GoodWorks International

GoodWorks International. GoodWorks International is a prominent non-governmental organization founded in 1998, dedicated to fostering sustainable development and creating economic opportunities across Africa and the Caribbean. Co-founded by former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young and business leader Carolee Friedlander, the organization operates at the intersection of public-private partnerships, leveraging investments to drive progress in public health, education, and infrastructure. With its headquarters in Atlanta, it has established a significant role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration between North American investors and emerging markets.

History

The organization was established in 1998 by Andrew Young, a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and former Mayor of Atlanta, alongside entrepreneur Carolee Friedlander. Its creation was influenced by Young's diplomatic experiences and his work with the Carter Center, aiming to channel post-Cold War economic interest into constructive development for Africa. Early initiatives focused on building relationships with leaders such as Nelson Mandela in South Africa and facilitating American business delegations to countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Throughout the 2000s, it expanded its geographic focus to include nations in the Caribbean Community and deepened its engagement following major events like the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

Programs and initiatives

Core programs are strategically designed to address systemic challenges in partner regions. In the realm of public health, the organization has coordinated efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and has supported vaccination campaigns in collaboration with UNICEF. Its economic development initiatives often focus on SME development, agricultural value chains, and facilitating access to microfinance institutions like the Grameen Bank. Educational programs have included partnerships with institutions such as Morehouse College to establish exchange programs and vocational training centers in countries including Jamaica and Kenya.

Organizational structure

The organization is governed by a Board of directors comprising leaders from the private sector, academia, and former public officials, which sets strategic direction. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive team based in Atlanta, with regional offices and representatives located in key hubs such as Johannesburg, Accra, and Kingston. This decentralized structure allows for field-based program management and close collaboration with local entities like the African Union and various national ministries. Advisory councils, often including figures from the Coca-Cola Company and Delta Air Lines, provide sector-specific guidance.

Funding and partnerships

Funding is derived from a diversified mix of sources, including grants from major foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation, as well as contracts from USAID and the World Bank. Corporate partnerships with multinationals such as ExxonMobil, Microsoft, and Visa underwrite specific initiatives in technology and financial inclusion. The organization also actively cultivates relationships with diplomatic missions, chambers of commerce, and institutional investors to mobilize capital for projects ranging from renewable energy in Ethiopia to tourism development in the Bahamas.

Impact and recognition

The organization's work has contributed to measurable outcomes, such as improved maternal health metrics in Rwanda and increased export volumes for horticultural producers in Senegal. It has received formal recognition through awards like the Corporate Citizenship Award from the United States Chamber of Commerce and has been cited in reports by the United Nations Development Programme. Its model of convening summits, such as the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, has been credited with facilitating major deals and fostering sustained dialogue between the private sector and governments across the developing world.

Category:Non-governmental organizations based in the United States Category:International development organizations Category:Organizations established in 1998