Technology for change
Racepoint Global
At RPG, we shape conversations that matter for tech-forward brands.
In a time when looking at daily headlines tends to make this reader wince, I take solace in the number of technology companies who use their products for humanitarian recovery efforts. And I know I’m not the only person who is grateful for companies who step up in times of need and donate technological know-how and services.
This matters because…
All over the world, conflicts are increasing. Wars interrupt access to food and water, disrupt supply chains, and accelerate climate change.
It’s a vicious cycle. While conflict affects food supply, drought increases competition between farmers and herders over fertile soil. And this can lead to deadly conflicts like those seen in Nigeria in 2018.
But technology companies and NGOs are helping to address issues.
Jose Andrés founded World Central Kitchen to address food issues for communities impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. He says, “When you talk about food and water, people don’t want a solution one week from now, one month from now. The solution has to be now… We overcome every obstacle and if we can’t overcome the obstacle, we go around.” In addition to local chefs and volunteers, part of the technology that World Central Kitchen relies on is enterprise-grade data to deliver insights that support program evaluations and operations.
Additional perspectives
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Gen Z and humanitarian aid
Sadly, Gen Z does not have a collective memory of Americans coming together or standing united on an issue. According to the Harvard Gazette, once the first of Gen Z “turned 18 and got the right to vote, they had a kind of whiplash between President Obama and President Trump, [where they could] see the relevance of politics in their lives and the differences between the parties.”
This matters because…
While Gen Z might not remember September 11th, or even much of the Great Recession, they do understand trauma. Gen Z has experienced its share of depression epidemic and opioid crisis to active shooter drills and COVID lockdowns. In 2024, Gen Z and Millennials will make up approximately 40% of the electorate. The former vote their values—this includes humanitarian concerns including climate change and conflicts like the one occurring in Israel and Gaza.
While members of Gen Z are divided on support for Israel or Palestine, they may be the first generation to build Israeli-Palestinian peace through “civil society” and working partnerships. The Israeli software company Monday.com employs Palestinian and Israelis side-by-side—building bridges across cultures. In a generation surrounded by social media platforms and emerging technology, Gen Z make a point to be charitable and support organizations dedicated to keeping people safe and healthy.
Additional perspectives
The Oxford English dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” In other words, even during difficult times, it’s important that we take time to reflect.
At RPG, we’re grateful for our clients and each other. And we’re grateful for all that we learn together—and from each other. I hope you have your own gratitude list and that it helps in these dark days.
What conversations matter to you? Hit us up and we’ll dig a little deeper together in a future edition.
Bob Osmond, president, Racepoint Global