April 28, 2023 – Yesterday, WPDI Executive Director Caroline Descombris was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the Be Philanthropy event in Brussels. Organized by the King Baudouin Foundation, Be Philanthropy is focused on social engagement and the promotion of philanthropy as a driving force behind societal transformation.
The event aimed to bring together committed individuals and organizations that run initiatives for the common good. Through targeted, agile, and innovative action, these stakeholders are able to complement the efforts of governments and others in order to advance social progress around the world, notably through the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WPDI had the privilege of being showcased during the opening ceremony, in the presence of Her Majesty Mathilde, Queen of the Belgians. As an eminent figure dedicated to promoting international solidarity and cooperation, the Queen is part of the United Nations Group of Advocates for the SDGs, of which WPDI CEO and Founder, Forest Whitaker, is also a member.
Invited to share his vision of philanthropy and his personal journey as an activist for peace and development via a video interview, Forest Whitaker said “We are all working together for the same purpose: being able to free the planet from conflict in the best ways we can, and allow every individual to have peace, health, happiness and prosperity in their lives.”
After the video, which was warmly welcomed by the audience, our Executive Director Caroline Descombris presented the concrete mission and action of WPDI. She shared the story of Victor and Jose, which perfectly encapsulates the power of the multiplier effect our programs have on the ground.
After signing up to our program in 2015, Victor and Jose spearheaded the creation of a Community Learning Center in the Mitontic municipality, located in the highlands region of Mexico’s Chiapas state and home to a large indigenous population. The pair of young WPDI Youth Peacemakers proposed opening a new Community Learning Center in order to provide local people with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their livelihoods.
Caroline also shared the story of Nandege Magdalena and concluded: “Magdalena proved that young people and women have a key role to play in helping transform their communities. This is what our thousands of young leaders do every day, often in very difficult places. They are our assets on the ground. And our experience has taught us that there is always a tremendous potential to be found in such places. Mobilizing this potential requires attentiveness, commitment, dedication, and humility.”
We are grateful to the King Baudouin Foundation for inviting us to share this event with so many inspiring social innovators, people and organizations that contribute to our common goal for forwarding sustainable development and peace around the globe.
Photos by Jan Van de Vel.