In the latest episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, Monica and Haley are joined by Snorre Westgard, the CEO of Humana People to People India and chairman of Humana People to People. The conversation revolves around global development and how it empowers communities.
You can read the conversation highlights below, or listen to the podcast in full on Apple, Spotify, Podbean, YouTube, Planet Aid's website, or wherever podcasts are available.
Snorre Westgard has dedicated over four decades of his life to global development, focusing on the empowerment of communities. His journey began in Guinea Bissau, where he took his first assignment as a young volunteer. There, he worked alongside local volunteers to build toilets, furniture, and schools, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to addressing global inequalities.
His early efforts included constructing primary schools and vocational training centers, providing communities with the necessary resources to support education and livelihood. This experience was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the vital role that community involvement plays in development projects.
As Westgaard’s career evolved, so did his understanding of sustainable development. Westgaard notes, "As I got more experiences, as the organizations I worked in understood more about the different challenges, the programs also developed and became more as sustainable development programs."
Westgaard calls his work as CEO of Humana People to People India his day job, and with over two decades of working with the organization, he has gained a wealth of wisdom. He recognizes that true progress doesn't just come from building infrastructure. It also comes by fostering institutions and programs that create lasting change. His work in countries like Angola and Zambia expanded to include initiatives focused on malnutrition, access to clean water, and sustainable agriculture.
The transition from constructing physical structures to developing comprehensive community programs highlights the importance of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by communities. Snorre emphasizes that sustainable solutions must consider the specific needs and resources of the people they aim to assist.
In discussing the changing landscape of aid and support, Snorre notes the evolution of solidarity in global development. While it remains crucial for those in the Global North to support communities in the Global South, it’s equally important to acknowledge the capabilities and resources already present within these regions.
This shift emphasizes a more collaborative approach, where the exchange of knowledge and resources is mutual rather than one-directional. Solidarity now encompasses a global network, and effective development relies on recognizing the strengths of all involved parties.
The conversation also recapped Westgaard speaking at the United Nations General Assembly representing The Federation Humana People to People during a side event at The Summit of the Future 2024 Conference. One of the promoted topics was Africa's youth population being on track to overtake Asia in its growth. Westgaard highlighted the opportunity to not only advance skills development but also view young people in the Global South as catalysts for development in Africa and as community leaders.
Tune in to the full episode to learn more about the impact of global development. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to hear more discussions with sustainability leaders on our monthly podcast.
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