Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Australian Leadership Awards

Opportunity for Young Asian Leaders
By Hayadin.

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) program aims to develop leadership, build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific, and address priority regional issues. The ALA program is comprised of Scholarships and Fellowships. Awardees are selected from the public, private and community sectors within countries where Australia has a significant aid program.

ALA Scholarships are offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) at an Australian university. Study programs must relate to AusAID’s priority areas of disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water & sanitation. Scholars also undertake an extensive Leadership Development Program while in Australia.

Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and on academic excellence.

ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or the region for two years after they have completed their studies. For More information, CLIK HERE

Relevant information:


Proposal opportunity;

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Service to Others Vs Monetizing Business

Which Takes Prominence - Service to Others Or Monetizing Business Activities?
By Charlon Bobo

Based on my observations, when business owners focus on making money first, service to others often suffers. However, when those same business owners shift their focus instead to "service first," the ideas and money seem to flow much easier.
Why?
I cannot say definitively because many factors are involved, but let's explore what's behind each approach.
Money first
Until we live in a society in which each person takes only what s/he needs and gives in equal measure based on individual abundance, choices, talents and strengths (this is the subject of a very different article!), we all agree cash money is the method of exchange for goods and services.
Okay. With that said, when we approach business with a "how can I monetize my (ideas, newsletter, information, Web site, expertise, etc.)" mindset, inherent is a myopic perspective. Our viewpoint is so narrow, we limit ourselves without even realizing it. A "Money first" mentality can only ever deliver money first... above everything else. Service takes its place as a second priority, if at all.
Service (and people) first When we grow business based on how we can best serve others and that is the heart's true desire, a spiritual/magical element is introduced to facilitate our success. It not only allows us to achieve our money-based goals, but it does so in a much more creative and supported fashion. On some level it just "makes sense" and "feels better" based on recent energetic and cultural reprioritizations around money.
A "Service and People first" mentality delivers results and relationships. Money and deep fulfillment just seem to follow organically.
There's nothing wrong with money. Depending on your personal relationship with money, though, it can be hard to generate more by focusing exclusively on money first. What makes the process easier is opening up to greater possibility. It begins by asking yourself...
How can I best serve others with my efforts?
A simple shift in thinking is all that's required. The result is a beautiful fusion that meets both economic needs and philanthropic desires.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Call for Climate Care Project Proposals

Call for Climate Care Project Proposals
Adopted from www.climatefrontlines.org

With assistance from the Government of Denmark, the Frontlines Forum is now calling for community-level projects focusing on local experiences with climate change impacts and adaptation
Background
Despite broad recognition that small island, Arctic, high altitude and other vulnerable communities are on the frontlines of climate change, community voices have remained on the margins of global climate change debates. It is these voices, however, that most need to be heard. They provide first hand evidence, experience and expertise on climate change impacts and adaptation.
In response to this concern, the global internet forum On the Frontlines of Climate Change was launched in June 2008 by UNESCO, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights.
The goals of the Frontlines Forum are to:
• Draw international attention to the knowledge and experiences of indigenous communities and peoples living in small island, Arctic, montane, desert margin and other vulnerable environments;
• Seek community-level observations on climate change impacts, as well as local efforts to cope with and adapt to these changes;
• Provide an opportunity for communities to voice their observations, experiences and concerns, and to share and exchange them with other communities;
• Build up a global database of local observations, experiences, practices and coping strategies;
• Support community-level research and educational activities related to climate change, highlighting the role of local knowledge, practices and coping strategies;
• Heighten the profile of local and indigenous peoples in international climate change debates, to build recognition of their unique knowledge and expertise.
What are we funding?
Community-level projects focusing on local experiences with climate change and its impacts. These could involve field research, interviews with community members, workshops, photo projects, film projects etc.
Who are we funding?
Proposals can be made by interested groups or individuals, for example, local and indigenous organisations, research centres, researchers, graduate students with interdisciplinary training, community members (youth groups, women, elders) etc.
What topics?
Projects could explore any topic relating to climate change and local communities. For example:
a) Local observations and understandings of climate change impacts (negative or positive) on communities, livelihoods or local environments;
b) Ways that your community is adapting to or dealing with climate change;
c) Strategies and practices developed by local communities to cope with changes in the environment;
d) Local impacts (positive or negative) of measures to fight climate change. For example, planting trees to reduce greenhouse gases (through carbon sequestration); or building hydroelectric dams or avoiding deforestation (e.g. REDD) to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
However, we invite all kinds of proposals related to climate change and local communities, so do not feel limited by these suggestions.
What output?
Your project should result in a detailed account – either in the form of a written report, a video or other media production - in English, Spanish or French. It should contribute to a growing body of information about community-level concerns, observations and experiences relating to climate change impacts and adaptation. These submissions will also contribute to the development of postings and discussions on the Frontlines of Climate Change Forum.
Where are we funding?
We invite proposals from anywhere in the world, as long as they are for local-scale projects involving peoples and places vulnerable to climate change.
How much funding are we providing?
Between US$3000 and USD$5000 per project. Further funding may subsequently be provided for projects with interesting outcomes.
When are we funding?
Project grants will be distributed from mid-2009 onwards. Initial results would be expected before October 2010.
What is the deadline for submission?
Proposals should reach UNESCO on or before 15 July 2009
For More information Klick HERE

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Entrepreneur Success Secrets

Entrepreneur Success Secrets - Wants Vs Desires
By; Aditi Walsh

The 'wants vs desires' query is very subtle. Your mind may even purposely dismiss its inherent nuances. Yet your answer will reveal how you live your life and work on your business.

WARNING: When you dig down deep enough, your mind may get very agitated and force you to abandon the question. Hopefully, you will be intrigued enough to probe further.

Why Is It Important To Know The Difference Between A Want And A Desire?
Because herein lies the key to creating and sustaining a successful life. Some entrepreneurs prefer satisfying their wants and see desires as frivolous or at best, fantasies. Others may say that both are important and it really depends on the particular situation. Still others may be already living in the Consciousness of their Vision while going about their day to day activities.

Fair enough. To answer this question we have to know - what is a want? A want comes out of some kind of lack, and is often driven by fear or pain. This leads us to take courage, create a powerful strategic focus or wallow in anxiety and self-doubt. A desire on the other hand, is a promise already living in the heart of the entrepreneur and is driven by the innate motivation to complete that desire. So, let's ask the deeper question.

What is your motivation behind what you do? Ask yourself why you got up this morning - to put food on the table and have extra money in the bank for those special luxuries for yourself and your dear ones? Or is it to pay off your debts and try to get ahead of the game? Or, maybe you want to make so much money that you can retire early to pursue that favorite hobby or travel the world. It may be to do what you love while giving back to others.

Why Do You Desire Success?
Seek the answer. Be honest. Be especially true to yourself here. Take a few moments to go inside to get your own answer. If other questions arise, that's good. Just keep probing till your answer rings true for you. The more you write down your answers, the more clearly you'll understand your own motivations and the more powerful you will become. It will make you less dependent on outside conditions for your success. Now, what was hidden can be revealed.

This work is unique to you. No one else can do it for you. Your own mind will try to take over the job of your Consciousness and make you forget who you are. Beyond that, there are industries, so-called experts and substances waiting to direct your mind to avoid pain or gain some measure of pleasure or wealth. So be wary of those distractors, as well.

I say this because in the past I did allow others undue influence in my life. I became overly dependent on their advice and so-called energetic knowingness. One day I had a rude awakening and it made be realize in no uncertain terms that nobody can break into the sacred territory of my Consciousness unless I allowed them in. It was a great lesson in self-discovery. I also learned that there are no shortcuts to truly knowing yourself. The good, the bad and even the ugly experiences will bring you back into your own Being if you are willing to learn from them.

The Best Teachers Inspire At The Level Of Principles.
They never tell you specifically what you should do with your life. They know that inner breakthroughs must be self-discovered and not prescribed by themselves or others. Ultimately, only you can tap into your infinite Self to realize who you really are and what you want to become in this Universe of infinite possibilities.

REMEMBER THIS: the untrained mind loves to be flattered, appeased and directed. It always rules out of fear and anxiety, unless it is put back in it's place by your Consciousness. Once that happens, your mind is set free to explore and help you attain success beyond its wildest imaginings.

So the real work is to develop the mental muscles to overcome the fears and denials of the mind and its conspirators and place its trust where it belongs, in your own heart. Now you can allow your deepest desires to bring the success you long for and deserve. At the same time, you will confidently allow others into your life to help you along the way.

May Success Be With You!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

About AYLG

AYLG stands for “Asian Young Leaders in Governance”. It was a joint initiative project of four regional programmes under the UNDP Regional Centre in Bangkok (RCB) and the UNDP Regional Centre in Colombo (RCC), as part of UNDP’s mandate to advocate for change and connect countries to global knowledge and experiences. These programmes are the Capacity2015 Asia Programme, Asia Regional Governance Programme (ARGP), Regional Indigenous Peoples’ Programme (RIPP), and the Asia Pacific Gender Mainstreaming Programme (APGMP).


It was starting in 2005 and 2006, the UNDP Regional Centre in Bangkok (RCB) and Regional Centre in Colombo (RCC) conducted one regional leadership course, a leadership training of trainers, and two sub-regional courses (one for Southeast and East Asia and one for South Asia), producing 131 graduates/fellows from 20 countries representing national government (including members of parliament and ministry officials), local government, non-governmental organizations, private organizations, UNDP staff, and regional/international organizations.


And with funding from the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), UNDP RCB/RCC have rolled-out leadership courses and pilots in the region at 2007 and 2008. The leadership courses and pilots built on the success of the previous events, expand the number of young leaders to be trained, continue to produce adapted modules for leadership development in the region, and demonstrate innovative leadership practices in the region. The leadership courses will have continued to feature modules pioneered and tested by LEAD International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, established in 1991 by The Rockefeller Foundation and represents a global network of individuals and non-government organizations committed to promoting change towards sustainable development. These modules have been adapted to Asian context and experiences, and feature Asian case studies and examples throughout the six-day course.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

About Beahrs ELP

The Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program was established in August 2000 with a generous gift from University of California at Berkeley alumni Carolyn and Richard Beahrs.

The Beahrs ELP offers an annual international three-week summer certificate course in Sustainable Environmental Management held at the Berkeley campus. The course provides participants access to a wide range of U.C. Berkeley and California resources through lectures, exchanges of experiences, case studies and field trips:

  • Faculty and researchers who are internationally recognized for their expertise in the fields of agricultural, resource & development economics & policy, resource management, ecosystems sciences, plant, insect & microbial biology, agroecology, forestry, rural sociology, collaborative processes, and environmental politics.
  • California-based non-for-profit, for profit and public organizations and enterprises working on innovative technologies and institutions to meet the often conflicting needs of environmentalists, communities, farmers, developers, and governments.
  • A highly diverse agricultural and natural resource landscape that includes small and large-scale farming, conventional and organic production, diverse approaches to resource management, and increasing population pressure on scarce resources.

The Program has also received funding from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the United Nations Development Program, the UCB College of Natural Resources, and private individuals to support scholarships, the Small Grants Initiative, curriculum development and the Beahrs ELP Berkeley Alumni Network. The Beahrs ELP is a member of the Environmental Leadership Collaborative, and has developed partnerships with LEAD International, Development Alternatives, Inc., ASHOKA and Ecoagriculture Partners, among others.

For A Further Information Click

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Little about undp

The UNDP was founded in 1965 to combine the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the United Nations Special Fund. In 1971, the two organizations were fully combined into the UNDP.

UNDP’s offices and staff are on the ground in 166 countries, working with governments and local communities to help them find solutions to global and national development challenges.UNDP links and coordinates global and national efforts to achieve the goals and national development priorities laid out by host countries. UNDP focuses primarily on five developmental challenges:

1. Democratic governance. UNDP supports national democratic transitions by providing policy advice and technical support, improving institutional and individual capacity within countries, educating populations about and advocating for democratic reforms, promoting negotiation and dialogue, and sharing successful experiences from other countries and locations. UNDP also supports existing democratic institutions by increasing dialogue, enhancing national debate, and facilitating consensus on national governance programs.

2. Poverty reduction. UNDP helps countries develop strategies to combat poverty by expanding access to economic opportunities and resources, linking poverty programs with countries’ larger goals and policies, and ensuring a greater voice for the poor. UNDP also works at the macro level to reform trade, encourage debt relief and foreign investment, and ensure the poorest of the poor benefit from globalisation.
On the ground, UNDP sponsors developmental pilot projects, promotes the role of women in development, and coordinates efforts between governments, NGOs, and outside donors. In this way, UNDP works with local leaders and governments to provide opportunities for impoverished people to create businesses and improve their economic condition.

3. Crisis prevention and recovery. UNDP works to reduce the risk of armed conflicts or disasters, and promote early recovery after crises have occurred. UNDP works through its country offices to support local government in needs assessment, capacity development, coordinated planning, and policy and standard setting.
Examples of UNDP risk reduction programs include efforts to controlsmall arms proliferation, strategies to reduce the impact of natural disasters, and programs to encourage use of diplomacy and prevent violence.
Recovery programs include disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, demining efforts, programs to reintegrate displaced persons, restoration of basic services, and transitional justice systems for countries recovering from warfare.

4. Environment and Energy As the poor are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and lack of access to clean, affordable energy services, UNDP seeks to address environmental issues in order to improve developing countries’ abilities to develop sustainably. UNDP works with countries to strengthen their capacity to address global environmental issues by providing innovative policy advice and linking partners through environmentally sensitive development projects that help poor people build sustainable livelihoods.

5. HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a big issue in today's society and UNDP works to help counties prevent further spreading and reduce its impact.
UNDP’s environmental strategy focuses on effective water governance, access to sustainable energy services, Sustainable land management to combat desertification and land degradation, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and policies to control emissions of harmful pollutants and ozone-depleting substances.

Since1990, the UNDP has annually published the Human Development Report, based on the Human Development Index.