Luvent Consulting GmbH

🚨 2023 Purchase for Impact Report: UNOPS Procurement Driving Global Change 🚨 The recently released ‘2023 Purchase for Impact’ report sheds light on how UNOPS has leveraged procurement to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From responding to conflicts and crises in regions like Afghanistan, Gaza, and Ukraine, to supporting climate priorities and fostering sustainable development, UNOPS procurement operations in 2023 have been instrumental. “Responding to today’s multifold challenges depends on our ability to deliver goods and services to those who need it most” - Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director. Key highlights from 2023: - $1.6 billion in goods and services procured across 145 countries.  - $466 million worth of procurement activities supported by the The World Bank Group, UNOPS' largest partner.  - Significant investments in infrastructure and health, with $384 million in infrastructure procurement, marking a 70% increase from 2022. The report also underscores the importance of sustainable procurement. UNOPS worked diligently to source from local suppliers in vulnerable areas, advancing local economies and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2023, procurement from least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and Small Island Developing States reached $1.1 billion. “This report is a testament to the dedication and adaptability of our procurement teams around the world” - Anne-Claire Howard, UNOPS Director of Procurement. As we look forward, we remain committed to refining procurement strategies, integrating sustainability, and building strong partnerships to tackle the challenges ahead. #UNOPS #Procurement #Sustainability #GlobalDevelopment #ImpactReport2023 #SDGs #Infrastructure 

🌟 Project Completion in Uzbekistan: Advancing Livestock and Horticulture Development 🌟 #TeamLuvent is proud to announce the successful completion of our independent evaluation of the Horticulture Development Project and the Livestock Sector Development Project in Uzbekistan funded by the European Union. These initiatives, key components of the EU Multi-year Indicative Programme, reflect the EU's commitment to enhancing agri-food and rural livelihoods as part of the #TeamEurope Initiative. What we achieved: - Livestock Development: We focused on increasing productivity and profitability for livestock farmers, ensuring better inclusion of smallholder producers in value chains. The project also worked on strengthening public services, policy frameworks, and providing training for local stakeholders.   - Horticulture Development: Our efforts in the horticulture sector concentrated on enhancing productivity and supporting commercial farmers and smallholder producers. The project facilitated access to financial products, introduced improved crop varieties, and promoted environmentally friendly technologies. This initiative is a significant step towards creating sustainable rural livelihoods, boosting incomes, and fostering long-term growth in Uzbekistan's agri-food sector. The success of this project underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving positive change in emerging economies. This comprehensive evaluation not only supports the European Delegation to Uzbekistan but also partners such as the International Centre for Strategic Agri-food Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the State Committee for Livestock and Veterinary Services. By aligning with the SDGs, adhering to the Leave No One Behind principle, and incorporating the Human Rights-Based Approach, we aim to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvements in Uzbekistan’s agri-food sector. We are looking forward to continuing our efforts in fostering sustainable development in the region! #SustainableDevelopment #Agriculture #Livestock #Horticulture #Uzbekistan #EUProjects #EconomicGrowth #RuralDevelopment 

🌍 Bridging the AI Divide: A Call for Global Action 🌍 Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the globe, bringing with it tremendous opportunities for innovation, productivity, and economic growth. However, there’s a growing concern that this technological leap is deepening the divide between high and low-income countries, creating an "AI divide" that could exacerbate global inequalities. The new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology General’s Envoy on Technology, 'Mind the AI Divide: Shaping a Global Perspective on the Future of Work', highlights the urgent need for cooperative international action to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably. 🔍 Key Findings: - Disparities in AI Adoption: High-income nations are rapidly advancing in AI, while many developing countries struggle due to a lack of digital infrastructure and investment.  - Impact on the Workforce: AI has the potential to enhance productivity and improve working conditions, but without equitable access, it risks deepening economic and social inequalities.  - Vulnerable Populations: Women in developing nations are especially vulnerable to the automating effects of AI, particularly in clerical and business process outsourcing roles. 💡 What Can Be Done? The report outlines three critical policy pillars to bridge the AI divide: 1. Enhancing Digital Infrastructure: Developing countries need robust digital infrastructure, including access to electricity, broadband, and modern communication technologies, to support AI adoption.  2. Promoting Technology Transfer: High-income countries should foster a collaborative environment by transferring AI technologies and knowledge to developing nations.  3. Building AI Skills: Investment in education and training is crucial to equip the global workforce with the necessary AI skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. 🤝 The Path Forward: To avoid turning the AI revolution into a catalyst for greater inequality, it’s vital that global partnerships are forged, focusing on supporting developing nations with the tools and resources they need to close the technological gap. By working together, policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations can ensure that the AI-driven future is fair, inclusive, and benefits everyone—regardless of where they live. Let’s commit to making AI a force for good, fostering global cooperation, and ensuring an equitable future for all. #AI #DigitalTransformation #GlobalEquity #FutureOfWork #SustainableDevelopment #TechForGood #InternationalCooperation

📚 Addressing the Global Education Crisis 📚 The global crisis in education demands a “dramatic shift” to build a more peaceful, sustainable, and just world, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Speaking at a Special Event on Transforming Education, part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), Guterres emphasized the urgent need for genuine learning environments from childhood through adulthood. “Given the stakes, the world cannot afford to short-change education,” Mr. Guterres said. “But by nearly every measure, that is exactly what we are doing.” 🔍 Global Challenges  Around 84 million children are projected to be out of school by 2030 unless we transform our approach to education. Only one-sixth of countries are on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Financially, the situation is dire. UNESCO estimates that developing nations need $100 billion annually to achieve SDG4, a figure that increases by 50% when considering the costs of digital transformation. Alarmingly, four out of ten people globally live in nations where more is spent on debt servicing than on education or health. 🌍Luvent Consulting projects support sustainable education ➡️ Evaluating the Basic Education Support Program in Mali (PROF): Our evaluation of the Basic Education Support Program in Mali focuses on improving the quality of education, decentralizing management, and increasing access for out-of-school children. ➡️ Enhancing Teacher Training in Paraguay: Our work in Paraguay redesigns initial teacher training processes and develops a comprehensive Master Plan. We are equipping educators with innovative curricula and tools, ensuring that students receive relevant and impactful education from early childhood through tertiary levels. ➡️ Supporting Career Guidance and Counseling in Moldova: Through the "Strong Businesses and Communities for Moldova" project, we are enhancing socio-economic prospects by providing vital career guidance and counseling services. Our efforts focus on supporting VET institutions, particularly for vulnerable groups, ensuring that students receive the necessary skills and support to make informed career decisions and improve their vocational development. ➡️ Technical Assistance for Education in Burundi: Our technical assistance project in Burundi highlights our commitment to strengthening educational management and oversight. By aligning with the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research's priorities, we are fostering strategic coordination, enhancing education financing, and promoting sustainable policies. This initiative also leverages regional and global efforts to improve teacher quality and support long-term human development. #EducationForAll #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalGoals #SDG4 #TransformingEducation #UN 

🌱 The future of Regenerative Agriculture 🌱 In the quest to sustainably feed the growing global population, regenerative agriculture stands out as a promising solution. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on chemical inputs and monocultures, regenerative agriculture focuses on enhancing soil health, promoting biodiversity, and building resilience against climate change. The global market for regenerative agriculture reached $10.30 billion in 2023 according to DevelopmentAid, with projections indicating growth to $31.88 billion by 2031. By implementing practices like minimal tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation, farmers can significantly improve soil structure and fertility while boosting farm biodiversity through diverse crop rotations and integrated livestock systems. These healthier soils and ecosystems not only enhance the farms' ability to withstand extreme weather events but also reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, mitigating environmental impact and health risks. However, transitioning from conventional to regenerative practices requires substantial changes and initial investments. Farmers need education and training to master new techniques, and gaining premium prices and certification for regeneratively produced food remains a challenge. Additionally, more data and long-term studies are needed to optimize practices and prove benefits at scale. Regenerative agriculture is not just a trend; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable and resilient future. By investing in research, supporting farmers during the transition, and raising consumer awareness, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative approach. Let’s champion regenerative agriculture for a healthier planet and a brighter future. 🌾🌎 #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #ClimateResilience #FutureOfFarming #Sustainability 

🌍 UN Calls for Sustainable and Equitable Digital Economy Strategies 💻🌿 We would like to shine a light on the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)'s latest report, The Digital Economy Report 2024. This comprehensive report highlights the significant environmental impact of the global digital sector and the disproportionate burden borne by developing countries. Digitalization is driving global economic growth and providing unique opportunities, especially for developing countries. However, its environmental repercussions are becoming increasingly negative. UNCTAD’s Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, advocates for a shift towards a circular digital economy, characterized by responsible consumption and production, renewable energy use, and comprehensive e-waste management. Luvent Consulting has been at the forefront of driving digital transformation through strategic initiatives like the Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) Digital/Science, Technology and Innovation/Space and the support to the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub Secretariat.  ➡️ The TAF project supports the European Union's efforts in digital development, space technologies, and Earth observation, aiming to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in remote and underserved regions. By facilitating access to the internet and integrating ICT into public services such as healthcare and education, we are making significant strides in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ➡️ Similarly, the D4D Hub project focused on a human-centric digital transformation, fostering collaboration between the EU and partner countries to promote ethical use of technology, data protection, and cybersecurity.   UNCTAD advocates for a strategic shift towards sustainable and inclusive digitalization. Key recommendations include adopting circular economy models, optimizing resource usage, strengthening regulations, investing in renewable energy, and promoting international cooperation. The report calls on the international community to implement comprehensive policies fostering a circular digital economy, minimizing environmental impacts, and bridging the digital divide. At Luvent Consulting, we wholeheartedly support UNCTAD's call for sustainable and equitable digital economy strategies. We recognize the urgent need to address the environmental impact of digitalization while harnessing its potential to drive inclusive growth. Our commitment to a human-centric digital transformation aligns with the principles of responsible consumption, renewable energy use, and comprehensive e-waste management. We believe that through strategic collaborations and innovative solutions, we can contribute to a circular digital economy that not only bridges the digital divide but also ensures environmental sustainability and social equity for all. #DigitalEconomy #Sustainability #UNCTAD #CircularEconomy #InclusiveGrowth #DigitalTransformation #InternationalDevelopment 

🌟 New project in Moldova! 🌟 We are excited to launch a new project with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the Strong Businesses and Communities for Moldova program, aimed at enhancing socio-economic prospects in Moldovan communities. This initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), European Union, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, is a collaborative effort to drive sustainable development and inclusion. Our older project under the same program provided methodological support to practitioners and teachers in the VET system for implementing career guidance and counseling services, enhancing the employability and career readiness of students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 🔍 Project Focus: This new project will support the integration of social assistance beneficiaries into the labor market. By developing tailored mechanisms and providing comprehensive training, we aim to empower vulnerable populations, including women, Roma, and people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to meaningful employment opportunities. 📈 Key Objectives: - Improve labor market integration services  - Create new services specifically designed for vulnerable populations  - Enhance outreach and targeted assistance for those in need  - Support public institutions in designing and implementing effective activation services 🤝 Collaborative Effort: Working closely with the @Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and @Territorial Social Assistance Agencies, we will ensure a coordinated and effective approach to improving the socio-economic lives. This project will also align with the proposed amendments to Law no. 133/2008 on social assistance, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. We believe that by working together, we can create stronger businesses and communities, fostering positive change and sustainable development across Moldova. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into our progress! #StrongBusinesses #CommunityDevelopment #Moldova #SocialInclusion #EconomicDevelopment #Sustainability #LaborMarketIntegration 

🚀 Madagascar Project Completion! 🚀 We are happy to announce the successful completion of our project aimed at evaluating the improvement of rural infrastructure in Madagascar through the development of the temporary national road (RNT12A) and the secondary national road (RNS5), along with connected tracks using a high-intensity labor-based approach (HIMO). Key Achievements Evaluated: Enhanced Mobility: Rehabilitation of the RNT12A and RNS5 significantly improved the movement of people and goods, boosting local economies. The project involved extensive construction, including 18 culverts on the RNS5 between Mananara Nord and Maroantsetra   Capacity Building: Extensive training programs empowered local SMEs and staff, ensuring sustainable development and maintenance of the infrastructure. The project focused on mobilizing labor according to HIMO criteria, supporting women's empowerment, and providing continuous training for SME personnel   Community Impact: The project positively affected the livelihoods of villagers by increasing accessibility and creating job opportunities. Despite challenges such as cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic, the project adapted efficiently, ensuring continued progress   Sustainable Development: The project maintained a strong focus on sustainability and resilience, balancing labor, materials, and environmental considerations to produce high-quality and cost-effective results  Overcoming Challenges: - Climatic conditions, such as heavy rains and cyclones, required project adjustments and resilience strategies.  - Socio-political instability, including an emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitated flexible management and adaptive strategies  Project Highlights: - Technical Studies and Execution: Comprehensive technical studies and the successful execution of works, including environmental and social impact assessments, ensured that all activities met high standards of quality and efficiency   - Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation allowed for timely updates and adjustments to the project plan, ensuring that objectives were met despite external challenges  This project underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and improving living conditions in rural areas. Many thanks to all our partners and stakeholders who contributed to this success! 🙌 #InfrastructureDevelopment #RuralDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #CommunityImpact #CapacityBuilding #Madagascar #DUE  

🌟 Empowering Business Coaches in Natitingou 🌟 We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our 2nd Training of Trainers workshop, which took place in Natitingou from the 27th to the 31st of May, focusing on enhancing digital skills for business coaches. The workshop took place on the other side of the country, in order to include decentralized companies and businesses. This five-day training provided an in-depth look at digital tools and strategies essential for effective coaching. We kicked off the workshop by introducing digital transformation, stressing the critical concepts and the significance of digitalization for SMEs. The day's activities included insightful case studies and experience sharing to underscore the key issues at stake. On the second day, our focus shifted to digital tools and solutions. Coaches engaged in hands-on sessions with CRM and ERP systems, learning to assess digital needs and select suitable tools, all while examining case studies of digitalization successes and challenges. Day three was dedicated to training and coaching strategies. Coaches refined their pedagogical techniques, crafted personalized training plans, and honed their coaching skills through role-playing and simulation exercises. The fourth day concentrated on project management and planning for digital transformation. Coaches were trained in project management principles, project planning and implementation, and risk management, with interactive workshops enhancing the learning experience. On the final day, we covered evaluation, follow-up, and the sustainability of digital transformation efforts. Coaches delved into impact assessment methods, strategies for ongoing support, and ensuring the long-term success of digital initiatives. The workshop wrapped up with a thorough summary, participant feedback, and a discussion of future steps. Key Learnings: - Practical Tools: Extensive practice with ERP and CRM systems.  - Coaching Techniques: Advanced digital coaching strategies, including scenario-based training.  - Project Management: Insights into managing digital transformation projects. Outcomes: - Positive Feedback: High satisfaction ratings from participants.  - Immediate Benefits: Many coaches have started using their new skills already. A big thank you to our expert trainers and enthusiastic participants! Together, we are driving the digital transformation of SMEs. 📈💡 #DigitalSkills #BusinessCoaching #Workshop #CapacityBuilding #DigitalTools #Benin #DigitalTransformation #Natitingou #DigitalTools #SMEs #Training

🚀 Cotonou Workshop Wrap-Up: Coaching Coaches 🚀     We wrapped up an impactful five-day workshop in Cotonou from May 13th to 17th, specifically focused on upscaling the skills of local business coaches in Benin!   This intensive “Training of Trainers” (ToT approach) consisted of theoretical and practical coaching, to bring insights and to enhance business coaches’ capacity to support SMEs in their digital transformation journeys.     The week-long training began with an introduction to digital transformation, emphasizing the concepts and importance of digitalization for SMEs. The day included case studies and experience sharing to highlight the stakes involved.     The second day focused on digital tools and solutions, where coaches got hands-on experience with CRM and ERP systems. They learned to analyze digital needs and choose appropriate tools, enriched by case studies of digitalization successes and failures.     On the third day, we delved into training and coaching strategies. Coaches enhanced their pedagogical techniques, developed customized training plans, and practiced coaching methods through role-playing and simulations.     The fourth day was dedicated to project management and planning for digital transformation. Coaches learned to apply project management principles, plan and implement digital projects, and manage associated risks, with interactive workshops facilitating the learning process.     The final day addressed evaluation, follow-up, and sustainability of digital transformation. Coaches explored methods for impact assessment, strategies for long-term support, and ensuring the sustainability of digital initiatives. The workshop concluded with a comprehensive summary, feedback, and discussion of next steps.     Key Takeaways:     - Understanding Digitalization: Coaches now have a deeper understanding of digitalization's importance.   - Tool Proficiency: Hands-on practice with ERP and CRM tools was a major focus.   - Project Management: Training included project planning and risk management strategies.  Results: - High Satisfaction: Participants rated the workshop highly, appreciating the mix of theory and practice.   - Immediate Application: Many are already applying new skills in their coaching practices.     Thank you to our expert trainers and engaged participants for making this workshop a success! 🌐✨     #DigitalTransformation #SME #CapacityBuilding #Workshop #DigitalSkills #Benin #Cotonou #Trainers #Training