The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Financial Times (FT) have launched a new annual international private sector development research competition to encourage and promote fresh, innovative thinking about the role of the private sector in development. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is a global investor and advisor that is committed to promoting sustainable projects in its developing country members --- projects that are economically beneficial, financially and commercially sound, and environmentally and socially sustainable.

The competition entitled "Business and Development: The private path to prosperity" is now inviting high quality research papers, with a target audience of economic and financial policymakers, the international financial community, or international and domestic investors. Several awards totaling up to US$90,000 will be granted. The first prize carries an award of $30,000.

For further information or to apply, please visit http://www.ifc.org/competition.  The deadline for submission is June 30, 2006.

The Alcan Prize for Sustainability 2006 program will again run an assessment panel in London and we would be delighted if you would consider participating. 

When: Friday, 5th May 2006
Location: IBLF offices, 15-16 Cornwall Terrace, London (nearest tube: Baker Street)
Time: 08:30-17:30 

BACKGROUND

The Alcan Prize for Sustainability is one of the world’s most significant, privately funded awards for not-for-profit, civil society and non-governmental organisations.  The Alcan Prize for Sustainability is valued at US$1 million annually and will be offered to any not-for-profit, civil society or non-governmental organization demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing, achieving and further advancing sustainable development. More information about the Prize can be found at www.alcanprizeforsustainability.com

ASSESSORS

Assessors will score entries from different geographical areas and not their home market.  IBLF is running several assessment panels in May 2006 based in a number of international markets (Pakistan, Bulgaria, Canada and Brazil).  

The guiding principle of the assessment process will be to score entries on how best the organization demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing, achieving and further advancing sustainable development.   

Entries will be assessed by individuals who together will have a combination of expertise and experience, namely: have expertise within the field of sustainability/sustainable development have expertise of the not-for-profit sector   Participating assessors will:

• be free of organisational affiliations that will create conflict of interest issues with the Prize entrants (you will not score entries from the UK or Europe)
  
• be competent in the English language be of middle – senior management to gain the most value from the opportunity be welcome from all sectors of industry (ie. corporate, NGOs, academia, government etc)  

OPPORTUNITY FOR ASSESSORS

The assessment panel consists of individuals who donate their time ‘in-kind’ to the process, either as a development, profile or networking opportunity and will gain value and benefit from involvement in the process.

This is a key role and any expenses (approved in advance) will be covered.  In addition, all assessors will be profiled on the Alcan Prize for Sustainability website together with a link to their organisation. Food and refreshments will be provided.  For details of previous participants, please visit http://www.alcanprizeforsustainability.com/2006/en/prize2005/assessors.asp  

Leesa Muirhead, alcanprize@iblf.org