http://robinopati.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/1246659 ]]> Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:40:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/1246659 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/1246511 ]]> Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:36:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/1246511 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/1246427 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:34:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/1246427 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/881997 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/881997 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/741749 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:32:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/741749 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/719361 ---------------------------------------------

The Opening Plenary Session which began with the African Union and Nigerian National Anthems featured the welcome address by the Chief Host, the ECOWAS President, His Excellency, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambers represented by Dr. Adrienne Diop - the Commissioner for Human Development and Gender, ECOWAS Commission.

In his address, the ECOWAS President said, “The Achievement of Peace is an important pillar in the quest for development, progress and the achievement of the MDGs in Africa. Without Peace, development will be elusive. For this to be achieved, youths have a critical role to play.

“As you put your heads together to share experiences and learn from each other, you should project into the future and come out with recommendations that ginger youths, development partners and civil society organizations to provide the needed support to the development and empowerment of youths.

“The world is looking up to you to contribute to change the present status quo and provide the world with a new order.” He concluded.


The Session was Chaired by Chief Senator Kanu Agabi, who has held several key positions in the Nigerian Government (Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Former Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Good Governance, Former Minister).


In his opening remarks, while commending the organizers of the Summit for the initiative he said,


“As we celebrate our freedom, this is the time to examine our present condition and ask ourselves a few pertinent questions:Are we really free? Can we say that we are truly free when all over the continent a vast majority of our people have no say in the election of their leaders?


"Have we been able to rid ourselves of every vestige of dictatorship arising from military rule? Can we say that we are free when a vast majority of our people live in abject poverty and have no hope? The development of our continent is our responsibility.

I have a pledge for you. I call upon every African youth here to say after me:

"I am an African for whom the time has come, to stand up and be somebody. To embrace truth and peace. And to avail myself of all my talents, in the service of my continent and humanity through self-reliance and sacrifice. So help me God!"

With these words he declared the Summit opened.



The Keynote Lecture entitled “Character Development as the Foundation for the Achievement and Sustenance of Peacebuilding, Millennium Development Goals and Regional Integration” was delivered by John Ipuole Oko, the President of Youth Federation for World Peace (Nigeria Chapter) and Coordinator, Youth Service Africa (Chairman of the Organizing Committee).


In his lecture, he identified that every individual requires two dimensions of education (education for character and education for career) in order to pursue the two dimensions of value but stated that priority must be given to education for character while quoting the Greek Philosopher, Heraclitus who said that “Character is Destiny.”



He further identified the 3 moral goals of education to include Maturity of Character, Loving Relationships (especially in the family), and Contribution to Society which were explained in detail. He also said that 3 partners, namely, Home, School and Community are supposed to work together to raise a balanced educated person.

He said: “If we are to achieve and sustain Peace, MDGs and the Integration of our continent, the surest way is for us to become people of mature character who practice the principle of living for the sake of others. I hereby challenge us all (African Youths) to become people of mature character who can establish loving families and contribute to society.


“Especially as young people, I challenge us to be people who can control our sexual desires as a demonstration of maturity of character and a commitment to live for the sake of others.”



He concluded his presentation with 2 quotes. First, from the letter of a headmaster to his teachers:

Dear Teacher,

I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: gas chambers built by learned engineers, children poisoned by learned physicians, infants killed by trained nurses, women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates. So I am suspicious of education. My request is: Help your students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths, educated Eichmanns. Reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more human.


Second, from The Great Learning:

When there is Righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.



He called on all African Youths to join hands with the founders of the Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation for World Peace, Dr. Mrs. Sun Myung Moon who are pioneering several initiatives geared towards achieving peace all over the world.


Goodwill Messages were presented by Dr. A. A. Roberts - Coordinator and Project Team Leader, Global Partnerships Development Initiative, African Business Roundtable and NEPAD Business Group, Africa, and Dr. Mathias J. Eka (JP), National President, Niger Delta Peace Movement.


This was followed by Video Presentation on Introduction to Ambassadors for Peace and Special Award ceremony for International Youth Ambassadors for Peace given to some personalities drawn from diverse backgrounds and sectors in recognition of their contribution to peacebuilding and societal development.


Among the award recipients were: King Prof. T. J. T. Princewill, Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom; Her Excellency Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Shekarau, First Lady of Kano State; Her Excellency Hajia Amina Namadi Sambo, First Lady Kaduna State; Hon. Samuel Whesu Sejero, Member Federal House of Representatives; Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, Secretary to Delta State Government; Hon. Nanpon T. Bongden, Member Plateau State House of Assembly; Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, Member Rivers State House of Assembly; Hon. (Barr.) Bello Muhammad, Member Sokoto State House of Assembly; Prof. Ade Adefuye, Adviser to ECOWAS President on Good Governance; Gen. Chris A. Garuba (rtd), Former Commandant, National Defence College; Rogers Augustine I. Nwoke, MD/CEO Hasal Microfinance Bank Ltd; Engr. Christopher Uche Nwadi, Property Consultant, N.C.R. Associates; Dr. Matthias James Eka, President, Niger Delta Peace Movement; Christian M. Ekwomadu, Director (Planning), High Court of Justice, Abuja; Tunji Junaid Tolani, MD/CEO, Abuja Leasing Company; David Sabo Kente, Asst. Director Finance, National Assembly;HRH Igwe Ignatius C. Idoko, Atlas Int’l Hotels Ltd; Pleased Prophet Friday A. Ibanga, President/Founder, Everlasting Christ Gospel Mission Int’l;




Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman/CEO, Green Forest Group Ltd; Azubuike Okorie, Chief Procurement Officer, Ministry of Police Affairs; Engr. Essien Bassey Essien, Director, Ministry of Works, Cross River State; Hon. Joseph M. Kaura, Chairman, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State; Hon. Felix Etechi Owete, Chairman, Ndoigala West LGA, Delta State; Hon. Paul Opirite Awoyesuku, Chairman, Akuku-Toru LGA, Rivers State; Hon. Stanley John Mamud Buba, Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State; Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen, Chairman, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa-Ibom State; Prince Simon D. Mwadkwon, Chairman, Riyom LGA, Plateau State; Hon. Abdullahi Shuaibu, Legislator, Suleja LGA, Niger State; Tunde Akinsanmi, Zeal Nathan Onyecheme and Emoefe Shifi of Styl-Plus Music; Mailafia Agabi Yakubu, Nigeria Police Force, Jos; Comrade Prince W. D. Addah, Secretary Nigeria Labour Congress, Rivers State;





Mike O. Olu-Wole, Pesther Brands Ltd; Rabo Saleh Kareem, MD/CEO, All States Travel Tours Ltd; Dr. Ronald Nze Eyime, Hon. Commissioner, Directorate of Science and Technology, Asaba; Ibrahim Sade Abdulrahaman, Sec. Gen., Stop Cancer Foundation; Hon. Hassan Inusa Abubakar II, Publicity Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nassarawa State; Fabian O. Onyenegecha, CEO, Solid-Harvest Nig. Ltd; Hon. Mrs. Maureen Barmani Kures, Member, Gong Development Area; Nnaemeka Chidi Enejere, Executive Director, Ons Triumph Ltd; Alhaji Abdul-Gafaru Yusuf, Businessman; Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Legislator, Plateau State House of Assembly; Prince Eneobong Eneobong Akpan; Philomena Talatu Zamani; Hon. Yusuf Shehu Makafi; Osoks Okpara Willies, Oilfield Specialist, Schlumberger Nig. Ltd; Alhaji Abdullahi Babansaleh; Hon. Isa Usman Ambuka; Ezeanochie MacDonald O. C., CEO/Principal Consultant, Ekwulu Konsult; Lawrence Nnamdi Okechukwu, MD/CEO, Star Point Guest House Ltd; Adabahi Adams Adabahi, CEO, Adabahi Automobile Ltd;





Stephen Yinka Oguntoyinbo, CEO, Talk Village International; Alh. Kabiru Usman, MD, Al-Sabur Int’l Service Nig. Ltd; Hon. Bello Bagudu,Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government Affairs; Alhaji Abdullahi Babansaleh, Youth Leader, People Democratic Party, Nassarawa; Capt. Danjuma M. Musa, Retired Navy Officer; Mrs. Nduka Sabina N. Proprietor, Bright Foundation School; Sam Gyane Yakubu; Suleiman Elias Bogoro, Coordinator/CEO Face Palm - Bauchi; David S. Akande, Business Man, NNPC Suleja; Mr. Samuel George. President, IYC, Rivers State; Comrade Haliru Wakaso, Civil Servant; Yahaya Usman Bunu, Deputy Chairman, Awe Local Government Council; Saleh Adamu Kwaru, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Stephen Adejo, CEO, Idenyi Agbo Int’l. Ltd; Ejimole Fidelia Onwuekwe, Founder/CEO, WYPO; Sir Emem Akpabio;





Bishop Daniel Joseph Ubonabasi, National Project Director, Niger Delta Peace Movement; Demola M. Bakare, Deputy Nat. Coordinator, NAVC; Engr. Noah Nuhu Dallaji, President, African Children Talent Development Foundation; Prince Hope Rexlawson, Executive Director, Cardinal Rexjim Lawson Foundation; Hajiya Maryam Gidado Idris; Adamu Egya Oyanki, Secretary, PDP Nassarawa State; Hon. Ahmed Eyibo Sardauna, State House of Assembly, Nassarawa; Ifeanyi Ndubuokwu Isichei, CEO, Praise Ify Isichei Foundation; Chief Obadiah Abimiku Doka II, Proprietor, Steward Model School; Princess (Mrs.) Dr. Eme F. Ibanga; Engr. Effiom E. ffiong, Analyst, Nig. Elect. Reg. Commission, Abuja; Hon. Omolubi Nuwumumi (JP), Business Man; Bolarinwa Stephen Ajayi, Banker, Sky Bank Plc, Maitama;





Prince Oriri Moses; Afuecheta Jovita Ogochukwu, Business Woman; Mrs. Faiza Aderonke Usman, CEO, Kwik Utow Restaurant/Lifestyle Fosman Nig. Ltd; Maxwell Morris Gabriel, MD/CEO Morgab Properties Ltd; Chief Barr. Soja Smooth, Chairman/MD, Smooth Musical Organisation; Chief David Ohwoekevwo, MD, Daebrus Global Service; Chief Dominic Ezeanyim M., Chief Executive, Domlink International; Ali Nuhu, Actor, Gbadebo Jerry Owolabi, Accountant I, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja; Abubakar Yakubu Wambai, S M Officer, KRPC/NNPC.





There were responses by the award recipients who were elated by such honour and promised not to relent in their efforts in contributing to peacebuilding and youth development.


The Opening ceremony also featured special drama presentation by the Epoch Theatre Group on the Summit theme, Musical performance by Papa Monak and his Group tagged ‘Clarion Call’ and a cultural dance by the National Art and Culture Troupe.








SUMMIT SESSIONS

Summit Sessions commenced on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 with a tribute to Late Dr. Tajudeen, a Pan-Africanist who died in an auto crash in Kenya in May 2009.

Adams Peter Eloyi, spokesperson for SpeakAfrica Project spoke on the African Youth Charter and the Decade of the African Youth while Stephen Oguntoyinbo from Generations for Peace highlighted the importance of Sports as a Universal Language and Hope for this Generation. Questions were asked and discussions were held on how state parties can ratify the African Youth Charter and how best to domesticate the Charter. There were also questions on how young Africans can tap into the next Generations for Peace projects.


Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter discussed the important Role of Religion in Promoting Peace in the Society. Dr. A. A. Roberts revealed opportunities available in the International System for Africans and Africans in the Diaspora for achieving Sustainable Peacebuilding, MDGs and Regional Integration. The paper on Ethics and Morality as Foundations for Leadership presented by Chief Sen. Kanu Agabi attracted a lot of interest by the participants. Questions were asked on what Africa as a continent can do to produce Moral and effective leaders and how to check the excesses of corrupt leaders. Participants and speakers agreed that Leadership in Africa should be founded on the principles of Ethics and Morality.


The sessions that took place on Thursday June 4, 2009 were first the Special Session on Tourism and Environment, this started with a pre-presentation on the Niger Delta: Features and Prospects by Dr. Mathias J. Eka JP, National President, Niger Delta Peace Movement.


Then the proper session on Tourism and Environment as a tool for development commenced and was facilitated by Prince Sammi Okpalaeze, President, Int’l Youth Peace Tourism Development Initiative (IYPTDI). Alh. Saleh K. Rabo - MD, All States Travel, Abuja, presented a paper on Travel and Tours: A Strategic Tool towards engaging Youth in Tourism for sustenance of regional integration of Africa. He was joined by Ibrahim B. Mustapha, GM, Niger State Tourism Cooperation, who represented Hon. Umar Mohammed Nasko, Hon. Comm. Tourism Culture, Niger State, who spoke on the topic“Tourism and Environment: Partnership for Promoting Investment in Tourism: the Niger State Success Story”.

Mr. Amana A. M. was the Chairman of the “Tourism and Environment” Session representing the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Orientation, Nigeria. Goodwill Remarks were made by Mr. John Odey - Hon. Minister of Environment, Federal Republic of Nigeria who was the Distinguished Guest of Honour represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry.


The Minister in his remarks had a lot of praise for the organizers of the summit and encouraged partnership with the Ministry on future programs.


There was a special session by the Chief Host of the Summit - ECOWAS Commission. Prof. Ade Adefuye - Special Adviser to ECOWAS President on Good Governance presented a paper on Youth Involvement in Peacebuilding while Mr. Kennedy Zaro Barsisa - Principal Programme Officer, Youth, Sports Employment, ECOWAS Commission discussed Youth and the Challenges of African Integration: the West African Experience.



The afternoon session started with a presentation on the Role of Youth Participation in Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development by Amb. Ogenekaro E. Ekewenu - MD/CEO, Karokewenu Limited, Delta State, Nigeria. He was joined by Pleased Prophet (Dr.) Friday Ibanga - Chaplain Service Servant, The Chaplain Mission of Nigeria who challenged the Youths to ‘Say No to Restiveness.’ Amb. Dickson Akor - National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria spoke on the Role of Youth in Peacebuilding in Africa. He was represented by Patriot Edet Ekpenyoung - Asst. National Commandant (General Duties), Peace Corps of Nigeria.


Veronica Ugwu - Regional Focal Person, Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA) West Africa spoke on Youth Development and Empowerment as paramount for National Peace and achievement of the MDGs: The GYCA Approach.


The day’s activities were brought to a close with a capacity building workshop on the Universal Principles for Peacebuilding by John Ipuole Oko - the President of Youth Federation for World Peace (Nigeria Chapter).




The sessions that took place on Friday June 5, 2009 focused on experience sharing, service project learning, networking meetings and reflection writing.


Mr. Chester T. Neese from Youth In Stand of Humanity and Developmental Action Inc. (YOSHUDEA)-Liberia, made a statement on the experiences of young people in Liberia.


In commemoration of the World Environment Day, there was a special session on Environment-related Service Projects. The presentations were aimed at educating the participants on how to contribute to community development through Service projects.


Prince Sammi Okpalaeze, President of Int’l Youth Peace Toursim Development Initiative introduced participants to the Concept of Service Project while Barrister Nkiruka Nnaemego, CEO/Founder of Fresh Young Brains Development Initiative, made a Special presentation on the Service Project done in commemoration of the 2009 Global Youth Service Day Celebration at the Abuja Children’s Home. She also gave an update of upcoming Youth events in Nigeria and encouraged participants to avail themselves of such opportunities to empower themselves.

Participants were shared into teams to discuss on the service projects they will carry out in their local communities as a way of practicalizing lessons learnt as well as contributing to societal development. Each team had a leader and a secretary who represented them in the plenary session.


Participants were encouraged to share experiences with one another during the Networking meetings session. They engaged themselves in discussions on their individual goals and projects as well as exchanged contacts.

Summit Communique Drafting Committee met and came up with the Communique. There was Reflection writing by participants which serves as an objective feedback to the organizers and partners for more successful summits in the future.




CLOSING CEREMONY


During the Closing Ceremony which took place in the evening of Friday 5th June 2009, the Honourable Minister of State for Education (Nigeria), Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku was present to declare the summit closed. Together with other distinguished personalities including Adamu Abdu Loko (Zannan Loko) she was presented with the Youth Ambassador for Peace Award.


In his closing keynote lecture, John Ipuole Oko reiterated the importance of Character Development as a foundation for the achievement and sustenance of Peacebuilding, MDGs and Regional Integration of Africa. He advocated for a total overhaul of the educational sector saying:

“As we know, during graduation ceremonies, graduants are said to have been ‘found worthy’ in ‘character’ and in ‘learning.’ Meanwhile, some of the graduants were involved in examination malpractices, secret cultism, prostitution, and other social vices. Can we say that these are people found ‘worthy in character?’ Infact, throughout their entire schooling years, how many courses did they take on Character Development?


“We must review our educational curriculum and ensure that Character Education becomes an integral part of it. Good enough, our organisation now has wonderful materials well developed that can be used irrespective of our national, religious and other affiliations.”


The Minister who keenly listened to the lecture was so impressed that she promised to collaborate with the organizers in the nearest future to organize programs that will positively impact the educational sector of the country.


Participants were given their certificates of participation. There was a musical performance by Papa Monak and Group titled ‘African Union’ and a special video documentary on the Summit proceedings was played. The Summit came to a close with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. John Ipuole Oko, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee.







JOHN IPUOLE OKO
National President, YFWP-Nigeria]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:06:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/719361 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/702221 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:08:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/702221 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/695853 A leadership role for vision

* Vision can motivate without providing direction.
* The emotionally expressed intention to be the best XYZ is inspiring.
* It gives us something to believe in, work towards, and identify with.
* But a vision doesn't always provide direction, what to do differently.





* There is managerial vision and leadership vision.
* The former motivates performance improvement; this isn't leadership.
* Visionary leadership paints an inspiring picture of what an organization can become.
* It points towards a new future, a change in direction, and hence provides leadership.
* A vision dramatizes new directions that others might not buy into otherwise.
* Vision is hence a useful influence tactic for prospective followers who are resistant to change and who find vivid pictures or images inspiring.
* Vision, however, is not essential to leadership simply because there are other influence tactics available and because people differ in terms of their receptivity to change.
o setting an example is a form of leadership without vision.
o simply pointing to a new direction is enough to influence opportunists.
* To inspire change, a vision needs to be concrete, not just motherhood statements.
* It should point to what needs to be done by when and should differentiate you from competitors - otherwise you have provided a statement of values, not a vision.
* Wanting to provide the best customer service in the business is a value statement.
* Attaining a measurable lead on this value in your market in 3 years is a vision.
* However, if you are just trying to be a bit better on several dimensions at what you are already doing, then this borders on being a managerial vision.
* A true leadership vision advocates a more substantive change in direction.
* It depends on your starting point - minor changes suggests a managerial challenge. If you are currently in the dark ages on customer service, then it's a leadership task..

* Leadership style in traditional leadership theory = how you relate to subordinates.
* Do you emphasize task structure or relationships, be unilateral or participative?
* Do you show consideration to people or do you get the job done through formal structure?
* Questions about leadership style assume that the fundamental purpose of leadership is to motivate employees to work harder.
* But, thanks to hyper-competition, organizations now have two separate tasks - to get today's business done and to create the future. The former calls for good management; the latter for leadership.
* Now, leaders need to focus externally and promote new products or services, something all employees can do. This means that leadership is no longer a formal role; only management is.
* We now need to reframe leadership style as management style.
* Style questions should refer to how managers motivate subordinates to perform, not leadership.
* Leadership generates new directions - it's not about managing people.
* See links on this site for more on how our concept of leadership must change.
* Test your insight into guerrilla leadership with this quiz.

The Definition of Leadership

In our knowledge driven world, the power to lead is shifting to the power to promote new ideas, a better way, based on innovation. The meaning of leadership now should be simply the successful promotion of new directions. Leaders show the way. The beauty of this definition of leadership is that it is consistent with market leadership or leadership in sports where one individual, team or organization "shows the way" for others. By focusing our attempts to define leadership on what it means to be the head of a group, we have created a very distorted picture of leadership.

From this point of view, there is only management style. There is no such thing as leadership style.
Participative Leadership = Participative Management

In a meeting, if everyone takes turns promoting a better way, a new solution, then everyone has taken turns showing leadership. All such instances of leadership are one-way influence attempts. Particpative management means that the person in charge asks questions to draw solutions out of team members. But this is not leadership if the meaning of leadership is to actively promote a better way. Think of Martin Luther King promoting desegregation or Al Gore promoting environmental action. These acts of leadership are one-way influence attempts. In a meeting, if everyone has an equal say in the decision, then we must say that no leadership was shown or needed no matter how skilled a facilitator was the person in charge. Hence, there is no such thing as participative leadership. This is an unconventional view, however.






Empowering leaders

* You can empower employees to make decisions - this gives them responsibility and defines their role - this is managerial responsibility.
* Leadership is not about decision making responsibility.
* You cannot, strictly speaking, empower leaders.
* Leaders are people who take their own initiative, regardless of authority.
* Empowerment means giving people the authority to decide. Leadership is promoting new ideas, it is not about making decisions. That is a managerial action.
* This does not mean doing whatever they want, but rather striving to influence the organization to change direction.
* You can encourage leaders so they have more confidence to challenge the status quo, but that is not empowerment as such.
* Developing leaders is more about creating a culture where senior executives are receptive to challenge from all quarters.
* Yes, this does entail giving them a sort of permission, but permission to challenge the status quo is not the same as being given specific authority, hence it is not empowerment.
* True leaders already have power - the power of ideas and personal confidence to stand up and be counted.
* You cannot give such people this sort of power.
* Giving them power or formal authority provides them with managerial authority. Formal authority does not make someone a leader.
What is servant leadership?

* Servant leadership is one of the most popular leadership models around today.
* The concept was developed by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970.
* The servant leader serves the people he/she leads which implies that they are an end in themselves rather than a means to an organizational purpose or bottom line.

What do servant leaders do?

* devote themselves to serving the needs of organization members.
* focus on meeting the needs of those they lead.
* develop employees to bring out the best in them.
* coach others and encourage their self expression.
* facilitate personal growth in all who work with them.
* listen and build a sense of community.

Servant leaders are felt to be effective because the needs of followers are so looked after that they reach their full potential, hence perform at their best. A strength of this way of looking at leadership is that it forces us away from self-serving, domineering leadership and makes those in charge think harder about how to respect, value and motivate people reporting to them.

Looked at critically, however, we have to ask whether the idea of leader and employee as partners might not be better than the idea of leaders as servants. It's just as paternalistic to switch from controlling boss to nurturing boss. Treating employees as partners is even more respectful and valuing. Serving people's needs creates the image of being slavish or subservient, not a very positive image. In addition, leaders need to serve the needs of shareholders ahead of those of employees. Surely, it makes more sense to say simply that leaders should CONSIDER the needs of employees not be a servant to them. Shifting metaphors from leaders-as-autocrats to leaders-as-servants is going from one extreme to the other. Neither end of the spectrum is very revealing about how organizations function. The principles of servant leadership are admirable. It is the image of SERVANT with its slave-like connotation that is problematic and misleading. See my Critique of this idea for more on my objections to servant leadership.


The leader as servant

Critique of this idea - what's wrong with the idea of servant leadership?

Reply to objections - reply to an objection to my criticism of the idea of servant leadership


Selflessness

Advocates of servant leadership emphasize two factors, serving employees and being selfless. The latter is a valuable trait, but we don't need to call it servant leadership to advocate selflessness. A good example of being selfless is a political leader who champions an unpopular policy, like eliminating carbon waste by a tight deadline because he or she feels it is in the best interest of the country.

The leader who campains mainly on the basis of popular policies like cutting taxes is really just buying votes. This person is more interested in getting elected than doing what is best for the country. We naturally take a cynical attitude toward such people and question whether they ought to be regarded as leaders at all. The selfless leader is willing to risk his or her own fate in order to do what is right. This is real leadership, like that of Martin Luther King who risked going to jail and being killed in order to stand up for what he believed in. Of course, many professionals are also selfless without being leaders - many doctors and nurses, for example. So, it is not only leaders who are selfless. In any case, selflessness is possible without being a servant.

Here are some free articles on other leadership topics:

*
What's wrong with leadership theory? - a new way of viewing leadership
* Abraham Zaleznik and John Kotter on leadership - challenging the HBR view of the world
*
Kouzes Posner on leadership - thought leadership vs tradition
*
Career management through leadership - a more empowering approach to career management that encourages employees to think more like business people and leaders.
]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:12:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/695853 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/690775 http://www.christianaid.org/Missionaries/MIR/mir20090605.aspx
]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:14:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/690775 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/687653 http://www.nation.co.ke/News/world/-/1068/606462/-/sx2it8/-/index.html
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We wish to bring to your attention that the next president of Kenya will be a man of peace and prosperity ordained by God for such a time as this. We hope so.]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:00:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/685153 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/679315
The full citation read by Yale President Richard C. Levin upon conferring the degree is as follows:

"You have defined and perfected the role of social entrepreneur, helping people around the world help themselves. As the founder of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, you have sought creative solutions to the most pressing social problems. By guiding and supporting the work of more than 2,600 Ashoka Fellows, you are advancing economic development, environmental sustainability, public health, and human rights, and helping to build institutions that ensure continued progress. In your quest to abolish sorrow, we rejoice, and gratefully award you your second Yale degree: Doctor of Humane Letters."

The degree was conferred upon Bill Drayton in recognition of Ashoka's continued work to create and build the field of social entrepreneurship and its central contribution to a world where everyone, not just an elite few, can be powerful changemakers. Earlier this year Oxford University similarly recognized Ashoka in making Bill a life Balliol Honorary Fellow. This year's other honorary degree recipients were Richard Serra, John McPhee, Gustavo Gutiérrez, Alison Richard, Sofia Gubaidulina, Leroy Hood, Thomas Schelling, Bill T. Jones, and Hillary Rodham Clinton.



About Bill Drayton
William Drayton is known as a leading social entrepreneur, one who has spent his career enabling people around the world to help themselves. He is the Founder, Chair, and CEO of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, a global citizen group that has fostered entrepreneurial programs since 1980 in fields including economic development, social awareness, environmentalism, health, and human rights. In a career that has embraced higher education, business consulting, and government service, he has consistently devoted himself to social causes, and currently chairs three U.S.-based organizations: Youth Venture, Community Greens, and Get America Working!

About Ashoka
Founded in 1980, Ashoka is the world's working community of leading social entrepreneurs. It champions the most important new social change ideas and supports the entrepreneurs behind them to start, grow, succeed, and collaborate on their ventures. As Ashoka expands its capacity to integrate and connect social and business entrepreneurs around the world, it builds an entrepreneurial infrastructure comprised of global initiatives that supports the fast-growing needs of the citizen sector. Ashoka is creating change today, for an Everyone a Changemaker™ society to become the reality of tomorrow.
http://www.ashoka.org]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 08:58:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/679315 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/671897
Even brief exposure to violent forms of pornography can lead to anti-social attitudes and behavior - i.e., a more aggressive attitude toward women.

Studies have shown that exposure to porn can lead to increased desensitization to sexual violence and rape.

A strong statistical correlation has been found between circulation rates of porn magazines and rape rates in that area.

Statistics
Pornography is an $8-billion-a-year business.

17.5 million Surfers visited porn sites from home computers in Jan. 2000, a 40% increase from 4 months earlier. (Source: US News World Report, 3/27/2000)

Web surfers spent $970 million accessing porn sites in 1998. (Source: Data monitor research firm)

Porn accounts for 69% of the $1.4 billion pay-to-view online-content market, compared to video games (4%) and sports (2%). (Source: US News World Report, 3/27/2000)

16% of the Internet's porn materials are accessed through America Online - which brings in $7 million per month via porn. (Source: US News World Report, 3/27/2000)

Cyber porn sales accounted for 8% of last year's $18 billion e-commerce. (Source: Forrester Research report)

The top internet porn site boasted more unique visitors in Jan. 2000 than ESPN.com, CDNOW, or barnesandnoble.com. (Source: US News World Report, 3/27/2000)

In the U.S., nearly 900 theaters show porn films and more than 15,000 adult bookstores and video stores offer porn material.

Pornography is material that "is predominantly sexually explicit and intended primarily for the purpose of sexual arousal." Hard core porn "is sexually explicit in the extreme, and devoid of any other apparent content or purpose." (Source: Final Report of the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography, p. 8)

about 70% of porn magazines end up in the hands of minors. (Source: Henry Boatwright, Chairman of the U.S. Advisory Board for Social Concerns.)

About 1.2 million children annually are exploited in child pornography and prostitution. (Source: Women against Pornography)


Matthew 5:28 "If a man looks on a woman to lust after her, he has committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Psalm 101:3 "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes."

Philippians 4:7, 8 "Keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus... Whatsoever things are pure... if there be any virtue... thinks on these things?"

The word "pornography" comes from the Greek porneia, porneuo, and porne. Porneia is translated "fornication" in the King James Version (Mat 5:32; John 8:41; Rom 1:29; 1 Corin 6:9, 13, 18; Gal 5:19; Rev 19:2; etc.). Porneuo is the verb "to commit fornication," as in 1 Corin 6:18. Porne is translated "harlot" in Mat 21:31-32; 1 Corin 6:15; and Rev 17:5.

Ephesians 5:5 "For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

1 Timothy 1:10 "For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine"

Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."

Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Revelation 22:15 "For without are dog, and sorcerers, and
whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."

Many lustful sins take place in the dark, in secret, but nothing is hid from God:

Hebrews 4:13 "All things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

Numbers 32:23 "Be sure your sin will find you out."

More serious than other sins?
Pornography seems more disgusting than other evils.

1 Corinthians 6:18 "Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. "

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you ...? Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

'Just looking'?
Some would argue that looking at the naked human body is not evil, because God made it beautiful, and Adam and Eve were naked in the garden. However, that was before sin entered the picture.
"The eye is the window of the soul," as the saying goes. What we look at does affect us spiritually - and can cause us to sin. David "SAW" the woman naked, before he got ideas to sin with her. Jesus said that if a man "looks at a woman to lust after her, he has committed adultery with her already in his heart"; etc. The sin takes place even before the action is executed.
Scripture gives many examples of men being enticed by the sight of a woman. Shechem saw the woman before he raped her. David saw the woman bathing before he had sex with her. Judah saw the harlot before he had sex with her. It was the same for Samson, etc.

Genesis 34:2 "And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, SAW HER, he took her and lay with her by force."

2 Samuel 11:2-5 "Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he SAW A WOMAN BATHING; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, 'is this not ... the wife of Uriah the Hittite?' And David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her... And the woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, 'I am pregnant.'"

Matthew 5:28 "but I say to you, that everyone who LOOKS on a woman to LUST for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Genesis 38:2-3 "And Judah SAW there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her and went in to her. So she conceived and bore a son and he named him Er...."

Genesis 38:15-16 "When Judah SAW HER, he thought she was a harlot.... So he turned aside to her by the road, and said, 'Here now, let me come in to you'; ...And she said, 'What will you give me, that you may come in to me?'"

Judges 16:1 "Now Samson went to Gaza and SAW a harlot there, and went in to her."

Judges 14:2-3 "So he came back and told his father and mother, 'I SAW a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.' Then his father and his mother said to him, 'Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?' But Samson said to his father, 'Get her for me, for SHE LOOKS GOOD TO ME.'"

Visual stimulation is more common in man than in woman, however. There's just one example in Scripture of a woman lusting after a man by SEEING him:

Genesis 39:7-12 "And it came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, 'Lie with me.' But he refused and said to his master's wife, 'Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God?' And it came about as she spoke to Joseph day after day, that he did not listen to her to lie beside her, or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. And she caught him by his garment, saying, 'Lie with me!' And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside."

How can addiction to porn be overcome?
Giving in to lustful desires is a sign of spiritual weakness. Ephesians 6 tells us what armor to put on, to be "strong" in spiritual battle.
If you don't want to get slaughtered in battle, don't go dancing in the minefields. Former alcoholics don't hang out in bars. Fill that free time with a positive activity: Read a book. Sing a psalm. Call a friend. Visit a nursing home. Pray. As the saying goes, "Idleness is the devil's workshop."
Christians especially should not practice such sins, as we will be held to a stricter standard:

1 Peter 4:17 "Judgment must begin first at the household of God."

Luke 12:48 "To whom much (light) has been given, much (responsibility) will be required."

Is it possible to overcome this sin?

1 Corinthians 6:9, 11 "...such were (past tense) some of you. But now...."

Being tempted is not sin (even Jesus was tempted) - but giving in to it, or seeking it out, surely is.


"For he hath called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light!"
1 Peter 2:9


CLICK AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=8252uid=7655077307

Posted by Abbey in Uk]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 03:05:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/671897 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/668659
Today he is attacking the luos of Kenya and what about tomorrow? He may turn to Kikuyus and finally luyias.

Mr. President, please retire from politics in peace for the sake of your daughters,Ugandans,Africans and your record of ruling Uganda peacefully.

"In an interview with the BBC, Museveni said: "The island is in Kenya and the waters are in Buganda (Uganda). So what do we do now? The Wajaluos are mad. What is the issue here?" he asked and dismissed the dispute as a Luo, not a Kenyan issue.

So I have been telling those Jaluos who have been rioting and wanang’oa reli (uprooting the railway line) that I want to go and discuss this with them."

Museveni warned fishermen: "If we implement this (claim the waters), hakuna mjaluo ataenda kuvua samaki huko (No Luo will fish there)."


In Africa all nations need one another for development and especially good neighbors like Kenya,Uganda and Tanzania must foster unity to develop faster.

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/598330/-/u69qx2/-/index.html]]> Fri, 15 May 2009 03:52:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/668659 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/662745 Mon, 11 May 2009 02:34:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/662745 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/657519
We will always endeavor to update you and keep up with the international visionary leaders and role models agenda and for this we are so grateful for your support and encouragement.

Blessings to you all and best of luck in all your missions and duties aimed at making the world a better place and bringing lasting change in this 21st century.

The Global Visionary Leaders Forum Executive Council.
'Taking leadership to the best level']]> Tue, 05 May 2009 13:09:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/657519 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/648719

You can now become a fan and friend of Dr. Robinson on face book. click the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Robinson/84407344358]]> Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:56:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/648719 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/644393
]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:03:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/644393 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/641543 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
The governments of Kenya and Uganda have agreed to resolve the dispute over Migingo Island “amicably and diplomatically."

"The Government of Uganda reassures citizens of both countries that the issue of Migingo Island sovereignty shall be resolved amicably and diplomatically, said Fred Opolot, the Uganda Government Spokesman.

He said that Uganda has not deployed military at the island contrary to reports.

"Reports in the Kenyan media, to the effect that Uganda Peoples Defence Forces have been deployed on Migingo Island are incorrect. There is no Uganda military officer on the island."

It also reaffirmed its friendship with Kenya and stated that the impasse would be resolved within one or two months.

He said that “careless rhetoric” by politicians had fuelled the situation and called for calm as the two governments worked on a lasting solution.

Kenya Government spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua said that the country was investigating reports that its fishermen were been harassed by their Ugandan counterparts.

He ruled out Kenya going to war with its neighbour now or in the near future.

At the same time, Kenya Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia has refuted claims that there is a curfew at Migingo Island.

The PS has also denied that Kenyans at Migingo are being taxed to the tune of Sh500 to go be allowed to go about their business in the island whose ownership is now a matter of dispute.

“Reports that there is reinforcing of Uganda military troops are not necessarily true. I am in touch with the area DC and there is nothing of the sort,” said Mr Kimemia.

The PS assured Kenyans that their brothers in Migingo Island are safe and that Kenyan forces, though they may not be seen, are there.

The issue of Migingo has been blown out of proportion, Mr Kimemia said.

The PS said that the second meeting held in Kampala over the issue needs to be given time to be implemented.

Mr Kimemia further indicated that it was at the same meeting that an agreement was reached to have a survey done to determine where the island in question is.

The PS was speaking on the sidelines of the performance contract review and mid-term review of the rapid results initiative at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi.

The survey is staring soon, according to the PS, and that surveyors represent both countries.

“On Monday, another team from Uganda will visit Kenyans to meet the Kenyan team and together they will draw a work plan for the surveyors,” said Mr Kimemia.


In Summary
* Uganda has not deployed military at the island contrary to reports, says Mr Opolot.
* Kenya Government denies reports of curfew at Migingo Island.

The survey, according to him, will be extended to the entire Kenya Uganda border to the tip of Southern Sudan.

In the meantime, the PS has appealed to politicians to keep out of the issue as technocrats are sorting it out.

“The way it is being handled is like the two countries are at war. Take note that even after the survey places the location of the Island it will not be the end of the existing relationship between Kenya and Uganda,” Mr Kimemia said.

]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:06:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/641543 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/639473
Our past elections held in 2007 December were terribly flawed and all efforts for another election have been crippled by those who are perceived to have benefited from stolen votes. We need an interim government to oversee fresh elections monitored and supervised by the international community.

When you read stories in the Kenyan media and hear those people talking politics and about what is going to happen, everything is predicting a hopeless hell-bent leadership.

The idea is that we have a moribund sit-on-the-fence president, cantankerous and dovish vice president, an ineffective and hawkish prime minister, divided cabinet ,corrupt judiciary, strange attorney general and confused parliament.


Mr. Moi looked for a successor in vain and only finally landed on Uhuru Kenyatta. President Kibaki only inherited a system planted by his predecessors. Both president Kibaki and Prime minister Raila Odinga have really tried to foster peaceful coexistence in Kenya but the people still want more. That is why we have to support new leaders.


With president Barack Obama of USA who has Kenyan roots in power, Kenya can only hope of a great future of peace and prosperity. why then are people planning to fight? We must be ready to pave way for the anointed leaders by changing our constitution to allow young people to rule. If not we shall be compelled to submit under America and even give up our sovereignty to become a distant state of USA, that way we shall dwell in peace and prosperity.

Kenya is surrounded by neighbors who cannot assist when the nation goes into a crisis. Even Africa will only be looking at ways to trim Kenya's popularity and take advantage of its resources in case we start fighting.Only USA can save our nation.

As we Kenyans ponder who is our next leader, we must ask our selves who are the visionary leaders that God has anointed and why?


]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:12:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/639473 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/637555
I met Chloe is 2005 in an international US youth forum and we did give her our first Global young role model award in 2007.

Chloe is a lady with lots of passion to serve her native country America and promote diplomacy and sustainable development.This has taken her to Africa, Europe and beyond.

Last year she was pursuing her graduate studies in Scandinavia and we are not sure where she is right now.We wish her all the best and are proud of having given her the first award.

The international role model awards are given annually by Global Visionary Leaders Forum since 2007. We do not have any financial backing but those who received the awards were all happy.

A total of 25 role model awards have so far been given since inception and 20 were received. However, 2 were revoked and four are still pending due to unclear information about recipients or lack of their contacts. This too may be revoked in future.

Details of 2009 role model awards will be available in September but we are currently on plans to identify a female ambassador...Teacher Robinson




















photo courtesy of sustainus
]]> Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:53:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/637555 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/633043 Competition for the Nairobi- US route has taken on a new dimension after US-based, Delta Airlines announced direct flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, via Dakar, Senegal.

The airline, which is the only major US carrier that flies to Africa becomes the first to fly direct to the US from East Africa.

Currently, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and SN Brussels are some of the airlines that offer links to the US.

Delta operates its largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The airline also maintains hubs at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, and Salt Lake City International Airport.

In May 2008, the Kenyan and US government signed an open skies agreement that will enable the expansion and liberalisation of the bilateral civil aviation relations between the two countries, with tourism being one of the major winners.

Inaugural flights start on June 3. Passengers will not only save on money but on time as well. Travellers depart Nairobi at 20.10 and arrive in Atlanta at 08.00 in time for breakfast.

The airline is offering limited-time special introductory return economy fares from Nairobi to Atlanta, via Dakar, from $1,789 inclusive of taxes and surcharges.

However, tickets must be purchased no later than April 28 for travel between June 3 and September 15.

Swiss International Airlines, flying via Zurich to Chicago and Atlanta, US charges $2,183 for the air ticket, while Emirates connecting through Dubai to Houston, US charges $2,561.

According to Bobby Bryan, Delta’s commercial manager for West and East Africa, the new four-times weekly flight will be the only direct service to the US from Kenya and will offer passengers convenient connections via Delta’s Atlanta hub to over 150 business and leisure destinations throughout the US including Washington, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, as well as throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition, this new flight will provide connections between Kenya and Senegal. Via Nairobi, passengers can also take advantage of several good connections to other East African cities such as Kigali, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam and Mombasa operated by SkyTeam partner, Kenya Airways.
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Delta’s direct service between Nairobi and Atlanta with operate using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with up to 216 seats in a two-class configuration featuring 35 seats in Business Elite – Delta’s award-winning business class service and 181 in economy class. The new flight from Nairobi will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Delta is the leading airline connecting Africa to the US. By June 2009, Delta will be the only carrier to operate service between North, East, South and West Africa and the United States and will operate from nine cities in seven African countries. Delta currently operates flights from Cairo, Accra, Dakar, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Lagos.

Delta Air Lines is the world’s largest airline. From its hubs in the US, Delta, its Northwest subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers offer service to 368 destinations in 66 countries and serve more than 170 million passengers each year.

Due to the saturation of aviation in the US, Delta has been expanding in the past two years internationally with Africa being one of its target markets. Currently it operates in two destinations in South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana. ]]> Mon, 06 Apr 2009 03:26:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/633043 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/631295

G20 LONDON SUMMIT
World leaders met on Wednesday and Thursday in London to discuss measures to tackle the downturn. See our in-depth guide to the G20 summit.
The G20 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, the US and the EU.

1. We, the Leaders of the Group of Twenty, met in London on 2 April 2009.

2. We face the greatest challenge to the world economy in modern times; a crisis which has deepened since we last met, which affects the lives of women, men, and children in every country, and which all countries must join together to resolve. A global crisis requires a global solution.

3. We start from the belief that prosperity is indivisible; that growth, to be sustained, has to be shared; and that our global plan for recovery must have at its heart the needs and jobs of hard-working families, not just in developed countries but in emerging markets and the poorest countries of the world too; and must reflect the interests, not just of today's population, but of future generations too. We believe that the only sure foundation for sustainable globalisation and rising prosperity for all is an open world economy based on market principles, effective regulation, and strong global institutions.

4. We have today therefore pledged to do whatever is necessary to:

· restore confidence, growth, and jobs;

· repair the financial system to restore lending;

· strengthen financial regulation to rebuild trust;

· fund and reform our international financial institutions to overcome this crisis and prevent future ones;

· promote global trade and investment and reject protectionism, to underpin prosperity; and

· build an inclusive, green, and sustainable recovery.

By acting together to fulfil these pledges we will bring the world economy out of recession and prevent a crisis like this from recurring in the future.

5. The agreements we have reached today, to treble resources available to the IMF to $750 billion, to support a new SDR [IMF special drawing rights] allocation of $250 billion, to support at least $100 billion of additional lending by the MDBs [Multilateral Development Banks], to ensure $250 billion of support for trade finance, and to use the additional resources from agreed IMF gold sales for concessional finance for the poorest countries, constitute an additional $1.1 trillion programme of support to restore credit, growth and jobs in the world economy. Together with the measures we have each taken nationally, this constitutes a global plan for recovery on an unprecedented scale.

Restoring growth and jobs

6. We are undertaking an unprecedented and concerted fiscal expansion, which will save or create millions of jobs which would otherwise have been destroyed, and that will, by the end of next year, amount to $5 trillion, raise output by 4 per cent, and accelerate the transition to a green economy. We are committed to deliver the scale of sustained fiscal effort necessary to restore growth.

7. Our central banks have also taken exceptional action. Interest rates have been cut aggressively in most countries, and our central banks have pledged to maintain expansionary policies for as long as needed and to use the full range of monetary policy instruments, including unconventional instruments, consistent with price stability.

8. Our actions to restore growth cannot be effective until we restore domestic lending and international capital flows. We have provided significant and comprehensive support to our banking systems to provide liquidity, recapitalise financial institutions, and address decisively the problem of impaired assets. We are committed to take all necessary actions to restore the normal flow of credit through the financial system and ensure the soundness of systemically important institutions, implementing our policies in line with the agreed G20 framework for restoring lending and repairing the financial sector.

9. Taken together, these actions will constitute the largest fiscal and monetary stimulus and the most comprehensive support programme for the financial sector in modern times. Acting together strengthens the impact and the exceptional policy actions announced so far must be implemented without delay. Today, we have further agreed over $1 trillion of additional resources for the world economy through our international financial institutions and trade finance.

10. Last month the IMF estimated that world growth in real terms would resume and rise to over 2 percent by the end of 2010. We are confident that the actions we have agreed today, and our unshakeable commitment to work together to restore growth and jobs, while preserving long-term fiscal sustainability, will accelerate the return to trend growth. We commit today to taking whatever action is necessary to secure that outcome, and we call on the IMF to assess regularly the actions taken and the global actions required.

11. We are resolved to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and price stability and will put in place credible exit strategies from the measures that need to be taken now to support the financial sector and restore global demand. We are convinced that by implementing our agreed policies we will limit the longer-term costs to our economies, thereby reducing the scale of the fiscal consolidation necessary over the longer term.

12. We will conduct all our economic policies cooperatively and responsibly with regard to the impact on other countries and will refrain from competitive devaluation of our currencies and promote a stable and well-functioning international monetary system. We will support, now and in the future, to candid, even-handed, and independent IMF surveillance of our economies and financial sectors, of the impact of our policies on others, and of risks facing the global economy.

Strengthening financial supervision and regulation

13. Major failures in the financial sector and in financial regulation and supervision were fundamental causes of the crisis. Confidence will not be restored until we rebuild trust in our financial system. We will take action to build a stronger, more globally consistent, supervisory and regulatory framework for the future financial sector, which will support sustainable global growth and serve the needs of business and citizens.

14. We each agree to ensure our domestic regulatory systems are strong. But we also agree to establish the much greater consistency and systematic cooperation between countries, and the framework of internationally agreed high standards, that a global financial system requires. Strengthened regulation and supervision must promote propriety, integrity and transparency; guard against risk across the financial system; dampen rather than amplify the financial and economic cycle; reduce reliance on inappropriately risky sources of financing; and discourage excessive risk-taking. Regulators and supervisors must protect consumers and investors, support market discipline, avoid adverse impacts on other countries, reduce the scope for regulatory arbitrage, support competition and dynamism, and keep pace with innovation in the marketplace.

15. To this end we are implementing the Action Plan agreed at our last meeting, as set out in the attached progress report. We have today also issued a Declaration, Strengthening the Financial System. In particular we agree:

· to establish a new Financial Stability Board (FSB) with a strengthened mandate, as a successor to the Financial Stability Forum (FSF), including all G20 countries, FSF members, Spain, and the European Commission;

· that the FSB should collaborate with the IMF to provide early warning of macroeconomic and financial risks and the actions needed to address them;

· to reshape our regulatory systems so that our authorities are able to identify and take account of macro-prudential risks;

· to extend regulation and oversight to all systemically important financial institutions, instruments and markets. This will include, for the first time, systemically important hedge funds;

· to endorse and implement the FSF's tough new principles on pay and compensation and to support sustainable compensation schemes and the corporate social responsibility of all firms;

· to take action, once recovery is assured, to improve the quality, quantity, and international consistency of capital in the banking system. In future, regulation must prevent excessive leverage and require buffers of resources to be built up in good times;

· to take action against non-cooperative jurisdictions, including tax havens. We stand ready to deploy sanctions to protect our public finances and financial systems. The era of banking secrecy is over. We note that the OECD has today published a list of countries assessed by the Global Forum against the international standard for exchange of tax information;

· to call on the accounting standard setters to work urgently with supervisors and regulators to improve standards on valuation and provisioning and achieve a single set of high-quality global accounting standards; and

· to extend regulatory oversight and registration to Credit Rating Agencies to ensure they meet the international code of good practice, particularly to prevent unacceptable conflicts of interest.

16. We instruct our Finance Ministers to complete the implementation of these decisions in line with the timetable set out in the Action Plan. We have asked the FSB and the IMF to monitor progress, working with the Financial Action Taskforce and other relevant bodies, and to provide a report to the next meeting of our Finance Ministers in Scotland in November.

Strengthening our global financial institutions

17. Emerging markets and developing countries, which have been the engine of recent world growth, are also now facing challenges which are adding to the current downturn in the global economy. It is imperative for global confidence and economic recovery that capital continues to flow to them. This will require a substantial strengthening of the international financial institutions, particularly the IMF. We have therefore agreed today to make available an additional $850 billion of resources through the global financial institutions to support growth in emerging market and developing countries by helping to finance counter-cyclical spending, bank recapitalisation, infrastructure, trade finance, balance of payments support, debt rollover, and social support. To this end:

· we have agreed to increase the resources available to the IMF through immediate financing from members of $250 billion, subsequently incorporated into an expanded and more flexible New Arrangements to Borrow, increased by up to $500 billion, and to consider market borrowing if necessary; and

· we support a substantial increase in lending of at least $100 billion by the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), including to low income countries, and ensure that all MDBs, including have the appropriate capital.

18. It is essential that these resources can be used effectively and flexibly to support growth. We welcome in this respect the progress made by the IMF with its new Flexible Credit Line (FCL) and its reformed lending and conditionality framework which will enable the IMF to ensure that its facilities address effectively the underlying causes of countries' balance of payments financing needs, particularly the withdrawal of external capital flows to the banking and corporate sectors. We support Mexico's decision to seek an FCL arrangement.

19. We have agreed to support a general SDR allocation which will inject $250 billion into the world economy and increase global liquidity, and urgent ratification of the Fourth Amendment.

20. In order for our financial institutions to help manage the crisis and prevent future crises we must strengthen their longer term relevance, effectiveness and legitimacy. So alongside the significant increase in resources agreed today we are determined to reform and modernise the international financial institutions to ensure they can assist members and shareholders effectively in the new challenges they face. We will reform their mandates, scope and governance to reflect changes in the world economy and the new challenges of globalisation, and that emerging and developing economies, including the poorest, must have greater voice and representation. This must be accompanied by action to increase the credibility and accountability of the institutions through better strategic oversight and decision making. To this end:

· we commit to implementing the package of IMF quota and voice reforms agreed in April 2008 and call on the IMF to complete the next review of quotas by January 2011;

· we agree that, alongside this, consideration should be given to greater involvement of the Fund's Governors in providing strategic direction to the IMF and increasing its accountability;

· we commit to implementing the World Bank reforms agreed in October 2008. We look forward to further recommendations, at the next meetings, on voice and representation reforms on an accelerated timescale, to be agreed by the 2010 Spring Meetings;

· we agree that the heads and senior leadership of the international financial institutions should be appointed through an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process; and

· building on the current reviews of the IMF and World Bank we asked the Chairman, working with the G20 Finance Ministers, to consult widely in an inclusive process and report back to the next meeting with proposals for further reforms to improve the responsiveness and adaptability of the IFIs.

21. In addition to reforming our international financial institutions for the new challenges of globalisation we agreed on the desirability of a new global consensus on the key values and principles that will promote sustainable economic activity. We support discussion on such a charter for sustainable economic activity with a view to further discussion at our next meeting. We take note of the work started in other fora in this regard and look forward to further discussion of this charter for sustainable economic activity.

Resisting protectionism and promoting global trade and investment

22. World trade growth has underpinned rising prosperity for half a century. But it is now falling for the first time in 25 years. Falling demand is exacerbated by growing protectionist pressures and a withdrawal of trade credit. Reinvigorating world trade and investment is essential for restoring global growth. We will not repeat the historic mistakes of protectionism of previous eras. To this end:

· we reaffirm the commitment made in Washington: to refrain from raising new barriers to investment or to trade in goods and services, imposing new export restrictions, or implementing World Trade Organisation (WTO) inconsistent measures to stimulate exports. In addition we will rectify promptly any such measures. We extend this pledge to the end of 2010;

· we will minimise any negative impact on trade and investment of our domestic policy actions including fiscal policy and action in support of the financial sector. We will not retreat into financial protectionism, particularly measures that constrain worldwide capital flows, especially to developing countries;

· we will notify promptly the WTO of any such measures and we call on the WTO, together with other international bodies, within their respective mandates, to monitor and report publicly on our adherence to these undertakings on a quarterly basis;

· we will take, at the same time, whatever steps we can to promote and facilitate trade and investment; and

· we will ensure availability of at least $250 billion over the next two years to support trade finance through our export credit and investment agencies and through the MDBs. We also ask our regulators to make use of available flexibility in capital requirements for trade finance.

23. We remain committed to reaching an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Development Round, which is urgently needed. This could boost the global economy by at least $150 billion per annum. To achieve this we are committed to building on the progress already made, including with regard to modalities.

24. We will give renewed focus and political attention to this critical issue in the coming period and will use our continuing work and all international meetings that are relevant to drive progress.

Ensuring a fair and sustainable recovery for all

25. We are determined not only to restore growth but to lay the foundation for a fair and sustainable world economy. We recognise that the current crisis has a disproportionate impact on the vulnerable in the poorest countries and recognise our collective responsibility to mitigate the social impact of the crisis to minimise long-lasting damage to global potential. To this end:

· we reaffirm our historic commitment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals and to achieving our respective ODA [Overseas Development Agencies] pledges, including commitments on Aid for Trade, debt relief, and the Gleneagles commitments, especially to sub-Saharan Africa;

· the actions and decisions we have taken today will provide $50 billion to support social protection, boost trade and safeguard development in low income countries, as part of the significant increase in crisis support for these and other developing countries and emerging markets;

· we are making available resources for social protection for the poorest countries, including through investing in long-term food security and through voluntary bilateral contributions to the World Bank's Vulnerability Framework, including the Infrastructure Crisis Facility, and the Rapid Social Response Fund;

· we have committed, consistent with the new income model, that additional resources from agreed sales of IMF gold will be used, together with surplus income, to provide $6 billion additional concessional and flexible finance for the poorest countries over the next 2 to 3 years. We call on the IMF to come forward with concrete proposals at the Spring Meetings;

· we have agreed to review the flexibility of the Debt Sustainability Framework and call on the IMF and World Bank to report to the IMFC [International Monetary and Financial Committee] and Development Committee at the Annual Meetings; and

· we call on the UN, working with other global institutions, to establish an effective mechanism to monitor the impact of the crisis on the poorest and most vulnerable.

26. We recognize the human dimension to the crisis. We commit to support those affected by the crisis by creating employment opportunities and through income support measures. We will build a fair and family-friendly labour market for both women and men. We therefore welcome the reports of the London Jobs Conference and the Rome Social Summit and the key principles they proposed. We will support employment by stimulating growth, investing in education and training, and through active labour market policies, focusing on the most vulnerable. We call upon the ILO, working with other relevant organisations, to assess the actions taken and those required for the future.

27. We agreed to make the best possible use of investment funded by fiscal stimulus programmes towards the goal of building a resilient, sustainable, and green recovery. We will make the transition towards clean, innovative, resource efficient, low carbon technologies and infrastructure. We encourage the MDBs to contribute fully to the achievement of this objective. We will identify and work together on further measures to build sustainable economies.

28. We reaffirm our commitment to address the threat of irreversible climate change, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and to reach agreement at the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Delivering our commitments

29. We have committed ourselves to work together with urgency and determination to translate these words into action. We agreed to meet again before the end of this year to review progress on our commitments. ]]> Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:39:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/631295 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/630271
Mr Obama's first stop is London where he is to attend the G20 summit hosted by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The two will have breakfast talks in Downing Street on Wednesday followed by meetings with other world leaders.

Much is riding on the trip, says BBC North America editor Justin Webb, as the US is seen by other nations as the catalyst for global economic recovery.

Our correspondent added that although the US regards Gordon Brown as a key player in efforts to secure a lasting agreement at the G20, most of the focus would still be on the president's role.

Busy schedule

President Obama was met at Stansted Airport, north of London, by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling and a senior official from the US Embassy.

He then boarded the presidential helicopter Marine One to make the short journey to central London where he will stay at the US ambassador's residence.

Before the start of the G20 summit of world leaders on Thursday, Mr Obama will hold extensive talks with Gordon Brown, meet the UK opposition leader David Cameron and have a private audience with the Queen.

The president is also scheduled to hold bi-lateral meetings with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.


OBAMA'S EUROPEAN TRIP
Tuesday: Arrives in London
Wednesday: Mr and Mrs Obama breakfast with the Browns at 10 Downing Street; Mr Obama holds talks with Gordon Brown; meets Russian and Chinese presidents, David Cameron, and the Queen
Thursday: G20 summit; Mr Obama will also meet the Indian PM, the South Korean president and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia during the day
Friday: Departs for Strasbourg; meets French president; holds town-hall meeting; visits German Chancellor in Baden-Baden, returns to Strasbourg
Saturday: Attends Nato summit in Strasbourg; departs for Prague
Sunday: Attends EU-US summit, departs for Ankara
Monday: Departs Ankara for US

Justin Webb: Back in the UK

The president's wife, Michelle Obama, will take part in a series of engagements with Sarah Brown, the prime minister's wife.

Mr Brown is keen for world leaders to reach agreement on a new set of rules for regulating global finance as well as measures to boost economic demand and support poorer countries.

According to UK officials, the prime minister spoke to the president on the phone during his flight to "identify outstanding remaining issues" ahead of the gathering of world leaders.

The call was an "opportunity for both of them to take stock of where we were," a No 10 spokesman said.

Our correspondent says President Obama will assert that the US has changed, that America is willing to listen and engage, but he will also insist that America still has the capacity to pull the world in the right direction.

A White House spokesman stressed the president would "listen in London as well as lead".

Speaking earlier at a gathering of religious leaders at St Paul's Cathedral, Mr Brown called for the "values that we celebrate in everyday life" to be brought to the financial markets.

But with two days to go before the London summit, further splits are emerging on how to tackle the economic crisis.

The French Finance Minister, Christine Lagarde, told the BBC that France would walk away from any agreement if the US and the UK were not prepared to accept a stronger financial regulator.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chanellor Angela Merkel are planning a joint press conference on Wednesday, fuelling speculation of a united front against UK and US calls for a further co-ordinated fiscal stimulus.

But German finance minister Peer Steinbruck told the BBC's Newsnight programme that it was unlikely anyone would walk out of the meeting and it was "highly probable" that an agreement would be reach on enhanced financial regulation.

Summit countdown

G20 countries have been divided over the size of their respective packages to boost economic demand and what further action may be needed.


G20 LONDON SUMMIT
World leaders will meet later this week in London to discuss measures to tackle the downturn. See our in-depth guide to the G20 summit.
The G20 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the US and the EU.

QA: G20 Summit
Have Your Say: Global Reform

Some European leaders have argued that the economic crisis began in the US, and that America's stimulus package should therefore be more robust than other nations.

"This crisis started in the United States," said Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker last week.

"The Anglo-Saxon world has always refused to add the dose of regulation which financial markets, the international financial system needed," he added.

There are signs of agreement on other issues, however.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is reported to have said that chances were high that deals - for example, to regulate hedge funds - would be reached.

On Friday, Mr Obama will travel to Strasbourg, France, where he will hold talks with French President Nicholas Sarkozy, and stage a "town hall"-style meeting, before heading over the border to Baden-Baden in Germany for a meeting with Ms Merkel.

He will also attend the Nato summit on Saturday in Strasbourg, where talks are expected to focus on the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan.

Mr Obama will then head off to the Czech Republic to attend the EU-US summit, before travelling on to the Turkish capital, Ankara.

It will be Mr Obama's first trip to a predominantly Muslim country since he entered the White House.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7974867.stm]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:09:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/630271 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8 http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/628173 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:27:00 EDT http://robinopati.tigblog.org/post/628173 -1.2666667 36.8-1.266666736.8