The Magazine 2.19 - Robert Bosch Stiftung
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The Magazine 2.19 The Magazine 2.19
THE MAGAZINE
2.19
Editorial 3
Dear Readers,
It all began more than 50 years ago with the mented encounters and exchanges on a more
promotion of Franco-German relations. individual basis. This paradigm shift reflected
Throughout his life, Robert Bosch, who died Germany’s changing position in the world.
during World War II, had advocated for It also moved the international relations
stronger relations between Germany and its program towards a more thematic focus.
neighbor. Certainly not all efforts met expecta-
Accordingly, for many years the Robert tions, but many projects were indeed success-
Bosch Stiftung’s international funding was ful. Nevertheless, at the beginning of 2018 we
concentrated on the challenges of the asked ourselves how we could remain effec-
post-war period and reconciling Germany with tive in a world of momentous change, and
its neighbors. Funding was mainly focused we opted for a radical new beginning in our
on bilateral relations – and as of the 1980s, on international work.
the United States as an important partner. We spent a year and a half working
With the end of the Cold War, the priority intensively on questions such as: What are the
turned to re-integrating the countries of Cen- challenges? Which ones can we handle
tral and Eastern Europe into the European with our means? What are the new develop-
framework and the Western community of ments in philanthropy, and how can we make
values. Against the backdrop of globalization, use of them?
the Foundation started working in new This magazine presents the four new
regions at the turn of the millennium and topics of our international work and
expanded into Asia and Africa. The promotion provides some insight into what we have
of bilateral relations was increasingly replaced learned along the way. It is a report on a work
by multilateral activities, and programs in progress – because our fleshing out
focusing on structural challenges comple- of these new topics has only just begun.
We hope you enjoy the read!
Joachim Rogall, Sandra Breka, Hans-Werner Cieslik
Board of Management of the Robert Bosch Stiftung
4 Contents Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Stiftung
06 18 21 22 34
06 10 21 28 40 “The entire process
Facts: Eight figures that Feature: Four institu- Background: What Debate: How can In brief: News from was one long learning
show that global trends tions from the philan- drove philanthropist foundations become projects and areas journey.”
require joint action thropic sector, four Robert Bosch and more effective? supported by the Robert Project Manager Thomas Henneberg
special ways to initiate how his legacy guides Bosch Stiftung In an internal realignment process, the Robert
Bosch Stiftung’s area of support International
08 societal change the Robert Bosch 34 Relations was transformed to International
Essay: UN Under-Secre- Stiftung’s work today Behind the scenes: 42 Understanding and Cooperation. Starting in
2020, its work will be focused on four new
tary-General Fabrizio 18 The realignment in the Foundation laid: Selina topics.
Hochschild Drummond Interview: Member 22 Robert Bosch Stiftung Neirok Leem seeks to On pages 18–20, Member of the Board
of Management Sandra Breka explains the
on the common duties of of the Board of Manage- Focus: The four new involved more than save her home, the Mar- motivation behind the realignment.
the global community ment Sandra Breka on topics of the area Interna- 100 employees. Eight of shall Islands, from the On pages 22–27, we present the new topics of
the realignment of the tional Understanding them give insights effects of climate change our international work.
international work of the and Cooperation On pages 34–39, employees explain what the
process was like for them.
Robert Bosch Stiftung
Imprint PUBLISHER Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, Heidehofstraße 31, 70184 Stuttgart, Germany, magazin@bosch-stiftung.de, www.bosch-stiftung.de |
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Prof. Dr. Joachim Rogall, Sandra Breka, Dr. Hans-Werner Cieslik | RESPONSIBLE Stefan Schott, Senior Vice President
of Strategic Communications | ROBERT BOSCH STIFTUNG MANAGING EDITORS Regina Mennig, Cornelia Varwig | ASSISTANCE Ronja Nayeri |
PUBLISHING COMPANY MANAGING EDITORS Martin Petersen, Nicole Zepter | PUBLISHING COMPANY TERRITORY Content to Results GmbH, Bei den
Mühren 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany, www.territory.de | MANAGING DIRECTORS Soheil Dastyari, Sandra Harzer-Kux | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT
Nicola Braun | ART DIRECTION Maja Nieveler, Anne Stiefel | PHOTO EDITOR Vanessa Zeeh | PRINT Merkur Druck GmbH, Oststraße 49, 22844 Norder-
stedt, Germany, merkur-druck.com | ISSN NO. 1865-0910 | COVER Sunyixun/Getty Images
Sources: The World’s Women 2015: Trends and Statistics by United Nations Statistics Division; UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2019, Key Messages; PRIO Conflict Trends 2017; Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2019; M. Willeit, A. Ganopolski, R. Calov, V. Brovkin: Mid-Pleistocene
6 Facts
transition in glacial cycles explained by declining CO2 and regolith removal in Science Advances, Vol. 5, No. 4, April 3, 2019; https://research.noaa.gov/article/ArtMID/587/ArticleID/2461/Carbon-dioxide-levels-hit-record-peak-in-May, August 26, 2019; Edenhofer 2017, p. 13; IPCC Special Report on
A World Out
of Balance
Global phenomena such as climate change, conflict,
migration, and inequality have reached dimensions
There were 162 armed conflicts
that demand international responses. worldwide in 2018. That’s
an increase of 54% over 2008.
200
3.5% of the world’s population
are international migrants.*
million
2/3
of all illiterate
people,
according to the most com-
mon estimate, will leave their
homes by 2050 and seek
safety inside or outside of
their own countries because
of climate change.**
persons worldwide
* This includes refugees, migrant workers, international
are female. ** Depending on the scenario, these estimates vary from 25
Text and research: Martin Petersen | Photos: Ryan Lowry; Michael Kohls; Benjamin Schmuck; Olgaç Bozalp
students, and other people born in a foreign country. million to 1 billion people.
In May 2019, the concentration of CO2
1/3
measured at Mauna Loa Observatory in
Hawaii was 415 parts per million (ppm). That
400 %
is the highest concentration of carbon
dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere in three
million years.
A 45 % reduction
Global Warming of 1.5°C, Summary for Policymakers, 2018
in CO2 emissions is
of all conflicts are civil
needed by 2030,***
wars in which troops
with zero emissions from other countries are
by 2050, to limit global involved. These conflicts more conflicts were fought over water
warming to 1.5°C. are longer, more violent,
and more difficult to
in 2009 as compared to 1997.
*** As compared to 2010.
resolve than others.
8 Essay Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Common Cause And then there are new technologies which are spreading
and impacting lives in a manner and at a pace never wit-
nessed before. It took cars some sixty years to reach their
first 50 million users. It has taken digital technology less than
30 years to reach half the planet. Digital technology and
artificial intelligence hold great promise but we understand
TEXT Global challenges demand one thing above all else: very little about what their impact will be on our privacy, on
Fabrizio Hochschild democracy, on our jobs, on social cohesion, and on conflict.
Drummond
intensive cooperation. An essay by UN Under-Secretary- To seek to understand how we can better manage
digital technology to ensure human wellbeing while curtail-
General Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond. ing unintended consequences and misuse, the UN Secre-
tary-General in July 2018 convened the High-level Panel
on Digital Cooperation. Its report – The Age of Digital
Interdependence – concluded that there is an indispensable
and urgent requirement to work much better not only across
In 1964, the Robert Bosch Stiftung was formally established We are facing a fundamental and potentially tragic paradox international borders but also across disciplines, if we are
to pursue Robert Bosch’s philanthropic vision to advance between an increase in global challenges and a retreat from to steer new technology for the greater good. Such multi-
progress in the fields of health, education, and international the institutions that can pursue global solutions. And yet, stakeholder cooperation, the report also suggested, needs to
understanding. Robert Bosch had yearned for peace failure to address these challenges will have far-reaching be much nimbler, more agile and deliver faster results than
his whole life and long supported Franco-German reconcili- consequences for the welfare of our children and grandchil- some of our current UN processes.
ation. To honour his legacy, the newly created Foundation dren and of our planet itself. The UN Secretary-General has stressed that we
placed international understanding at the core of its This is particularly obvious when it comes to climate cannot hope to build a safe future for our children in the
mission. change. Climate change is moving much faster than we are. 21st century if our institutions and mindsets are stuck in the
The world, however, looked very different in 1964 Last autumn, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 20th century. Efforts at reforming and modernizing all
than it does today. Threats to international understanding Change issued a sober warning: we have just eleven years sectors are critical to help address the transversal challeng-
were linked to ideological differences and the overdue left to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. We are es of our time.
process of decolonization. Fears abounded that the Cold already seeing the effects around us: heat waves in Europe, In the United Nations the UN Secretary-General
War could stoke nuclear deflagration and conflict between droughts in Africa, storms in the Caribbean and in the United Antonio Guterres is leading multiple efforts to make us
the two superpowers: 1964 marked both the Gulf of Tonkin States. Last year, an estimated 17.2 million people were more effective in delivering on our core functions of
incident that precipitated greater US involvement in newly displaced as a result of natural disasters exacerbated promoting peace, security, social justice, and sustainable
Vietnam, as well as the beginning of the Rhodesian Bush by climate change. There are predictions of up to one billion development.
War. climate migrants by 2050, if current global warming trends As we approach our 75th anniversary, in an effort
The threats people and planet face today are related are not reversed. to reconnect with the people we were established to serve,
to a different set of challenges, incipient but not yet foreseen Forced displacement, of course, is only one demo- a new initiative has been launched to hear from citizens
at the time. These include global warming and the destruc- graphic trend we will need to manage better. In many of worldwide on how to improve global cooperation in the face
tion of bio-diversity, growing inequality, xenophobia, the poorer parts of the world, the proportion of youth is of the most pressing global threats. The Secretary-General
resurgent nativism and political polarization around migra- growing while in many OECD countries, the proportion of has tasked me with promoting a global discussion about
tion, the disruptive impact of transformative new technolo- elderly is growing and the elderly are living longer. Across the future we want, and the future we are on track to get
gies and the demographic trends that will lead to distortions the globe, just over half of all people live in cities today. if current global trends are not better attended to by existing
in age distribution as well as ever greater unplanned This figure will rise to at least 75 percent by 2050. These and newly emerging institutions.
urbanization. Moreover, since 1964, a world order divided population trends will have a profound impact on our We will be organizing thousands of citizen consulta-
between two powers gave way with the fall of the Berlin health systems, on migratory pressures and needs as well tions globally, with a focus on youth, on our critics and on
Wall to one with a single power. Now many see us making an as on our economies. marginalized groups to hear their views on the role of
uneasy transition to a multi-polar world order. A former Meanwhile, inequality is on the rise between and global cooperation to deliver better on the future. We will be
French permanent representative to the UN has referred within countries, and remains a significant contributor to cooperating with the entire UN system and other partners
to these developments as a “new world disorder,” while the growing disconnect and distrust that people feel towards for this initiative. We will bring the outcome to the attention
Fabrizio Hochschild
the UN Secretary-General has spoken of “chaotization.” governments and institutions. Inequality and exclusion Drummond
of heads of state at the UN General Assembly in September
are the single largest driver of conflict according to a 2018 is Under-Secretary-General 2020. We are proud to be undertaking this in partnership
UN World Bank study, Pathways for Peace. While wages of and Special Adviser on the with civil society organisations worldwide.
low income earners have stagnated or declined in real Preparations for the Com- We at the United Nations believe that at this juncture
“We need new terms in the last decades, the number of billionaires has
risen tenfold. Last year, both Oxfam and Credit Suisse
memoration of the United
Nations’ 75th Anniversary.
of global uncertainty, new approaches and creative thinking
are an absolute requirement for sustainability of peace,
approaches and
He has also served as
reported that if you filled an average-sized classroom with people, and planet. It brings hope that an increasing number
Assistant Secretary-General
the world’s richest people, their combined wealth would for Strategic Coordination of individuals and organisations share this vision and are
creative thinking.”
be equivalent to what the 3.7 billion people who make up the in the Executive Office seeking to adapt their institutions to today’s emerging and
poorer half of humanity possess. of the UN Secretary-General. tomorrow’s dominant issues.
10 Feature Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Breaking New
TEXT
Nicole Zepter
Ground:
Four Institutions,
Four Ideas
What needs to be supported today – and how?
Find out about four institutions in the philanthropic
sector that pursue very different approaches.
12 Feature Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Stichting DOEN tions such as the Dutch Nature
Conservation Association, Amnesty
third version of the phone was
unveiled in summer 2019 in Berlin.
Seed investment for new ideas International and numerous NGOs.
“The idea was to establish a perma-
Nor speaks confidently about his
projects, especially those for which
nent cashflow and not waste time on Stichting DOEN has taken a risk. Every
In 1989, four Dutch entrepreneurs constant fundraising,” says Idriss Nor, year, the foundation supports around
who had a common goal joined forces: one of the foundation’s executive
they wanted to support those commit- directors, adding that “the Nationale
“For a founda-
ted to a more sustainable and social Postcode Loterij is a kind of money
development of our society. To this machine.”
end, they founded the “Nationale In the past 30 years, the lottery
Postcode Loterij,” followed two years
later by the associated DOEN Founda-
PROFILE
Idea behind the foundation: Support new so-
has generated 5.8 billion euros for
good causes, of which 676 million
tion to speak of
tion. The foundation receives a share
of the lottery proceeds – money that is
cial, creative and sustainable ideas that advance
society
have gone to the DOEN Foundation.
Nor has been with the foundation for
investment at
all was taboo in
Recipients of support: Associations, projects, more than 15 years and has seen it
used to support innovative social
and social enterprises
enterprises because the founders are grow to become the largest investor in
Type of support: Grants, investments, and loans
the 1990s.”
convinced that they can contribute to USP: Funded ideas can grow into companies social and sustainable start-ups in the
social change. The remaining funds of through financial investment Netherlands. Also, the lottery model
the lottery go to other social organiza- Support volume: 30 million euros a year was copied to several countries, such
as the UK, Sweden, Norway, and Idriss Nor
Germany. Today, the three Dutch
lotteries fund the foundation’s
projects with an annual support 250 social enterprises and initiatives
volume amounting to 30 million with amounts ranging from 5,000 to
euros. Stichting DOEN’s role in such 500,000 euros. It awards grants or
projects is that of a seed investor that provides investments and loans,
funds a social enterprise during its supporting both large and small
earliest stages. The foundation then endeavors. As Nor puts it, the founda-
hands over the initiatives, as far as tion makes capital investments in the
possible, to larger investors or best sense of the word. In philanthro-
partners to scale the impact of the py, the term is impact investment:
supported organizations. Another investing to achieve a social or
feature that sets Stichting DOEN apart ecological impact alongside a finan-
is the foundation’s focus on the cial return. For a foundation to speak
originality of funded social projects; of investment at all was taboo in the
the preference is for new, surprising 1990s, when Stichting DOEN was
approaches. A good example is the founded, Nor remembers. A founda-
Fairphone, the world’s first cell phone
to be produced in a fair and sustain-
tion that invests its money instead of
just handing it out, that not only
Urgent Action Fund-Africa
able manner. The idea originated with benefits society but also makes a
for Women’s Human Rights
Photos: Stichting DOEN; Urgent Action Fund-Africa Women’s Human Rights
an artists’ initiative and was support- profit, was frowned upon. The term
ed by Stichting DOEN at the start of
the project, and later through invest-
“impact investment,” Nor argues, is
overused and often misunderstood.
At grassroots level
ment in the Fairphone itself. “The question is whether we’re
Fairphone is not only a talking about investment with or for
successful, but also a typical example impact. Impact investment only refers Caroline Kiarie is in her office in
of the type of projects that meet the to the latter,” he explains. Those who Nairobi when the call comes in. A
DOEN funding criteria: developing a receive funding can freely dispose of colleague from a women’s rights orga-
bold, innovative idea and acting out of the capital and use it as they see fit. “In nization needs her help. A celebrity is
strong social and ecological convic- the current geopolitical climate, we Picture above said to have sexually harassed two
Left picture Strength in num-
tion. “Other phone manufacturers need people who are willing to take women. But when the case went to
Voilà: the first bers: in the Urgent
thought it would be impossible to risks and have the courage to make a court, it was dismissed. Now the two
sustainable smart- Action Fund-Africa,
guarantee a transparent production difference,” Nor says. “Especially phone in the women help other women want to appeal, but the
chain. The Fairphone has proven now, foundations like ours are called world, thanks to the women defend their women’s organization that has
them wrong,” says Idriss Nor. The upon to support them.” DOEN Foundation. rights. supported them so far can’t do it
14 Feature Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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alone. “Defending the defenders,” PROFILE directors is exclusively made up of
says Caroline Kiarie. A young woman Idea behind the fund: Supporting women in women’s rights activists and lawyers.
with short hair, a yellow-and-green crisis and women’s rights organizations quickly This setup allows the fund to be as
and unbureaucratically
striped scarf and a clear and firm close as possible to the needs of those
Recipients of support: Women’s rights
voice, Caroline Kiarie works at organizations run by women, women’s human it supports. The workflow is simple
Urgent Action Fund-Africa, a pan-Af- rights defenders and unbureaucratic: there is a
rican women’s rights fund based in Type of support: Funding of $12,000 max. per one-page form that applicants can
Kenya. Behind her, the breeze in the applicant complete in English, Swahili, Arabic,
palm trees picks up and she pulls her USP: Run by female activists, feedback Portuguese, or French. If the applica-
within 24 hours
scarf tighter around her as she tion is accepted, the money will be
Support volume: $1.8 million per year
paid out within 24 hours. Over 17
years, UAF-Africa has grown to
“We decide become a fund that operates across
the African continent and is support-
on our
ed not only by individual donors, but
also by governments, such as those of
Sweden and the Netherlands. In 2019,
support 180 applicants received funding
totalling more than $1,400,000
within between January and October 2019.
But it is still not enough. “There is
24 hours.” great demand,” says Caroline Kiarie,
“and we often have to tell organiza-
tions no, simply because we don’t
Caroline Kiarie have the money to help.” Women’s
rights are rarely supported in
development cooperation, she
speaks. “Our work includes helping explains. Sometimes there are
women’s human rights activists who
have had traumatic experiences as a
cultural reasons as to why women are
more at risk than men. When the Skoll Foundation to the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepre-
neurship.
result of their activism by providing
money as well as legal and psycholog-
Ebola virus broke out in Liberia in
2014, a disproportionately high share
Helping established organizations to scale The Skoll Foundation deliber-
ately supports organizations that
ical support.” Women who stand up of the many dead were women, and already have a proven track record. It
for other women and speak out UAF-Africa tried to understand the Things tend to get especially busy for helps them scale – and increase their
against discrimination are often faced dynamics behind it. “We recognized Skoll Foundation CEO Donald Gips in impact. The idea is that an initiative
with threats of violence and social that women are usually the primary the fall when much of his team per- needs a certain critical size to bring
marginalization. “Rape is not even caregivers of the sick and get infected forms due diligence on applicants to about sustainable change in its field.
prosecuted in many African coun- this way. At the time, they also had no gauge eligibility criteria for the Skoll Beyond funding, the foundation’s
tries,” Caroline Kiarie explains. It is access to female hygiene products. Award, the foundation’s core program. focus on non-financial resources such
often exhausting and difficult to deal When we had learned that, we were in Four to six of those applicants will as convenings, connections, and
with these cases. “That’s why we offer a position to act,” says Caroline make it through the selection process communication attest to the fact that
multi-level support. And we are fast. Kiarie. Women in crises like the Ebola and receive up to $1.5 million in the Skoll Foundation’s goal is systemic
It’s an express service. We decide on epidemic, women who lose their funding. That process is a clear change. And it wants strong social
our support within 24 hours.” The land to coal mining and are not indicator of how specific the support entrepreneurs to contribute to this
fund only helps organizations that are compensated, women who sell their of the Skoll Foundation truly is. Gips, change.
run exclusively by women. goods in the streets but have no right who was the U.S. Ambassador to the Founded by Jeff Skoll in 1999,
Urgent Action Fund-Africa was to their stalls. There are so many Republic of South Africa under PROFILE
the foundation in Palo Alto has been
Picture on the right
established in 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya. Before and after: stories that Caroline Kiarie can tell President Obama, is also developing a Idea behind the foundation: Supporting social around for 20 years. Skoll, who owes
The fund has grown to now also have an employee of and which are the source of UAF-Afri- strategy to increase the foundation’s entrepreneurs to help them scale their impact and his estimated $5 billion fortune to his
a physical presence in Egypt, Camer- the Foundation for ca’s work. The fund considers the top impact in the coming years. And last create big social change career as the first president of eBay,
oon, Nigeria, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Ecological Security priority to protect and preserve but not least, there is the ramp-up to Recipients of support: Social entrepreneurs also calls himself a social entrepre-
(FES) in India shows and NGOs
Senegal, Uganda, and Ethiopia. From women’s dignity. Making sure that the Skoll World Forum to be handled. neur. Besides the foundation, he set up
Photo: Skoll Foundation
the results of a Type of support: Per organization investment of
the outset, the leadership team women can feel comfortable in their Every year, the foundation brings Participant, a production company
forestation project. $1.5 million over the course of three years
consisted of women active in wom- FES receives sup- surroundings and have hope for a together successful social entrepre- USP: Focus on scaling the work of social entre- that has created Oscar-winning films
en’s rights initiatives or in research. port from the Skoll safe life is therefore one of the main neurs from all around the world at the preneurs such as Spotlight and Green Book, and
To this day, the fund’s board of Foundation. goals of the UAF. Saïd Business School in Oxford, home Support volume: $70.79 million (in 2018) produces socio-critical documentaries
16 Feature Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Stiftung
such as An Inconvenient Truth and remedy serious problems such as a the opportunity to shape their own
American Factory. lack of basic medical care. The lives. Things we take for granted.”
The Skoll Foundation focuses amounts Co-Impact invests are The beneficiaries of the first
on six key issue areas: economic impressive: in the first round of round of funding are healthcare,
opportunity, education, environmen- funding, it provided $80 million to just education, and economic opportunity
tal sustainability, health, peace and five initiatives over a period of several initiatives in Africa, India, and Latin
human rights, and sustainable mar- years. Co-Impact backers include America. Before funding is approved,
kets. CEO Gips oversees an extensive billionaires such as Bill and Melinda it must be ensured that at least a
portfolio: 111 social entrepreneurs, all Gates and Richard Chandler, and also minimum political and civil frame-
previous winners of the Skoll Award, institutions such as the Rockefeller work exists. “Good governance is
Foundation. important,” says Bastante de Unver-
Olivia Leland founded Co-Im- hau. Through extensive due diligence,
“The urgency pact in 2017. Leland, who is also a
Senior Vice President at the Rockefel-
the organization assesses whether the
financial commitment and other
of the problems ler Foundation, has an impressive CV.
She previously worked with Bill and
supports can produce the results the
initiatives aim to achieve. Bastante de
facing humani- Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett as
the founding director of Giving
Unverhau: “Most grants are awarded
annually and need to be reapplied for
ty is unprece-
every single year. We believe this
process can be made more efficient.”
One example is Liberia’s
dented.” “We believe National Community Health Assistant
Program, which has received tens of
Donald Gips funding millions of dollars for a five-year
period. It is an existing model now
can be
aiming to reach the remaining 1.2
spread over five continents, are million people in rural areas of
made more
working to make vital contributions to Liberia, who have hardly any access to
systemic change. These include medical care. After the Ebola crisis,
organizations such as Aflatoun, a which ended three years ago, the
Dutch NGO that educates children
worldwide about their rights and
efficient.” Liberian Ministry of Health, together
with the NGO Last Mile Health and
teaches them the basics of financial
education. Or the Afghan Institute of
Silvia Bastante de others, developed a nationwide
program to provide health care
Learning, led by women, that is Unverhau coverage in rural areas. The govern-
rebuilding the education and health ment was able to unify many smaller,
systems in Afghanistan. Or social
entrepreneurs such as Angaza, which Co-Impact Pledge, an initiative that encourages
uncoordinated initiatives and NGOs
under the umbrella of one self-con-
offers payment systems for vital
technologies such as solar lights in
Philanthropists joining forces to the world’s wealthiest people to
donate some of their wealth for the
tained program. With funding from
Co-Impact and others, they aim to
developing countries. In the words of maximize their impact common good. The Co-Impact team, increase the number of community
the foundation: “Extraordinary based in Zurich, New York, and health workers to 4,000 to ensure care
leaders and their organizations are London, also bring many years of even in the most remote areas.
creating innovative models to drive Co-Impact brings together founda- experience in philanthropy, govern- PROFILE Co-Impact sees this program
equilibrium change – the disruption of tions and philanthropists for maxi- ment and the non-profit sector. In her Idea behind the organization: Bringing foun- as an opportunity to ensure sustain-
dations and philanthropists together to support
social, economic, and political forces mum impact in health care, education, last role as Global Head of Philanthro- able care in order to drastically
initiatives transforming underlying systems in
that enable inequality, injustice, and and economic opportunity – to benefit py Advisory at UBS Bank, Silvia low- and middle-income countries
reduce both epidemic diseases and
other thorny social and environmental millions of people in a way that no Bastante de Unverhau, Chief Philan- Recipients of support: Programs that are led infant mortality. Bastante de Unver-
problems to persist.” What sounds foundation could achieve on its own. thropy Officer, brought together and driven by several parties (NGOs, govern- hau is convinced that sustainable
Photo: Last Mile Health/Co-Impact
like an underdog mission is an incen- Picture above In doing so, Co-Impact focuses on billionaires to promote philanthropy. ments, private sector) social change requires many players
tive to CEO Donald Gips: “The urgency The Last Mile Health existing programs led by several Now based in Co-Impact’s Zurich Type of support: Multi-million dollar funding as acting on an equal footing: local
program works to well as technical and organizational support for
of the problems facing humanity is organizations, including NGOs and office, she outlines the organization’s communities, NGOs, governments,
ensure that medical selected initiatives
unprecedented, and our responsibility governments, in low- and middle-in- goals, stressing that the basic idea is to companies – and private philanthrop-
care is available in USP: Bringing donors together to support lasting
has never been greater to bring this rural areas of Libe- come countries around the world. maximize philanthropic potential, “so systemic change ic initiatives. “We see ourselves as a
rare gift of philanthropic dollars to its ria – with support These are often programs that lack that millions of people have access to Support volume: About $80 million in the first partner, just as we see the organiza-
highest and best use.” from Co-Impact. the financial resources to significantly health care and education, and have round of funding tions involved as partners.”
THE MAGAZINE
2.19
Interview 19
INTERVIEW
New Beginnings:
the Foundation’s
Nicole Zepter
PHOTOS
Gene Glover
International Work
After more than 50 years, the Robert Bosch Stiftung is restructuring
its international area of support. Sandra Breka, Member of the
Board of Management, discusses the need for a reset, the new focus –
and how impressed she is by her colleagues’ commitment.
Ms. Breka, you are reorganizing In the past, we worked on ten very the past 18 months, about one hun-
the Foundation’s international work. different topics – covering an incredi- dred colleagues have been involved
Why? bly broad range. But over the years in the process. We first asked
Our area of support International this has blurred the profile of the ourselves which global trends are
Understanding goes back to the Foundation’s international work. In most pressing and most likely to
legacy of Robert Bosch and has a long addition, philanthropy has been shape our future. We gained a
tradition at the Foundation. We subject to significant change. The comprehensive picture through
have in the past undertaken periodic volume of global philanthropy has discussions with international
strategic reviews and program more than doubled in the last two experts – both practitioners and
development that led to incremental decades. Foundations are developing academics – as well as through
changes over the years. But today new forms of support. The public studies, study trips, and workshops.
our international context is changing is more critical and it increasingly
rapidly and dramatically. We need questions the legitimacy and effective- The new topics of your international
to respond with more than incremen- ness of philanthropy. We asked work are Climate Change, Conflict,
tal change. ourselves how we can be forward- Migration, and Inequality. Why these
thinking and achieve the highest ones specifically?
Do you mean global political de- possible impact with our work. For us, the combination of these
velopments and changes in the topics best fulfills the objectives at
philanthropic sector? What’s the answer? the core of our international work.
Yes. Our objective is to contribute to We need a strategic realignment that Indeed, it is derived from Robert
solving the challenges of our time. focuses on a few select topics. Over Bosch’s legacy: we want to work on20 Interview Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
2.19
Background 21
Stiftung
issues that promote peaceful coexis-
tence within and between societies; “We asked With the realignment, you are
dropping all of the previous projects TEXT “The letter kills,
ourselves how
that means issues that require and programs in the international Johannes Bähr
(multilateral) cooperation between
various actors. The four topics are
interdependent on one another. we can be for-
portfolio. Why this step?
It is very important to us to end
partnerships in a responsible manner.
ILLUSTRATION
Studio Pong but the
Climate change and inequality, for
example, are drivers of conflict and
migration. In the future, we want
ward-thinking
We had frank conversations with our
partners about how our support will
wind down and about potential final
spirit gives life”
to examine their interconnections
and work at that nexus. and achieve activities – for each individual project.
Still, it is a drastic step. However, it In the 1920s and 1930s, when
the highest pos-
was necessary in order to be consistent extreme nationalism was rife in
How are you approaching the and create space for the new topics. Europe, Robert Bosch was committed
new topics?
sible impact
to promoting reconciliation between
We are currently reviewing how and Will the Foundation also change the peoples. His dedication was rooted
in which regions we will fund them. way it provides funding? in his experience during World War I.
We are focusing on areas that either
receive little attention or where
with our work.” Due to the changing international
context and our aspiration to contrib-
He was one of the founders of the
German Federation for the League of
we can make a significant contribu- ute to solving societal challenges, we Nations, which sought to establish a
tion. We will start funding in might also have to apply a wider range world organization to preserve peace.
2020 – and have renamed our focus of funding instruments in the future. Robert Bosch became chairman of
area International Understanding How we fund will vary from topic to the German Society for the Promotion
and Cooperation. topic. In the end, institutions and of the First European Unification
people change the world, not projects. Movement, the Paneuropean Union.
He joined the Franco-German Society
Looking at the final months of and promoted the Carl Schurz
the process, what has impressed you Vereinigung for German-American
most? understanding. The reconciliation
I was convinced that this step was between the then “sworn enemies”
necessary and important when I began Germany and France was particularly
working on the strategic development close to his heart. He saw this as the
process, and yet I was surprised by key to peace and a united Europe,
the energy and momentum that it which he believed was only conceiv-
generated. I was impressed by the able within the framework of a
staff’s participation and willingness democratic system. “Pan-Europe,” in
to change at a time when the future turn, was to be the starting point for
was unclear. Also, there was the establishing an understanding with
commitment of the leadership team other continents.
that generated a strong sense of unity It was difficult for Robert Bosch
and solidarity. It is a great privilege to witness the Nazis shatter any
Sandra Breka Robert Bosch
An expert on
to help shape such a process. It attempt at international reconcilia- them to continuously rethink and, (1861–1942)
international wouldn’t be possible without the tion, but he remained hopeful for a if necessary, realign the Foundation’s was active in areas
relations, Sandra commitment of our Board of Trustees. better future in which his ideas would work: “The letter kills, but the spirit such as education,
Breka is a Member prevail. The assets he left behind were gives life [...]. It is therefore necessary science, and health.
of the Board of If you look a year into the future, meant to contribute to this mission. to constantly adapt these guidelines Influenced by the
Management of experience of
what do you wish the Foundation? In his bequest, the asset management to changes as they take place.”
the Robert Bosch World War I, he also
Stiftung and is
I hope that it will be seen as a progres- guidelines for the Vermögensverwal- The Robert Bosch Stiftung, committed himself
responsible for the sive partner in the philanthropic tung Bosch GmbH of July 19, 1935, which emerged from the Vermögens- to international
areas of support sector. I hope that everyone will have he instructed that his wealth should verwaltung Bosch GmbH, has been understanding; he
of International found his or her place in the new teams, be used to promote “health, educa- fulfilling this mission for 55 years. saw this as the foun-
Understanding and and that we can continue to keep up the tion, training, the advancement During this period of time, the Board dation for peace.
Cooperation as well This commitment is
strong team spirit and momentum of of the gifted, reconciliation between of Trustees and the Board of Manage-
as Active Citizenship still the basis and a
the past two years. And also, I wish that peoples, and the like.” He did not ment have repeatedly adapted the
in addition to the source of guidance
programmatic work we, with our own strong profile, will formulate specific directives. Those Foundation’s concept of support to for the international
of the Foundation join the community of those who responsible were to have a free hand changes, keeping in line with Robert work of the Robert
in Berlin. are already working on our new topics. in fulfilling his mission. Bosch obliged Bosch’s legacy. Bosch Stiftung.22 Focus Robert Bosch
Stiftung
TEXT
Cornelia Varwig Four Topics
for the Future
In its international work, the Robert Bosch Stiftung will
focus on the following topics: Conflict, Climate Change,
Migration, and Inequality. Here, we present some of their
core features.
Photo: Sunyixun/Getty Images24 Focus Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Conflict Climate Change
Creating lasting peace Conserving resources, sharing burdens fairly
More tropical storms, heavier flooding, migration, intensifies conflict, and EVERY BIT MATTERS
longer droughts – the effects of climate reinforces the negative effects of
change can already be felt. Examples inequality. Global challenges are How can people contribute to climate
include extreme weather phenomena shaped by many intertwined factors, protection, and why does it fail?
of greater severity and frequency, yet there are strong indications that As consumers, people have a strong
the destruction of habitats, and climate change significantly intensi- influence that could relatively quickly
Over the past decade, the number of such as fundamentalist groups that peace negotiations. In approximately growing migration pressure in many fies the effects. The extent of the help to transform economies towards
conflicts in the world has steadily are geographically separate from one half of all cases, violence escalates places. The efforts made so far to coun- humanitarian consequences has the sustainable production and consump-
increased. In 2018, the Uppsala another but ideologically connected. again within five years of a peace teract man-made climate change potential to jeopardize peaceful tion options. However, both the formal
Conflict Data Program recorded 77 They form ties through social media settlement. are not sufficient. What is lacking are coexistence. This brings climate and informal education and aware-
armed conflicts with state involve- and thereby gain influence more internationally binding agreements change in the focus of the work of the ness systems are not well-equipped to
ment, 52 conflicts between non-state easily. SEEING THE WHOLE PICTURE that go beyond the voluntary commit- Robert Bosch Stiftung, whose over- fulfil obligations towards the plane-
groups, and 33 acts of one-sided Conflicts thus remain one of the ments made by governments. Even arching goal is to foster peace and tary challenges that we are facing or
violence against civilians. An estimat- biggest challenges of our time. They Therefore, the Foundation will if these commitments are kept, the stability in the world. towards the future generations.
ed 420 million children grow up in are considered a central obstacle to approach conflicts in a holistic Earth’s average temperature will rise The work of the Foundation in
conflict regions. achieving the 17 UN goals for sustain- manner. Taking a long-term view, the by more than 3°C by the end of the the field of climate change will be 1.5°C rather than 2°C – why does
De-escalation and international able development. Yet conflict issues Robert Bosch Stiftung wants to century. The goal is to limit warming to guided by the question: how can half a degree Celsius more or less
peacebuilding work are increasingly have so far played a very small role in support affected societies in develop- 2°C, according to the 2015 Paris societies address the impact of climate global warming make such a big dif-
difficult and drawn-out, as conflicts the world of international philan- ing as great a level of resilience as Agreement. In its latest report, the and environmental change? One ference?
become more complex and interna- thropic work. According to the Peace possible in order to prevent the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate approach focuses on the sustainable The avoidance of a 0.5-degree
tionalized with many overlapping and Security Funding Index, in 2016 reemergence of conflict. The objec- Change (IPCC) stresses that global use of resources. The objective here is temperature increase could save
causes. These include migration and less than one percent of the available tive is to promote “positive peace.” warming should not exceed 1.5°C. to secure the availability of resources, nearly ten million people from
inequality as well as climate change funding was invested in peace and This term was established in the This target is still attainable, say counter distribution conflicts, and exposure to the risks of sea level rise.
and its consequences. The regions security. 1970s by Norwegian peace research- climate experts. In many countries, promote sustainable development. Furthermore, it reduces the propor-
with the most conflicts are the Middle Since 2013, the Robert Bosch er Johan Galtung to describe a state however, there is serious concern that tion of the world population exposed
East and North Africa, according to Stiftung has been a strong supporter characterized not only by the cessa- ambitious policies to respond to EMPOWERING to a climate change-induced increase
the Global Peace Index 2019. But of peacebuilding activities – and in tion of acute violence, but also by the climate change could impede econom- DISADVANTAGED GROUPS in water stress by up to 50 percent.
other areas are also affected by doing so building on the legacy of its elimination of potential causes of ic growth. The opposite is the case. Many cities across the world are
tensions and conflict. There are open, founder. In 1912, Robert Bosch saw conflict, such as poverty or discrimi- According to British economist In support of climate justice, the running out of water already. In India,
armed conflicts in the Sahel, on the peace in Europe jeopardized by nation, and by the achievement of Nicholas Stern, the cost of taking Foundation wants to work towards it is expected that 21 large cities will
Horn of Africa, and around the African the crisis in the Balkans, and worked lasting social justice. action amounts to “approximately one a fairer sharing of the burdens of run out of water as soon as 2020. As
Great Lakes. The situation is tense in towards reconciliation between To create impact, the Robert percent of annual global economic out- climate change. After all, proportions per the IPCC, every bit of warming
the Balkans, in Central Asia, and in the peoples and for peace and stability. Bosch Stiftung will concentrate on put,” whereas the cost of doing of the population that contribute matters, every unit of time matters,
Caucasus. The Kashmir crisis could In the field of conflict, the Robert selected conflict regions and become nothing is far greater: Stern calculates the least to man-made climate and every action matters.
escalate at any time, according to Bosch Stiftung will base its future engaged long-term in these regions. that damages resulting from climate change are often the ones who suffer
Leena Srivastava,
experts. support on the central question: how The Foundation will work with strong change will lead to a loss of five most from it. To ensure that they
a former Fellow of the
can lasting peace be achieved? international partners in public and percent of global economic output per can better represent their interests, Robert Bosch Acade-
NEW FAULT LINES OF CONFLICT The Foundation’s work will private institutions, and will focus on year. More pessimistic estimates disadvantaged groups must be my, is Deputy Director
build on its extensive prior experi- local organizations in the crisis areas. suggest losses of as much as 20 included in the international dis- General of the Interna-
At the same time, global power ence. One finding is that the model of Cross-sector cooperation on the percent. course. A fair process of negotiation tional Institute for
structures are changing. The interna- successive phases of conflict might not ground is central to the Foundation’s among all participants is essential Applied Systems Anal-
ysis (IIASA) in Vienna.
tional order is in a state of flux, and always be helpful in conflict resolu- new approach. By supporting such PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN in order to create, share, and imple-
Photo: Theodor Barth
She has over three
previous mechanisms of conflict tion, as conflicts seldom progress in locally-led cooperation, the Founda- JEOPARDY ment solutions for sustainable
decades of research
resolution are no longer effective. New a linear fashion. Often, there are tion seeks to ensure that joint, viable development. experience in energy,
players are also contributing to overlapping phases of destabilization, solutions can be developed and Climate change also has effects of an environment, and cli-
changes in the fault lines of conflict, armed conflict, de-escalation, and implemented. entirely different kind: it drives mate change policies.26 Focus Robert Bosch THE MAGAZINE
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Migration Inequality
Focusing on human dignity Treating causes, not just symptoms
Migration has been part of the human Compact on Refugees in 2018. In the MANY HAVE NO CHOICE
experience throughout history. view of many experts, however, these
Migration movements are increasing, intergovernmental agreements do not In 2018, the first “Global Compact Equal freedoms and opportunities are inequality simultaneously, many health care. Ultimately, this results in
however, and have reached a scale that go far enough, nor are they legally for Safe, Orderly and Regular fundamental to a self-determined, existing programs focus on distinct reduced opportunities to generate
make them a global challenge. In 2018, binding. Migration” was concluded under the dignified life. Growing inequality, on dimensions, such as inequality in income and build wealth.
3.5 percent of the world’s population – Increasingly, new stakeholders auspices of the UN. Does it advance the other hand, leads to an erosion of education or discrimination against a
around 272 million people – were become involved in international international migration policy? social cohesion and jeopardizes religious minority. However, this NEW DIMENSION:
migrants, according to United Nations forums concerning migration. Large The compact was meant to take the peaceful coexistence. Currently, approach does not do justice to ENVIRONMENTAL INEQUALITY
estimates. cities and municipalities, for example, entire range of issues relevant to proven approaches to reduce in- groups disadvantaged in multiple
From a global point of view, participate more actively in the migrants of all kinds. There’s a very equality, such as public access to qual- ways. If the intersections of various Environmental inequality is a com-
only a small proportion of migrants transnational dialogue. They assume heavy emphasis on regular migrants. ity education, are under pressure in dimensions of inequality are disre- paratively new dimension of inequali-
come to Europe. The largest move- greater responsibility in harboring However, the reality is that many many places. garded when devising solutions, ty. It includes the consequences of
ments of people take place within refugees – and often adopt a notably people are irregular migrants, i.e. Inequality becomes apparent problems could be made worse. climate change, unequal access to
countries and regions in Africa, Asia, pragmatic and solution-oriented they have no choice but to attempt to in a variety of dimensions and is Focusing on one dimension frequent- food and water, and the unequal
the Middle East, and Central and North approach. And the role of the migrants travel illegally. That is a human reality based on many different factors: ly leads to the treatment of only the effects of environmental legislation.
America. Countries that neighbor themselves is changing too. They we have to accept. social and cultural heritage, socio- symptoms and not the causes of Climate-related natural disasters
areas of war or crisis shelter the largest establish their own organizations and economic background, ethnicity, inequality. primarily hit the Global South –
number of refugees. Among those become increasingly coordinated. As a The issue of migration sometimes religious affiliation, race, and gender, Inequality always has structur- frequently affecting people who are
are Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, result, they can perform a valuable arouses fears in people. How should among others. These factors often al causes, such as patriarchal tradi- already disadvantaged, such as
Uganda, and Ethiopia. Migration bridging function between societies. this be handled? intersect, and they can reinforce one tions, racist ideologies, or unfair trade farmers in dwellings that cannot
includes international as well If you look at the overall numbers another. practices and supply chains. Since too withstand extreme weather.
as national migration processes; it INCLUDING A VARIETY OF that come to Europe, they are tiny A comprehensive view of the little is known about how various To counter inequality at
includes both displacement by war PERSPECTIVES compared to the number of migrants diverse dimensions of inequality and causes and effects are related, and various levels, the Robert Bosch
or conflict and labor migration. It moving around Africa. Therefore, their dynamics is therefore needed to especially about how theoretical Stiftung first intends to establish
generally takes place to ensure safety With the overarching goal of fostering I have always been unhappy determine why certain groups in a knowledge can be translated into better links among experts from the
and survival as well as to improve international understanding and with phrases like “overrun” and given society are systematically practical steps to reduce inequality, worlds of theory and of practice. It
conditions of life. Migration across cooperation, the Robert Bosch Stiftung “swamped.” Some people are con- excluded from social progress. The the Robert Bosch Stiftung wants to also wants to support innovative ideas
large distances is the exception, as is exploring the following questions: cerned that migration is wiping lawyer Kimberlé Crenshaw of Colum- help amplify what is known about that develop from concrete projects.
is permanent residence at the destina- How can we ensure that migration out their country’s native culture. bia University examined these intersectionality. Last but not least, the Foundation
tion. In Africa and Asia, especially, takes place in a way that is sustainable Of course, one has to respect that interactions in the case of Afri- For individual dimensions, wants to adopt a learning role itself
cyclical patterns of migration are and respects human dignity? How can perception, although I think that this can-American women, and coined the aggregate data, surveys, and fore- and build “interdisciplinary exper-
increasingly common. In these cases, policymakers, the private sector, and fear is possibly exaggerated. In that term “intersectionality” for this casts do exist. As for economic tise” for certain regions and topics.
migrants move back and forth civil society join in an international respect, spreading word about approach. inequality, the experts aren’t very
between their country of origin and exchange to find common solutions? the positive experiences that people This analytical framework will optimistic even though the Gini
one or more destination countries. One key for the development of have had in other countries could serve as a roadmap for the Robert coefficient, a statistical measure for
long-term approaches is cross-border be helpful here. Bosch Stiftung when it explores the the distribution of income and wealth, A nexus of topics
CONVENTIONS NO LONGER cooperation that extends beyond causes and consequences of inequali- indicates that global economic
Conflicts, climate change, migration,
SUITABLE emergency situations and remains free ty. The Foundation intends to improve inequality is decreasing. Within coun-
David Donoghue, and inequality are connected in
of the constraints of everyday politics. former Irish Ambas-
the general knowledge of the dimen- tries we will continue to see high many ways. When developing strategy
The 1951 Refugee Convention does The Robert Bosch Stiftung is sador to Germany, sions of inequality and their intersec- levels of income inequality and and providing funding, the Foundation
not capture the full scope of today’s also concerned about making the Austria, and Russia, tions in order to develop solutions disparities in wealth, and in some will treat these topics individually
Photo: UN Photo/Mark Garten/SIPA
migration challenges. It takes account discourse on migration more objec- is an expert on together with partners. areas even an increase. as well as in relation to one another.
of neither cyclical migratory move- tive. That does not mean ignoring political order and Effective and forward-looking solutions
Experts often view social
international can only be developed by taking a
ments nor new drivers of migration, people’s fears and concerns – different FOCUSSING ON ONE DIMENSION inequality as a precursor to economic
development and big-picture view. These solutions should
such as climate change. Following the perspectives should be heard and was a 2019 Fellow
IS NOT ENOUGH inequality. For example, discrimina- be based on cross-sector cooperation
New York Declaration of 2016, the UN included. It means finding for- at the Robert tion based on gender or ethnicity is and the latest scientific research, and
General Assembly did adopt the Global ward-looking solutions based on a Bosch Academy in Since it is difficult, in practice, to take often associated with barriers to they should enable ongoing learning.
Compact for Migration and the Global range of viewpoints. Berlin. into account multiple dimensions of education, political participation, andYou can also read
