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The Coca-Cola Foundation Announces $1 Billion Giving Milestone

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The Coca-Cola Foundation has given back more than $1 billion to communities worldwide since its inception in 1984, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said today at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s 15th Annual Crime is Toast breakfast.

During his remarks, Quincey also announced a $2 million grant to support the youth development programs of the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Vision Safe Atlanta campaign. Funds will support efforts to reduce juvenile crimes and help our youth succeed. The At-Promise Youth Center on the city’s Westside is one of those programs. It has helped more than 300 at-risk youth earn high school diplomas, pursue a college education and find meaningful careers.

 

Helen Smith Price

Helen Smith Price

In addition to serving its hometown of Atlanta, The Coca-Cola Foundation has reached more than 655 million people worldwide over the last 30-plus years through its support of more than 2,400 organizations with a focus on protecting the environment, empowering women, education, and enhancing communities.

We spoke with Helen Smith Price, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation, about this global giving milestone and what it means to the communities Coca-Cola serves:

What is the mission and vision of The Coca-Cola Foundation?

As the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation is focused on giving back and making a difference in the communities where Coca-Colaoperates as a business, but also where the company’s employees live and work. When you look at the Coca-Cola business model, it is not just a global company; it operates locally across more than 200 countries. Our model for the Foundation is similar. We operate a global fund that gives locally to communities around the world.

Our goal is to give back at least 1 percent of our operating income from the prior year. We give back to communities a portion of our earnings every year. The more our business earns, the more we are able to support our communities.

 

Mama and Baby

How does the Foundation decide which organizations or programs to support?

There are so many needs across the globe, and we can’t support them all. We receive thousands of requests each year to support many worthwhile community programs. However, each proposal is evaluated on a one-on-one basis to determine its alignment with the needs of the local community and our funding priorities: protecting the environment, empowering women, and enhancing communities.

 

CCF_infographic_V6

How have the priorities of the Foundation evolved?

When I began working with the Foundation, I went back and read the development plan for the establishment of the Foundation and the minutes of the Foundation’s 1984 Board of Directors meeting. I wanted to understand why the Foundation was established and the expectations behind it. It was established to ensure a long-term commitment to community. I found a quote from then Chairman and CEO Roberto Goizueta, who talked about the opportunity and the responsibility we would face in the future, and that there was a need to have a structured and efficient vehicle for giving.

There was a logical and well-thought-out decision to create this Foundation. When new members join our Board, I open each orientation session with this quote to ground everyone in the original intent of the Foundation. And while that intention is still intact today, our community investment strategy is an evolving process. In 1984, we were primarily a U.S.-based foundation focused on education and youth development programs. Over the past three decades, we have grown into a global foundation.

About 15 years ago, we conducted a survey to gauge people’s awareness of what Coca-Cola does in the community. We got as many answers as we did respondents. And they were across the board – from scholarships, to Little League baseball scoreboards, to product donations to local PTA organizations. The good news is that everyone had an answer. The concerning question was… were we making a difference?

In 2007, we assembled a team of 20 global Coca-Cola leaders, along with a few philanthropic experts, for a discussion about how Coca-Cola could be more impactful to communities in ways that made sense for The Coca-Cola Company’s business. We agreed on: water stewardship, education, women’s empowerment, and the well-being of communities. These areas are important to us as a company, and where we have knowledge and expertise.

 

Thanks a Billion

How does the Foundation measure the impact of its giving?

When organizations apply for funding from the Foundation, we ask many different questions as a part of how we assess their potential community impact. Our grantees share projections on the expected results and impact of their work, and they have to provide ongoing reports to track progress.

 

Bea and Team at Farm

How do you work with Coca-Cola teams around the world?

The global scope of the Coca-Cola system is a great advantage for us. Our Foundation can tap into the expertise of our colleagues out in the field. When we award grants across the globe, we’re not simply making decisions here in Atlanta. We’re reaching out to our peers with certain expertise, or in certain geographies, who help us identify the best potential grantees. They understand their local communities and they’re managing local relationships. We use the Coca-Cola system to make connections in the community in a way that allows the Foundation to be as globally engaged as the business.

Why is corporate philanthropy good business, and why is it now more important than ever for companies like Coca-Cola to give back?

Coca-Cola’s business is only as strong and sustainable as the communities it serves. And consumers today want to support companies that are philanthropic and make a difference. They prefer to do business with companies that are socially conscious. There is an expectation that the more a company earns, the more it gives back. And that leads into why, in 2007, the company made a public commitment to give back at least 1 percent of its operating income from the prior year.

We’ve reached a major milestone: $1 billion in grants. What will the next $1 billion look like?

Our philanthropic approach will always be in direct response to the challenges we see around the world. Today, we are focused on protecting the environment, empowering women and enhancing the communities where we live and work through education and youth development. Our goal today as well as in the future will be to improve the quality of life in the communities in which we operate.

Why are you personally passionate about the work of The Coca-Cola Foundation?

For me, Coca-Cola is such a great company from a business perspective. And the icing on the cake is that it is intentional about making a difference in the communities where it operates. It’s real… there is no gimmick. Making a difference in communities is truly woven into the fabric of the Coca-Cola culture.

Credit: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/

Philanthropy

McEnies CEO, Dr Olaosebikan Bags Chieftaincy Title, Gimbia Of Durumi

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McEnies Global Communications CEO, Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has been honoured with the chieftaincy title, Gimbia of Durumi, (meaning Women Leader) in FCT, Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Dr Olaosebikan recorded this latest feat on Friday, March 22, 2024, during the global commemoration of the United Nations World Water Day, where a solar-powered borehole was donated to the Gudu Community in Abuja by the LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation.

The theme of this year is ‘Water for Peace’, emphasizing the vital significance of water in ensuring the stability and prosperity of human existence. Expressing her joy during a chat with some journalists, the integrated marketing communication expert said:

“A chieftaincy title has been conferred on me this last Friday, March 22, 2024, as, GIMBIA of DURUMI, meaning Women Leader. I am so pleased to announce that I am now Dr. Chief (Ms) Omolaraeni Olaosebikan. It’s a huge privilege for me to have been conferred and honoured with the distinguished title, Gimbia Of Durumi in Abuja”. 

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“Durumi (Gbagi) is a small community in the Northern part of Nigeria that has decided to recognize my tenacity to bring some goodness for the first time into their community through a corporate organization and I assure them that I will not disappoint neither will I disappoint humanity in the journey of life. This worthy honour simultaneously came during the drilling of a solar-powered borehole for the people of Durumi, Gudu. The CSR initiative was part of the well-thought-out programme to celebrate the United Nations World Water Day”.

“I so much love and appreciate everyone who has been part of the feat, particularly the traditional institution in Gudu community, FCT Abuja. I feel so elated to extend my appreciation to the District Head, Garki, Chief Tanko Zekeri, as well as Chief Iya Bawa and others.” She said.

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Corporate Citizenship

World Water Day: LG Donates Solar-powered Borehole to Abuja Community

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LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation, joined the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in the global celebration of the United Nations World Water Day by donating a solar-powered borehole to the Gudu Community in Abuja. The theme of this year is ‘Water for Peace’, emphasizing the vital significance of water in ensuring the stability and prosperity of our world.

In situations where water is limited or contaminated, or where access is unequal or nonexistent, tensions can escalate between communities and nations. It is crucial to proactively tackle water-related issues to prevent conflicts and encourage collaboration for sustainable water management. A series of events took place to celebrate this special day from the Peace walk around FCT to the special press conference with all the relevant partners, international NGOs, Federal Ministries representatives, and private corporations.

Speaking at the commissioning of the solar-powered borehole, the Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev said; “We are extremely happy to celebrate yet another World Water Day with everybody and in particular with the donation of this borehole which is most significant of the celebration. The Gudu Community is grateful for this”.

“All year round we sensitize and celebrate the day to bring attention to one of the leading environmental issues, the scarcity of water.” Water is life, and we cannot even imagine our life without water. Water means a lot to us more than just quenching our thirst, but it plays the role of a vital component of human development; This day provides us an opportunity to think about this issue and how we can make a difference”

The Minister additionally said “Around 2 billion people around the world do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, and approximately 3.6 billion people – 46% of the world’s population – lack adequate sanitation services, according to a new United Nations World Water Development Report released. This is a major contributor to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea”

Prof. Utsev added, “In Nigeria, approximately 60 million people lack access to safe water sources, leading to numerous health challenges and impeding socio-economic development.” Hence we need to keep appealing to corporate organizations such as what LG Electronics has done today to provide good drinking water for vulnerable communities like Gudu and all across the country so we can gradually reduce the numbers”

Also at the event, the Managing Director, LG Electronics, Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji thanked the Ministry for the opportunity to collaborate with them to contribute to the community. He said the relevance of LG’s slogan cannot be over-emphasized which is “Life’s Good” With good drinking water people can live and have a good life. This is what has prompted us to do this” he said.

Mr. Ji advised “This year, we at LG are proud to align with the theme of Water for Peace. We urge other corporate organizations to collaborate with relevant institutions in combating the scarcity of clean water, which tragically leads to the premature deaths of vulnerable children and adults nationwide. Together, through partnership and collective action, we can make a significant impact on ensuring access to safe and clean water for all. Let us work hand in hand towards a future where every individual has the basic human right to clean water, promoting health, peace, and prosperity in our communities.”

Giving a thank you speech, the leader of the community, Alhaji Jubril Musa said, “We are very happy for this water as it solves more than half of our challenges. We will ensure we safeguard the borehole to last longer for us in the community. We thank LG Electronics and the Ministry for the gesture”

Present at the celebration are WaterAid, United Nations International Children (UNICEF), Education Fund (UNICEF), UNESCO, Action Against Hunger, Gillmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, FORDMAX Nig. Limited, CGC Nigeria Limited, Food and Agricultural Organization, (FAO), Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and other relevant ministry representatives.

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LG Electronics continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility through initiatives like this. Clean and easily accessible water is indispensable for economic growth, public health, and environmental integrity. By giving priority to water as a means for peace, we can strive towards a more balanced and harmonious global community.

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NGOs - SDGs

Laila Bastati on the importance of diversity in shaping Africa’s future

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Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group (Source: APO Group)

As we observe International Women’s Month with the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ it is essential to contemplate the importance of diversity within organizations and its crucial role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. This year’s theme calls on us to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, not just for the benefit of women but for the advancement of the African continent. 

Women across Africa face unique challenges, from cultural barriers to limited access to resources and opportunities. However, despite these difficulties, they continue to defy the odds, breaking barriers, and making significant contributions to their communities and economies. As we recognise such achievements, it’s crucial to underline the importance of promoting the role of women in driving more diverse, competitive, and future-looking workspaces.

“At APO Group, we’re proud of our extremely diverse team of professionals from all over the world. The diversity we see in age, gender, locations, backgrounds, and experience all combines to forge a formidable team that brings the best of APO Group to our clients. In an industry that has achieved, in recent years, a good gender balance, we strive to lead by example, leveraging our platform to advocate for broader gender equality and diversity initiatives, aiming to inspire other organizations to follow suit.” said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group.

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“For us, such diversity reflects a leadership that values and promotes the unique perspectives and contributions of women, at all levels of the organisation. It also clearly demonstrates that we’re an organisation that values inclusivity and equality, and that the different voices and ideas of our team reflect a unique understanding of the African markets in which we operate. The result of being firm proponents of an environment in which all contributions are valued, and where collaboration is part of our culture, is that innovation and creativity come naturally.” Laila Bastati Added.

The importance of embracing diversity

Embracing diversity, especially gender diversity, is essential for any organization aiming to create a balanced, fair, and dynamic working environment.There’s no doubt that for any type of organisation, embracing diverse perspectives and expertise, highlighting achievements and success stories, and advocating for equal opportunities and recognition, are all aspects that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to succeed based on merit and talent. 

Successful companies intentionally cultivate diverse leadership at all levels. While this may initially appear coincidental, the process of building diverse teams is a deliberate and strategic endeavour that underscores a commitment to creating spaces where women’s leadership and insights drive innovation and strategic decision-making.

What makes a diverse team?

Firstly, promoting diversity in leadership is crucial. Actively recruiting, developing, and promoting the right female candidates into leadership positions ensures women’s perspectives are represented at the decision-making table. Secondly, reviewing and revising policies to ensure they are gender-neutral and promote equal opportunities for all employees is essential. Thirdly, providing equal access to training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting women, is key.

Additionally, creating a supportive work environment and nurturing a culture of inclusion where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported is paramount. Regularly monitoring and evaluating diversity metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement is also important. Finally, embracing a culture of work meritocracy where individuals are recognised and rewarded based on their skills, contributions, and performance, rather than on gender, race, or other characteristics, completes the foundation of a diverse team.

In the context of this special period of the year, I urge organizations across Africa to recognize and harness the unique strengths women bring to the table, not only to promote gender equity, but to ensure these organizations will continue to have a place in the workspace of tomorrow.

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