Can Private-Public Partnerships Solve Our Global Challenges?

WASHINGTON, September 14, 2017 /3BL Media/ - The suffering of millions displaced by powerful megastorms like hurricanes Harvey and Irma underscore the critical significance of finding solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and the need for countries and the private sector to work in collaboration.

Tackling tough global problems is a driving force for Jim Thompson, director for innovation within the U.S. Secretary of State’s Office of Global Partnerships (SGP), and speaker at COMMIT!Forum’s “Brands Taking Stands” event on Oct. 11-12.

The veteran U.S. State Department officer will be joined at COMMIT!Forum by Ed Martin, CEO of GoodXChange, to discuss “Innovation Wanted! What Happens When Government Partners with the Private Sector.”

The Oct. 11 session will examine the role of public-private collaboration and provide insight into how the U.S. State Department is forming unprecedented partnerships with private organizations to develop practical solutions that will protect the planet, end poverty, and ensure prosperity for all global citizens.

“If you think government is bureaucratic and lacking in creativity, you haven’t met Jim Thompson,” said Dave Armon, CEO of the Corporate Responsibility Board which publishes CR Magazine and produces the COMMIT!Forum event. “At a time when brands are taking stands, Jim is the perfect connector to make an impact without requiring a massive budget.”

Thompson has been active in the federal government for more than 25 years in multiple leadership positions. Prior to his position as SGP director of innovation, he served as director for partnerships and innovation at the National Security Council at the White House and as former acting director of the Global Development Alliance at the U.S. Agency for International Development. He also was responsible for overseeing an Interagency Policy Committee on Partnerships for National Security.

Formed in 2008, the SGP is a center of excellence that facilitates collaboration among the U.S. Department of State, public and private sectors, and civilian society. The office cultivates opportunities outside of government to advance foreign policy goals and department initiatives through partnerships with private businesses, philanthropies, and organizations that can provide creative thinking, specialized expertise, and innovative technology not otherwise accessible by the U.S. government. This unity of effort between the SGP and private sector is creating a new approach toward diplomacy and development to solve pressing global challenges.  

COMMIT!Forum is the premiere annual event for corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners. Taking place at the MGM National Harbor, Md, near Washington, D.C., the event will bring together corporate social responsibility leaders from around the nation and CEOs from CR Magazine’s yearly 100 Best Corporate Citizens ranking to network, debate, and gather new information on timely CSR topics through pre-conference workshops, guest speakers, panels, interviews, breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions.

The event also will feature ceremonies to recognize the Responsible CEO of the Year and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, in honor of personal and professional courage to deliver on corporate responsibility promises.

The event is produced by the Corporate Responsibility Association and CR Magazine.

CONTACT: Dave Armon of the Corporate Responsibility Board, +1.802.444.0177 or darmon@crboard.com