From March 7-13, 2016, we recognize, participate, and celebrate public-private partnerships (PPPs) during the annual Global Partnerships Week (GPW). With an all-day kickoff held at the United States Institute of Peace on Monday, March 7, 2016, public and private organizations were able to convene to recognize the critical role PPPs play in today’s world.
As a team member of GlobalConnect, I’ve come to recognize the value each program brings not only for new opportunities given to participants, but the long-term partnerships that come out of them. GlobalConnect’s clientele varies from U.S. government agencies to non-profits organizations to private companies. While each client has a different culture, timeline, and agenda, each bring a different yet innovate piece to the programming table.
I recognized the value in participating in public-private partnerships when Meridian acted as an implementing partner on the Women in Science (WiSci) STEAM Camp during Summer 2015. With over 11 partners ranging from USG, non-profits, and private sector, the camp partners achieved success through pushing women empowerment, creating innovative curriculum, collaborating to find solutions, and most importantly building valuable relationships.
On March 8, 2016, International Women’s Day, Meridian participated in GPW by hosting the WiSci Virtual Panel Series that featured top leaders from U.S. Department of State, Intel, Microsoft, and Girl Up discussing the benefits of public-private partnerships and best practices working with multiple partners. My biggest takeaway from the hour-long session? Partnerships truly symbolize the proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
At Meridian we celebrate public-private partnerships this week and throughout the year. I’ve realized that you can do a lot on your own but you can make a dream — implementing a WiSci STEAM Camp for 120 high school girls in Rwanda — into a reality with partners by your side.
Keep up with what is going on during Global Partnerships Week and the WiSci STEAM Camp by following social media at #GPW2016 & #wisci2015!
