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April 19, 2006
It’s Spring!!!
Well, it’s one thing to read about climate change in the newspaper… But to start feeling the extremes of weather first hand is another!
Well, I was in Norway last week and they’re still receiving snow… In the middle of April! You can see me there outside plenary at the Norwegian National Conference…
Doesn’t sound like global warming right? If more snow is falling… But, if you think about it it is surely a symptom. Melting ice at the North Pole, cooling of the Atlantic warm water gulf stream and inevitably colder air traveling across Northern Europe meaning more snow and rain.
For more info on the gulf stream slow down and cooling of it check these sites out:
http://www.whoi.edu/institutes/occi/currenttopics/climatechange_wef.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,3605,1654803,00.html?gusrc=rss
Anyways, after seeing 1 meter of fresh snow in Norway and snow flakes the size of Jing Wei’s hand in Finland… I’m now happy with the weather in Sunny Rotterdam! I never thought I would say that! Hehehe…
Take care,
Taco.
Posted by Taco_Bosman at 08:58 | 0 comments
April 18, 2006
2010 Scorecard Goes Global...
Hey all,
Well, I just wanted to share an update… Most of us are around the world at different countries doing visits or sales calls, alternatively there are some at different conferences.
I just wanted to share my satisfaction in the 2010 scorecard… I’ve been now to Norway, Finland and to Sweden… And it’s really impressive how everyone is moving forward to our common organizational vision. Seriously, I didn’t get that feeling from AIESEC 2005 back in 99-00. This time it is so much more tangible and aligned what countries are doing so I’m happy to see it and be a part of making that happen.
Anyways, from Stockholm,
Over and out.
Taco.
Posted by Taco_Bosman at 14:29 | 0 comments
April 08, 2006
Future of Middle East and North Africa
I'm writing here from the conference area of the beautiful Phonecia Intercontinental hotel here in Beirut, Lebanon. I'm at the Middle East and North Africa Development Forum, hosted by the World Bank and the United Nations.
It is interesting hearing about the perspectives on this region of the world. Some observations:
- There is a great desire to create progress, but I think it may, unfortunately, be often nested in a 'we suck' mentality, which closes the mind to the positive opportunities that exist. When we're always asking the question 'What are we doing wrong?' - we're not figuring out what we are, or can be, doing right.
- AIESECers are pretty darn good at facilitation and conference organizing - even, or maybe especially, compared to 'the pros.'
- There are small changes happening in this region which I think are going to amount to a step-change quite soon. The only question is in which direction this step-change will proceed. In many of these countries, there is a splicing tendency where part of the society is moving towards increased conservatism - often known as 'Islamization', and where the other part is moving towards increased liberalism - often known as 'Westernization.' The 'Lexus and the Olive Tree' is indeed a major issue here, and will be even more so over the coming years.
- I didn't realize how poor the MENA region's overall development performance has been as compared with other regions of the world. We often think of Sub-Saharan Africa as the most lagging behind in terms of development, but while Sub-Saharan Africa remains the poorest in absolute terms, its progress on most economic, political, and social indicators has outstripped the progress of MENA countries. Interesting surprise for me at least...
It's quite an interesting audience, although the discussion itself leaves a little to be desired. A lot of government, academic, corporate, and civil society representatives, but the discussion is mostly panel presentations, people speaking too long so not enough time for discussion, and a general lack of real listening and dialogue.
At this conference, every once in a while, there is one person who just breaks through the polite veneer and creates an atmosphere of candour, and it really opens up more possibilities for authentic conversation and the real change that always follows a deeper exposure of truth. They speak respectfully and honestly, instead of trading one for the other. It makes me really hope that we, as AIESECers, will remember that we do not need to be boxed in by the ways things are currently done. If we're sitting behind a panel, let's say what we think, not what our speech-writer told us to. Let's be brave enough to put social progress ahead of social convention. But even more importantly - let's listen...
It is interesting hearing about the perspectives on this region of the world. Some observations:
- There is a great desire to create progress, but I think it may, unfortunately, be often nested in a 'we suck' mentality, which closes the mind to the positive opportunities that exist. When we're always asking the question 'What are we doing wrong?' - we're not figuring out what we are, or can be, doing right.
- AIESECers are pretty darn good at facilitation and conference organizing - even, or maybe especially, compared to 'the pros.'
- There are small changes happening in this region which I think are going to amount to a step-change quite soon. The only question is in which direction this step-change will proceed. In many of these countries, there is a splicing tendency where part of the society is moving towards increased conservatism - often known as 'Islamization', and where the other part is moving towards increased liberalism - often known as 'Westernization.' The 'Lexus and the Olive Tree' is indeed a major issue here, and will be even more so over the coming years.
- I didn't realize how poor the MENA region's overall development performance has been as compared with other regions of the world. We often think of Sub-Saharan Africa as the most lagging behind in terms of development, but while Sub-Saharan Africa remains the poorest in absolute terms, its progress on most economic, political, and social indicators has outstripped the progress of MENA countries. Interesting surprise for me at least...
It's quite an interesting audience, although the discussion itself leaves a little to be desired. A lot of government, academic, corporate, and civil society representatives, but the discussion is mostly panel presentations, people speaking too long so not enough time for discussion, and a general lack of real listening and dialogue.
At this conference, every once in a while, there is one person who just breaks through the polite veneer and creates an atmosphere of candour, and it really opens up more possibilities for authentic conversation and the real change that always follows a deeper exposure of truth. They speak respectfully and honestly, instead of trading one for the other. It makes me really hope that we, as AIESECers, will remember that we do not need to be boxed in by the ways things are currently done. If we're sitting behind a panel, let's say what we think, not what our speech-writer told us to. Let's be brave enough to put social progress ahead of social convention. But even more importantly - let's listen...
Posted by Brodie at 19:51 | 0 comments