproportionately targeted by deepfakes and other forms of digital abuse. 🚨 Call to Action: Linda proposes a comprehensive remedy to combat this epidemic and protect democratic values - Read the full article to understand the depth of this global issue and why safeguarding women’s political rights is crucial for the health of our democracies. #WomenInPolitics #SafeguardingDemocracy

10

2 Comments

Ever felt like your research or policy work had great potential, but it wasn’t hitting the mark? 🫣 You're not alone. Aim for Impact is a 5-week course designed to help policy professionals turn good intentions into real, measurable outcomes. From mastering the Five Dimensions of Impact to using Theory of Change, this course will help you sharpen your strategy and make sure your work makes a difference. 🗓 Starts: 7th October | Commitment: 2 hours/week | Tutor-guided Learn more 👇

1

I've been talking about challenges and the future of impact reporting lately -- but why does it even matter? Social Impact Solutions has a fantastic breakdown of what impact reporting is, tips for doing it effectively, best practices, and more. https://lnkd.in/grn9QvFb

14

2 Comments

Dear network, If, by day I am at the center of the debate focused on the intersection of #law and #sustainability, by night, I am a staunch supporter of modern decadentism, passionate about physics, philosophy of #science, and anything that can be as painful as interesting to think about. Here attached, the link to an article I wrote trying to find one common thread that would unite yesterday's challenges, with those of today and tomorrow, through quantum #physics and #philosophy - which according to my twisted mind, bring solutions to everyday problems. Here is the link to my Medium account - which I'd like to turn into a blog :) https://lnkd.in/gTFdPF6f

10

Winding down a decade long mandate in Brussels, former journalist and European ombudswoman, Emily O'Reilly has one of her most important cases to sign off in November. And she'll hopefully see the enormous implications and fundamental questions for her former profession. Can AI bots, in addition to natural persons, be granted annual media accreditation to the EU institutions? And can AI 'journalists', like EU-accredited natural person journalists, sign a strict embargo code with penalties foreseen and a system of peer review? Should commission spokespeople be obliged to answer oral and written questions churned out by AI? Case 477/2023/EIS, brought by the dts Deutsche Textservice Nachrichtenagentur GmbH against the EU PR embargo system, raises many other core questions for EU-accredited journalists. EU-accredited journalists are known, or readily accessible, to officials by telephone, in person, at briefings, as well as in cafés, restaurants, receptions and elsewhere in Brussels. We research, prepare, write or broadcast news, reporting on the ground. We respect sources. But none of us will ever beat AI at rehashing PR, pico-seconds after embargoes are lifted. Case 477/2023/EIS: https://lnkd.in/ebba-wvg #ai #accreditation #europeancommission #eu #mediapluralism #journalism #mediadiversity #ombudswoman #ombudsman #europe #artificialintelligence #api #europeanunion #futureofeurope Photo. Copyright: EU. Unattributed to photographer.

2

It is with great joy that I share news of joining the Equal Measures Advisory Body. https://lnkd.in/dHdt-Fq5 Following the announcement of Equal Measures 2030’s (EM2030’s) new coalition governance and the successful onboarding of our Steering Group earlier this year, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Advisory Body!  Comprising a diverse group of external experts, the Advisory Body will play a pivotal role in guiding the EM2030 Secretariat team to serve the coalition in its mission to advance gender equality through data-driven advocacy.   While the Steering Group will act as the 'engine room' for the coalition’s collective strategy, planning, and direction, the Advisory Body will provide critical guidance on key operational areas including executive management, financial oversight, compliance, business development, and risk mitigation, to ensure the operational excellence and strategic growth of our Secretariat. The future collaboration between the Advisory Body and the Steering Group underscores our commitment to accountability and inclusive governance.  So very excited to be working with new colleagues on the advisory body: Yasmina Benslimane, Fridah Githuku (F.M), Rita S. Karakas, Shireen Motara, and Clare Winterton Please do check out the 2022 SDG Gender Index: It is the most comprehensive tool to measure progress towards gender equality by 2030. Developed by EM2030 – the leading global partnership on accountability for gender equality and the SDGs – it provides a snapshot of where the world stands on the vision of gender equality embedded in the 2030 Agenda, a vision long fought for by gender advocates worldwide. https://lnkd.in/d_fVTA8n

113

53 Comments

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of today, driving the push for sustainable practices and net-zero emissions commitments in jurisdictions around the world. I am joined by a KPMG delegation of climate professionals on the ground at #COP29, fostering collaboration and catalyzing discussions that will help to accelerate the climate transformation and lead to a more sustainable future for all. https://lnkd.in/dkj6GFvX

14

1 Comment

In our recent report, “Justice on the Menu,” we explore how food justice is about more than food: It’s also about the fair distribution of resources, land, and capital; equitable policymaking; and community power. And in order to achieve food justice, we must also confront the racial injustice embedded in the U.S. food system.   @RWJF’s new State of Childhood Obesity report dives into insights shared in this resource, designed for policymakers, advocates, community leaders, and more: https://bit.ly/49hTOf7

9

Robert McCorquodale, chair of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, joins Richard Howitt on Frank Bold's Frankly Speaking podcast for an insightful discussion of the Working Group's recent report on investor responsibility to respect human rights. You can read a summary of the report here: https://lnkd.in/gcR7TXiM #bizhumanrights #esg #investment #rightswashing #csddd https://lnkd.in/ggdJgH9C

10

A proactive approach to navigating geopolitical uncertainty requires insight, oversight, and foresight and a mindset of not just risk management but also value creation. A dimension that, unfailingly, arises alongside across our Board and CEO discussions is people. Key questions include: 1) How should I talk to my people about sensitive geopolitical topics? 2) How do I balance transparency with confidentiality around the work our company will not do in a market—a stance that, if it became known publicly, may jeopardize our organization’s operations, people, and reputation in that market? 3) How should I upgrade our processes, from employment background checks to internal controls on unauthorized access to data, amid growing stakeholder and regulatory expectations and requirements? 4) How can I strengthen unity within our organization and signal that we are committed to being global and inclusive in a changing world? To address these issues, while many companies are developing defensive measures to mitigate the impact of geopolitics, as important are the proactive measures they take to sustain institutional cohesion amidst swirling centrifugal forces. In short: a people agenda for building geopolitical resilience. Our thoughts on the key elements of this agenda below. See also: https://lnkd.in/gp2-JwAP Jon Huntsman Dominic Barton Karan Bhatia Cindy Levy Shubham Singhal Asutosh Padhi Alex Panas Massimo Giordano Michael Birshan Jean-Christophe Mieszala Matt W. Lucas Lim Joanna Pachner Sean Brown

58

1 Comment

To what extent do we need stress testing around political change? With the whipsaw around extremist agendas on the left and right globally, paired with geopolitical uncertainty, boards have new Governance challenges like never before. Had we reached a fever pitch where the status quo simply can no longer be maintained due to the extremes and self-inflicted crises that may come? It is enough to make CEOs anxious. https://on.ft.com/4blJ12Z #ESG #Governance #Boards #Elections

8

Join us in for a fascinating discussion in New York! Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has teamed up with GlobeScan, the World Benchmarking Alliance and NYU Stern School of Business to explore How to make the #SDGs consequential for business. During this session we aim to discuss what is needed to engage businesses and the UN on creating a consequential norm for business behaviour that will support sustainability and change behaviour. During the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 in July of this year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a candid and urgent message about the lack of progress in achieving the SDGs and the severe consequences of inaction: “The takeaway is simple: Our failure to secure peace, confront climate change, and boost international finance is undermining development. We must accelerate action for the Sustainable Development Goals — and we don’t have a moment to lose.”   On our end, we have observed a growing commitment from governments and companies to address global challenges and a clear global shift towards mandatory reporting requirements. However, mandating #corporatereporting alone (SDG 12.6) will not drive the transformative changes required to meet the SDGs. Achieving these goals necessitates concrete policy actions by governments worldwide and strategic decisions by businesses. Reporting does play a critical role to track progress and provide input on continuous improvement decisions.   Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/dcqZ6CYM Chris CoulterGerbrand HaverkampRichard GardinerUNDPCamila Corradi BraccoEelco van der EndenBrian KomarGovernance & Accountability Institute, Inc.21st Century Business Act I Loi sur l'entreprise du 21e siècleRandi Kronthal-Sacco

67

2 Comments