Ideas summary from the Ideas Dinner which took place on 2 September 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.
This succinct summary does not do justice to the richness of your idea. It is just destined to remind you of who said what. Should you wish to go into more depth about any of these, access the whole “stock” of ideas from other dinners, relate the ideas to the content of the Monthly Barometer, or, even better, get in touch with the person who originated an idea to discuss it in more detail.
Ideas below are listed in no particular order.
- A pipeline builder for sustainability (BB)
SMEs can create sustainable economies and local prosperity. Combining the strengths of the UN working with national governments with the skills of the financial industry into a pipeline builder modeled on classical investment banking can reach those goals. - A database of all non-profit activities globally (SC)
A phenomenal amount of duplication exists in the philanthropic world, making it often inefficient. With the help of AI and machine learning, it wouldn’t take much to build a global database that scopes the landscape, limits redundancy, and achieves economies of scope. - A vending machine that promotes sustainability (CCL)
New technologies and sensors make it easier to recycle. A vending machine that sorts out our waste could provide individuals with credits commensurate to the “quality” of the waste they bring and be redeemable in local supermarkets and shops. - Empathy learning immersive field trips (MAM)
The disconnection of elites is a recurring theme. It can be addressed by nurturing a more empathetic elite by engaging in non-mediatized, immersive empathy-learning field trips. They should be given greater priority on our high-level decision-makers’ ‘to-do list’. - The creation of a “Performance passport” (TC)
It can be either a physical book or an interactive e-book that will take us on a reflective and practical health and performance journey – helping each of us to understand and monitor how our posture, movement and lifestyle habits can impact our physical and mental health and wellbeing. - Emphasizing the importance of mentoring (MM)
A good mentor can make the difference between success and failure for a young person/professional. Resilience in the face of adversity and preparedness to learn from failure and move on are critical qualities mentors should seek to convey. Promote mentoring in any way you can! - Re-Structure the UN Security Council (MM)
This is needed to address the massive trust deficit that currently besets the international governance framework. A new two-tier system with 5 regional councils, an overarching council and regular reviews of vetoes would make it more representative and impactful. - Predictive psychology (FC)
Human beings are obsessed with projecting themselves into the future but are not good at it (affected by many biases). AI can now help us find better answers relating to our “future self”. One practical piece of advice: learn to “clean” our deep neural tissues through meditation and other techniques. - Being open-hearted (MBC)
The example of forgiveness, resilience, and generosity of Dr. Edith Eva Eger shows how openheartedness can be a source of strength, not vulnerability. Firm in this conviction we should be sure to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us before it is too late. - Teach about emotions (PS)
The current educational system favours thinking over emotions, yet both are vital life tools. If children and young adults are given lessons about the categorization of emotions, this will give them a chance to increase their autonomy. - Create more awareness about water shortages (AJ)
And act accordingly. Two strategies must be pursued concomitantly: develop technologies that reduce water consumption (like SMIXIN) and legislate at the same time (by banning plastic bottles, promoting water harvesting for golf courses and gardens, and so on). - Define fast the next world order (FSS)
The nation-state as a form of political organization is failing humanity in fundamental ways. The fallout from climate change, plastic, and nuclear waste will affect us well beyond the lifespan of any organization. Today the world order is ripe for re-definition and the stakes are high. - Transform, whenever possible, workshops into “walkshops” (TM)
Walking is a great antidote to the “misery at work” syndrome that is engulfing much of the rich world. Walking instead of sitting has a positive effect on physical and mental health and improves productivity. Let us follow the example of big tech by promoting walking meetings. - Plant 1 trillion trees (EE)
A small business – Land Life Company – has made it a goal to restore the world’s 2 billion hectares of degraded land by applying new technologies to make large-scale reforestation possible. The result: an 80% increase in tree survival, 75% water reduction, and local employment. - The Power of Compassion (AM)
Compassion and empathy can and should inform our every move and decision. The more at ease we are with ourselves the greater our facility to be attuned to the demands of others. Kindness as a default position enhances every dimension of human interaction. - Make the CEO a Chief Empowerment Officer (JC)
More than anything else (a freebie, a salary raise, and so on), employees want a boss who cares about their own empowerment. Hence the corporate mindset needs to evolve. The CEO must become a leader who empowers much more than a manager who executes. - A manifesto for personal responsibility (CB)
As human beings, we have rights, but also obligations. We spend our time pointing fingers at those whom we feel are responsible for what doesn’t go right, but we need to develop a sense of personal responsibility: we are responsible for our own actions. - Higher priority in schools for ‘La force de la Parole’ (OA)
We all have legitimate ideas but not everyone is equipped with the same capacity to express them verbally. To redress this imbalance education should place greater emphasis on oral expression through theatre, debating, and participative projects. Map the links and connections between businesses and politicians, the different sectors, and people at the top in each country (this knowledge often already exists but is usually ‘for sale’). Making this information transparent and widely available would benefit not only investors but also help redress the trust deficit of citizens vis a vis their leaders.
