Leading With Vision: Obama Scholars on Driving Global Change

Key Concepts

• Obama Scholars Program: A nine-month residency program at Columbia University and the University of Chicago, funding rising leaders committed to solving challenges in their communities.
• Forced Migration: A recurring theme among several scholars’ work, identified as a significant global challenge.
• Economic Development & Mobility: The overarching focus of the cohort, particularly for marginalized groups and those affected by conflict.
• Scaling Challenges: The difficulties encountered when expanding successful pilot programs to broader contexts.
• Digital Inclusion: The importance of access to technology and digital literacy in development initiatives.
• Blended Finance: Combining philanthropic and investment capital to address social challenges.
• Localization: Empowering local actors and tailoring solutions to specific contexts.
• Social Entrepreneurship: Utilizing entrepreneurial principles to address social problems.

The Obama Scholars Program & Focus on Global Challenges

The session centered around a panel discussion with five Obama Scholars, representing a cohort of eleven individuals selected for a nine-month residency at Columbia University. Established in 2018, the Obama Scholars Program aims to support emerging leaders dedicated to addressing critical challenges in their communities and countries. The program is funded to enable scholars to leverage resources and knowledge gained during their residency to enhance their existing ventures. A unifying theme among this cohort is a focus on economic development and mobility, particularly for populations often overlooked, including those impacted by forced migration, conflict, and other systemic challenges. The discussion highlighted the increasing importance of these issues, particularly in light of global trends like climate change and geopolitical instability.

Addressing Forced Migration: Challenges & Approaches

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the challenges of working with forcibly displaced populations. Bathsheba, Michelle, and Valentina all work directly with refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). A key challenge identified by Bathsheba (Samakoro Coalition) was the initial distrust among potential beneficiaries regarding economic opportunities, stemming from a history of primarily receiving humanitarian aid. She highlighted the need to build trust and demonstrate the potential for entrepreneurship as a path to self-sufficiency. Her organization initially focused on securing job commitments from the private sector but discovered a gap in preparing individuals to take advantage of those opportunities, leading to the creation of a fellowship program.

Michelle (working with the Colombian government and UN) emphasized the difficulty of securing long-term government buy-in for policies addressing internal displacement, particularly in the context of a protracted 60-year armed conflict. She noted that while Colombia has a robust legal framework, shifting the focus from humanitarian aid to long-term development requires sustained political commitment. She also pointed out the growing recognition that climate change is a significant driver of displacement, necessitating a proactive policy response.

Valentina (Startups Without Borders) highlighted the importance of reframing the narrative around migration, emphasizing the innovative potential of migrant entrepreneurs. She noted that while the private sector is increasingly interested in tapping into migrant markets, the development sector often struggles to embrace entrepreneurship as a solution, preferring traditional employment-focused approaches. She also discussed the challenges of securing funding, particularly as global aid budgets are being cut.

Scaling Ventures: Obstacles & Strategies

Khaled and Antonella brought the discussion to the challenges of scaling successful ventures. Khaled (Ogo Health) discussed the difficulties of expanding a digital health solution from Somalia to other contexts. He highlighted the need to demonstrate the value proposition to potential partners and navigate the complexities of integrating with existing systems, such as UNICEF’s supply chain. He emphasized the importance of leveraging data and localization strategies to ensure successful implementation.

Antonella (Excapit) shared the experience of developing a blockchain-based financial inclusion solution. She encountered resistance from potential partners who were hesitant to adopt a complex technology without a clear understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This underscored the need to simplify the user experience and focus on the tangible benefits of the solution. She also emphasized the importance of building a strong team and developing soft skills to navigate complex negotiations and partnerships.

Technical & Implementation Hurdles

Several specific technical and implementation hurdles were discussed. Antonella’s experience with Excapit highlighted the importance of considering basic infrastructure limitations, such as internet access, when designing digital solutions. Valentina’s work with Startups Without Borders revealed the need to bridge the gap between the private sector’s focus on market opportunities and the development sector’s emphasis on humanitarian aid. Khaled’s work with Ogo Health underscored the challenges of integrating digital solutions with existing healthcare systems and supply chains.

Key Arguments & Perspectives

• Reframing Migration: The scholars consistently argued for a shift in perspective on migration, viewing it not as a problem but as an opportunity for innovation and economic growth.
• The Importance of Localization: Tailoring solutions to specific local contexts and empowering local actors are crucial for success.
• The Need for Blended Finance: Combining philanthropic and investment capital is essential to address the funding gap in the development sector.
• Scaling Requires Adaptability: Successful scaling requires a willingness to adapt strategies and address unforeseen challenges.
• The Urgency of Addressing Forced Migration: Forced migration is a growing global challenge that requires proactive and comprehensive solutions.

Notable Quotes

• Valentina: “When treated as a problem, they behave like a problem.” (Referring to the importance of dignity in working with refugees and migrants).
• Dan Wang (Professor, Columbia Business School): “Every year and always has been, forced migration” is the biggest challenge the world is facing.

Synthesis & Conclusion

The panel discussion provided a valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing a new generation of leaders working on critical global issues. The Obama Scholars Program serves as a platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions. The scholars’ experiences underscore the importance of a nuanced understanding of local contexts, a commitment to empowering marginalized communities, and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to address forced migration, scale successful ventures, and bridge the gap between the private and development sectors. The program’s emphasis on leadership development and cross-sector collaboration positions these scholars to make a significant impact on the world.