Executive Summary of the June 2006 Working Group Session sponsored by OGAC, CCA, GBC & ICCR
Overview:
The global health community and funding agencies increasingly demand practical, sustainable systems and information technology infrastructure for HIV/AIDS projects around the world. Still, the entry points and advantages to this market are not always clear for IT companies. From protecting its own workforce and supply chain, to philanthropic donations, to development of markets and products for AIDS-affected regions, success results in development of a targeted “win” for all partners. The Technology & HIV/AIDS Working Session seeks to develop practical projects that IT companies may undertake to address the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in both heavily-affected and emerging markets.
Program Objective:
To engage leading information technology companies in the fight against HIV/AIDS through application of IT sector skills, products and expertise.
Participants:
- 20-25 departmental executives in the fields of product development, sustainability program, international markets, corporate social responsibility, and strategic planning from leading information technology companies
- Representatives from sponsoring agencies
- Field professionals familiar with the program needs on the ground in HIV/AIDS
Value Proposition:
For IT companies: By focusing on key social interests and practical solutions to address them, participating companies gain an edge in an increasingly demanding market for social responsibility and innovative solutions to the world’s needs. Resulting projects also demonstrate a company’s commitment to their shareholders and markets. The working session will result in collaboration and innovation to leverage core competencies, sustainability efforts, corporate social ommitments and supplier standards. IT applications currently include use of “smart cards” as medical records, education and awareness through networks, and support/health systems infrastructure, among others.
For sponsors and the international AIDS response: The organizing sponsors seek to engage technology companies, to apply their core strengths, intellectual and economic authority, brands, and products to the fight against AIDS. By mining the ideas and information of company participants, the sponsors will gain valuable knowledge to apply in future projects with the technology sector and beyond. The sponsors and the international AIDS community will also win greater support and assistance in its efforts to prevent, treat and eradicate HIV/AIDS, achieving greater accountability and impact in programs and through donor grants.
Intended Outcomes:
Immediate:
- Report: The role of the IT sector in the global response to HIV/AIDS
Follow-up:
- Individual company consultations for program design and implementation support
- Broader IT industry engagement
- Increase company and sector engagement with donor-funded programs
Sponsors:
Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC): As the lead agency for U.S. funding of HIV/AIDS projects around the world, OGAC provides instant credibility for the working session. OGAC staff would provide expertise for practical project development, and links to in-country resources.
Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR): For over thirty-five years the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) has been a leader of the corporate social responsibility movement. ICCR is an association of 275 faith-based institutional investors with aggregate assets of $110 billion. ICCR members engage over thirty companies on their global HIV/AIDS policies.
Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC): Having designed workplace, community and advocacy programs as well as unique projects that build on a company’s core competency and links to members and civil society partners for joint projects, GBC provides the technical knowledge and experience in designing strategic and practical initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS.
Corporate Council on Africa (CCA): Established in 1993, CCA is a membership organization at the forefront of strengthening and facilitating the commercial relationship between the United States and the African continent. The CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative works with its members to develop and implement HIV/AIDS workplace policies and prevention, care and treatment programs for their Africa-based employees and family members; increase corporate partnerships for effective HIV/AIDS programs, and; enhance private sector participation in national HIV/AIDS efforts in Africa.
