Engaging Governments

At GFI we believe that truly effective livelihood development programs that are both sustainable and broad based require the earnest engagement of local, national and in some cases international government. Government as a partner or a major stakeholder in poverty reduction initiatives helps create linkages that extend beyond the lifecycle of a project and open opportunities that create lasting development impacts. With our unparalleled international network of leading experts, including former Presidents, high-level trade and commerce officials, and prominent labor leaders, GFI works with national and international decision-makers who influence policies at multiple levels. Through careful assessment of the political factors that play into the success of our programs, GFI is able to reach scale and ensure sustainability of outcomes by building capacity of local institutions to assume their responsibilities and provide services for their constituent communities.

Development projects do not operate in a policy vacuum and currently there is little to no formal representation of the working poor in policy-making forums. GFI’s Women’s Trade & Finance Council works to alleviate poverty by fostering greater inclusion of women’s productivity in global trade flows. In addition to advocating for the working poor through influencing trade and finance policies at the international and national levels, the Council seeks to cultivate linkages that expand market and business opportunities that contribute in measurable terms to sustainable livelihoods. The Council is structured to examine and develop solutions to such practical issues as financing terms, market access barriers, production constraints and supply chain management challenges.

Identifying relevant policy barriers and prioritizing them locally, nationally, and internationally is also an important component of policy and program activities. GFI’s strategic partnership with the Wolfensohn Center for Development at the Brookings Institution allows us to better understand the policy barriers small producers face as they seek to export their products. A recognized world leader in policy analysis, the Brookings Institution and GFI together present a unique and inclusive model for designing policy frameworks and development programs that provide the full range of tools necessary to promote sustainable economic growth.

GFI remains a leading innovator in the development of public policy interventions that support small producers and create economic opportunities for the working poor. Through targeted programming and partnerships, GFI engages governments on strategic initiatives that incentivize participation and create lasting links between our constituent worker groups and the governments that serve them.