"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
Confucius
A topical update on areas of interest!
United Nations - International Volunteer Day
"Volunteer now for our Common Future"
December 5, 2021
December 2, 2021
2021 Theme: Volunteer now for our common future
"We aim to inspire people, whether they are decision makers or citizens of this world, to take action NOW for people and the planet.
The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) coordinates International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting. Volunteers engage communities and build a people-centric movement to help build a better and safer future for us all.
For the generations of TOMORROW, we must take responsibility for the changes needed to build a better future NOW. Encouraging, recognizing and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide.
In the lead-up to #IVD2021, let us celebrate the contributions of the millions who #volunteernow." (United Nations)
Follow the links below for more details:
UN - UN Volunteers, making a difference to the lives of many
UN - International Volunteer Day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day
COP26
The UK is hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from October 31 - November 12, 2021.
Our collective futures and that of Planet Earth depend on the outcome!!!
November 1, 2021
Following on immediately from the G20 Summit in Rome, Italy, the COP26 Climate Change Conference has started in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The official opening ceremony takes place on Monday, November 1, 2021. However, for practical reasons world leaders, scientists and environmentalists have been assembling in Glasgow the day before directly from Rome.
Let us start with a COP26 achievement. COP26 is the first mass worldwide physical participation conference, even with health restrictions, in the ongoing saga of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the question of COP26's importance to humanity there is no doubt. To quote French President Emmanuel Macron and Greta Thunberg an Environmental Activist, “There is no PLANET B!” According to the heir to the British throne, HRH Prince Charles of the United Kingdom, “This is the last chance saloon”. On the eve of COP26, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of "a thundering wake-up call" and "the climate crisis is a code red for humanity".
A severe reduction in C02 emissions by 2050 is key to our planet’s survival. It seems some countries, like Russia and China, are debating whether 2050 can be replaced by 2060? We need to witness a sea-change in environmental thinking to instantly financially support developing countries and low lying areas that are at increased risk of flooding. Sadly, these are the places that suffer the worst effects of climate change but produce the least greenhouse emissions. The key polluters, among them the U.S.A, China and the EU, must drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions immediately. The mantra of "Keeping 1.5C Alive" is being heard at COP26. Why is this important? Scientists say that keeping global warming below 1.5C - a target world leaders agreed to work towards in 2015 - will avoid the worst climate impacts. We have to remember this is the 26th Conference on Climate Change and still the bulk of the work has not been done. It is clear that fossil fuel industries (coal, gas and petroleum) will be casualties in the new world order. However, the rapid emergence of green industries (solar, wind, wave, thermal energy, etc.) could help to soften the impact and create many jobs.
The burning question on everybody’s lips is can COP26 achieve tangible success? Let us hope a positive answer will be available at the end of the conference on November 12, 2021. To put it in context, your existence, our families, communities, nations, humanity and the planet depend on it for our very survival.
Follow the links below for more details:
CBC - COP26 ([World] Leaders Look to Address Climate Change)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/glasgow-cop26-climate-summit-opens-1.6231973
BBC - COP26 (Moment of Truth!)
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59105878
CNN - COP26 (A Business Investor's Perspective)
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/31/investing/stocks-week-ahead/index.html
The Global Supply Chain Network
What are the current challenges and how does that affect us as consumers?
October 6, 2021
The gigantic container ship called the Evergiven that blocked the Suez Canal was mentioned in a previous blog in April 2021. This is an obvious symptom of a much larger worldwide concern.
The Global Supply Chain Network relies heavily on planes, trains, trucks and ships to carry global trade from the producer to consumer. Components from raw materials to partially assembled items can be transported from one country to another before the finished product is finally completed. Add to this the concept of Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery, shipping lane blockages, COVID-19, shipping containers in the wrong locations, a shortage of qualified workers and rapidly increasing shipping costs. This creates a domino effect, that has massive implications for sustainable supply deliveries, job creation and on mounting costs for the consumer.
How does this affect us? The rising gas and petroleum prices are an instant example of the negative effect on the consumer. Supermarkets and the hospitality industry rely on Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery for efficient inventory management and to maximize profit margins. Price increases and commodity shortages are the direct result of any disruption in the supply chain management system. The simple semiconductor chip is an important component for the automotive industry. During the height of the pandemic, automotive orders were drastically reduced. Semiconductor manufacturers found replacement technology markets and cut production. Now as the world steadily emerges from COVID-19, there is a shortage of semiconductors across all sectors of the economy which includes the automotive industry. All this has a short to medium-term effect on consumer product choice, availability and pricing. The impending holiday season will no doubt further highlight the deficiencies in the current supply chain infrastructure. We are left with a question, how long before this global logistical disruption is finally corrected?
Follow the links below for more details:
BBC - The Global Supply Chain Network
The Association for Supply Chain Management - Newsroom Updates
https://www.ascm.org/about-ascm/newsroom/
Washington Post - The Semiconductor Shortage
https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/09/23/chip-shortage-forecast-automakers/
Business Insider - Container Ship Port Backlog
United Nations - International Literacy Day
September 8, 2021
"Literacy for a human-centred recovery
Narrowing the digital divide"
September 7, 2021
"The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted the learning of children, young people and adults at an unprecedented scale. It has also magnified the pre-existing inequalities in access to meaningful literacy learning opportunities, disproportionally affecting 773 million non-literate young people and adults. Youth and adult literacy were absent in many initial national response plans, while numerous literacy programmes have been forced to halt their usual modes of operation." United Nations
Follow the links below for more details:
UN - International Literacy Day 2021
https://www.un.org/en/observances/literacy-day
UN - Ten Targets for Education (Video)
The Tokyo Olympic Games 2020
July 23 - August 8, 2021
A year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic and with a a new IOC motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together".
August 8, 2021
A unique accolade to host a global sporting event in the grip of a worldwide pandemic. The athletes, officials, support staff and media descended on an originally reluctant Japanese public. While the phrase "Olympic Bubble" to guard against COVID-19 transmission was used interchangeably with the usual but fully quarantined "Olympic Village".
The challenges of logistics, HR, communications and transport
infrastructure were enormous to start with. Throw in to the mix a pandemic, health restrictions, public apathy, the heat and humidity, sponsor driven scheduling and mental well being it all created a rather potent blend.
What of Japan?
Japan delivered a successful Olympic Games without parallel and clearly unlike any other. An absence of spectators in stadiums because of the pandemic. A very small proportion of the Japanese population vaccinated prior to and during the presence of the "Olympic Family". According to WHO statistics Japan has inoculated just over 8 percent of its 126 million population. In contrast, Japan came third in the medals table in spite of minimal public support at the beginning and no home crowd spectator advantage at sporting events. The dust has now settled on the 32nd Olympiad of the modern era. Japan must ready itself to achieve equal success in its management and delivery of Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games from August 24 - September 5, 2021. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics motto will be in force again and irrespective of our viewpoints we will all be "United By Emotion".
Follow the links below for more details:
The International Olympic Committee (IOC)
https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-motto
Tokyo 2020 Olympics Motto
NBC News
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/olympics/ahead-tokyo-olympics-japan-vaccination-rate-far-mark-n1272523
Nelson Mandela International Day!
July 18, 2021
"It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build." - Nelson Mandela
July 14, 2021
The United Nations (UN) - Nelson Mandela International Day
What is Mandela Day?
"On 18 July every year, we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.” United Nations
This international challenge has been made to us all! How can we help and/or continue to help in our local communities to make things better? I personally hope to still support my community related causes well into the future.
Follow the links below for more details:
UN Website
https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/
The Nelson Mandela Foundation
We are working against the clock to vaccinate our way to herd immunity for the world. This is while dealing with the added challenges of a virus that is mutating into more resistant variants, the cost of vaccine production and COVAX attempting to distribute vaccines more equitably around the globe.
Have you had the opportunity to be vaccinated yet? If not, when is it likely to happen for you, your family and your community?
June 3, 2021
The COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility - Why the need for COVAX?
“Developing a vaccine against COVID-19 is the most pressing challenge of our time - and nobody wins the race until everyone wins."
"The global pandemic has already caused the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and disrupted the lives of billions more. As well as reducing the tragic loss of life and helping to get the pandemic under control, introduction of a vaccine will prevent the loss of US$ 375 billion to the global economy every month. Global equitable access to a vaccine, particularly protecting health care workers and those most-at-risk is the only way to mitigate the public health and economic impact of the pandemic.” World Health Organization - WHO
Follow the links below for more details:
WHO - COVAX Program
https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax
BBC - COVAX: How will Covid vaccines be shared around the world?
The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA - Province of Ontario) has conferred Ernest Ogunleye with the coveted and very prestigious Distinguished Human Resources Professional (DHRP) Award in 2021.
May 27, 2021
I am genuinely surprised, honoured and humbled to be the only recipient of the prestigious HRPA (Province of Ontario) – Distinguished Human Resources Professional (DHRP) Award in 2021. I received this amazing accolade at the HRPA (virtual) Annual Meeting on May 27, 2021. The award was granted by HRPA with these words: "The long-time HR professional was presented with the award for his commitment to learning and mentoring the future generation of leaders. He was also recognized for his leadership in building strategic coalitions aimed to promote the importance of the human resources profession to business leaders and the wider public."
Follow the link below for more details:
HRPA Annual Report
The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) Durham Chapter has made Ernest Ogunleye the recipient of the prestigious Member of Excellence Award for 2021.
May 13, 2021
I am truly astounded and deeply moved to be the soul recipient of the prestigious HRPA Durham Chapter (Durham Region) – Member of Excellence Award 2021. I received this incredible acknowledgement at the (virtual) HRPA Durham Chapter Annual Business Meeting (ABM) on May 13, 2021. The award was granted for my contributions to HR, the HRPA Durham Chapter, the local business community and several charitable causes.
Follow the link below for more details:
HRPA Durham Chapter
The Evergreen Marine ship named "Ever Given" blocked the Suez Canal for six days in late March 2021. This has highlighted how crucial international freight shipping is to the global economy but also how several choke-points make the trade vulnerable.
Why should this be of concern and how does it affect us?
April 6, 2021
An act of nature, in the form of high winds and a sandstorm, blew the "Ever Given" off course and the ship became wedged in the Suez Canal. This prevented other ships from using the Suez Canal for six days. This happened while another act of nature in the form of COVID-19 had already been very successful in severely reducing world trade and commerce.
Why is the incident important?
The Suez Canal carries 12% of world trade by volume. An alternative route from Asia to Europe that navigates around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, adds more that seven days to a ship’s journey. The Suez Canal is one example of several narrow choke-points on which sea freight relies. The list includes the Panama Canal, which links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Even before a ship the length of the Empire State Building stopped traffic, these choke-points were already under immense pressure. Among the contributing factors are increasing traffic flow, insurance, international border disputes, terrorism, piracy, climate change and acts of nature.
How does this affect us?
The supply chain for goods and commodities is operating to a strict global timetable. On average 50 freight ships pass through the Suez Canal each day. A six-day delay of critical shipping at an acknowledged choke-point, disrupts the delivery of the coffee or tea we drink, medical supplies, petroleum, all manufactured products, construction and agricultural goods. We will have to wait and see what adverse effects this disruption has on prices, jobs, supplies and economic growth? To quote an expert, “We might celebrate the success of releasing the ship and unblocking the Suez, but that’s not the end of the story here,” said Douglas Kent, executive vice president of strategy and alliances at the Association for Supply Chain Management. “It’s definitely going to continue to backlog ports and other delivery mechanisms as a result, and then of course the chaos that disrupts thereafter.”
Follow the links below for more details:
The Wall Street Journal - Freight companies brace for post-Suez port backups
The Association for Supply Chain Management - Newsroom Updates
https://www.ascm.org/about-ascm/newsroom/
BBC - The cost of the Suez Canal blockage
Travel & Tourism
How Will it Look Post Pandemic?
March 3, 2021
How has the pandemic affected airlines? Several airlines both domestically and internationally have permanently ceased trading as a result of the pandemic. Many other airlines have mothballed aircraft, furloughed staff, reduced routes and restructured their operations. Most airlines have done this independently and without government financial support. Flybe, one of Europe's largest independent regional airlines, went bust in March 2020, when COVID-19 was beginning to spread throughout Europe. Also, Virgin Atlantic is facing bankruptcy without government financial support and Air Transat is in severe financial difficulties.
Are there any additional economic impacts? Yes, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), one in ten jobs is directly supported by the sector. The WTTC has also stated that Travel and Tourism pre-COVID-19 was a US $9 Trillion a year industry. The WTTC has confirmed that approximately 330 million people work in this sector globally. This does not account for all the third-party businesses that indirectly supply the Travel and Tourism sector.
What are the health implications? WHO has stated that several poorer nations will not be effectively vaccinated until the end of 2022. Richer country populations will be vaccinated much sooner. A major concern is that any mutations of the virus will flourish in areas waiting for a vaccination program to be implemented. This could allow new vaccine resistant virus strains to emerge, a worrying prospect that places everybody in jeopardy worldwide (whether vaccinated or not). This is a rather compelling argument for the rollout of vaccines more equitably around the world.
1. Sustainable Tourism - The diversification of a country's economy into sustainable and socially responsible sectors must remain critical. As examples, in Tanzania tourism represents 17 % of the economy and in the U.S. State of Hawaii it represents 21% of the economy. Kerala in India, is focusing on tourism that works in harmony with local communities and Thailand has closed beaches to protect their natural habitats.
2. Technological Advances - Digital Vaccine Passports (displayed on smartphones) are being used for travel between Greece and Israel. A process similar to the Yellow Fever and other inoculations paper documents carried by world travellers for decades. Greece is in discussion with the United Kingdom to arrange another vaccine passport tourism corridor in time for the summer tourism season. According to OECD statistics, Greece has 6.8% of its economy dependent on tourism and 381, 800 jobs which is 10% of the workforce. The advantages for travellers who are vaccinated are clear. However, it discriminates against poorer nations that are unable to implement a rapid vaccination program.
3. Business Travel - Multinational companies with international assignments for employees are placing new deployments on hold or extending existing ones. Technology and virtual cultural simulations definitely assist. However, the fundamental requirement for real life experiences in business, cultural awareness and education are best developed by actual geographical and social contact. Regional travel within a country that has vaccinated effectively or has comprehensively contained the virus, have suddenly opened greater possibilities for local business and tourism.
4. Young People (Exchange, Study & Work Abroad) - The important education, cultural exchange and other work to link students and young people internationally has to resume. Innovation is greatly enhanced by diversity and inclusion programs. Whether they be university to university, youth group to youth group or professional bodies; much of our human progress has been best displayed by positive and collaborative international cooperation.
Business and tourism travel post COVID-19, will involve additional health and safety protocols, enhanced digital verification, potentially fewer service providers and new COVID-19 related travel taxes. However, busy travel will return and the human spirit to explore and connect will fuel this recovery.
Follow the links below for more details:
World Travel and Tourism Council
https://wttc.org/Research/Economic-Impact
BBC - Vaccine Passport
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-55718553
CBC - Vaccine Passport
BBC - International air transportation is a sector in crisis due to COVID-19.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54334558
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Website
My Five Predicted Business Trends in 2021!!!
How Many of Them Will Affect You?
February 4, 2021
1. Vaccine Rollout - The practical elements are sourcing vaccine ingredients, production, delivery logistics and local inoculations centres. The second practical need is for 70 % or more of a country's population to be vaccinated before considering any notion of herd immunity. A variable in this plan will be employees in the workplace that for religious, ethical or vaccine phobia reasons refuse to have the COVID-19 vaccinations. This is of course a free individual choice but it comes with some potentially dire health and economic consequences.
2. Remote/Home Working - It may remain universally in place and be practical until at least September 2021. What combination of office/workplace and working from home will follow? The research has shown that working from home has actually increased productivity. It can also accommodate a more amicable work/life balance.
3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) - In all its forms has clearly taken centre stage. Issues regarding equity on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability and many other DEI matters have been thrust into the spotlight. Research has proven that diversity in your workforce equates well with increased revenues and innovation.
4. E-Commerce - The pandemic has forced many businesses to launch or enhance their online selling portals. The acceleration in this process has been unprecedented and many industry experts have stated the pandemic has taken years off customer e-commerce adoption time. While the digital conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Skype and Remo have kept learning, communities, government and business afloat.
5. The Gig Economy - Jobs have been lost to the pandemic initiated recession. As the economy recovers, "bit jobs" that are small short-term contracts of employment working mainly as a freelancer will dominate. Job insecurity for most workers is hopefully only a casualty in the short-term and many more stable jobs will emerge with a rejuvenated global economy.
Follow the links below for more details:
Reuters - The United Kingdom has vaccinated 10 million (Feb. 3, 2021)
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain-vaccinatio/britain-has-given-10-million-people-a-first-covid-19-vaccine-dose-idUSKBN2A325N
BBC - Remote Working
The Dream Collective - Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
https://www.thedreamcollective.com.au/blog/achieving-global-inclusion-at-the-hq-level-through-local-empowerment/
Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada - (E-Commerce)
Forbes Business Trends 2021
An historic day for the United States of America?
The inauguration of a new President and Vice President!
The new administration is committed to unleashing a U.S. $1.9 Trillion stimulus package!!!
January 20, 2021
The world financial markets are encouraged by the new U.S. Government's economic stimulus plan. This is being done while interest rates are at an all time low. President Biden has also pledged to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office. This is indeed ambitious, bold, strategic and inspiring.
As the world's largest economy attempts to battle its way out of a pandemic induced recession, the rest of the global economy must be "fully invested" in the United States succeeding. We await developments, while wondering what health and economic successes will follow in 2021?
Follow the links below for more details:
CNN - The Stimulus Package
CNN - Vaccinating 100 Million Americans in First 100 Days
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/politics/biden-100-million-vaccines-100-days/index.html
BBC - Interest Rates at an All Time Low
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51901998
The Global Economy in 2021?
According to Goldman Sachs - "A Vaccine Led Recovery!"
January 2, 2021
The Goldman Sachs 2021 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK!
It has emerged that 2020 was a year unlike any other!? What will follow in 2021, with vaccines being deployed in increasing quantities by early summer? Herd immunity is hopefully set to follow with the vast majority of the world's population protected by several COVID-19 vaccinations. We are left to wonder, what health and economic predictions will come true in 2021?
Follow the links below for more details:
Goldman Sachs - Economic Outlook
https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/topics/economic-outlooks.html
Goldman Sachs - Economic Insights
https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/podcasts/episodes/11-09-2020-jan-hatzius-f/presentation.pdf
BBC - Herd Immunity Explanation
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/health-48682113