pdtglobal:

Now that we’ve been on tumblr for a while, here’s a crash-course in what Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) does:

In a nutshell, PDT builds markets, creates jobs, and sustains peace in developing countries by championing local entrepreneurs and connecting them to new business opportunities.

What does this look like? Our focal point is the Peace Dividend Marketplace, which allows donors, militaries, NGOs, foreign companies, and just about anyone else to source their materials from local enterprises in Haiti, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, and Liberia. Need a caterer for an event? Hire an Afghan. Looking for a construction company? Haitian companies have you covered. Want to buy a bunch of tarps? Timor-Leste’s got ‘em.

Why do we do it? As little as 5% of aid budgets reaches local economies. By investing in domestic enterprises and entrepreneurs instead of shipping everything in from Miami or Dubai, we can ensure that people in developing countries and post-conflict areas have jobs and livelihoods, are able to support their families, and are building a stable economy and a strong country. 

What does our work entail?  We maintain the Peace Dividend Marketplace, verifying and training businesses so they are able to win contracts. We also provide matchmaking services, host marketing events, and research ways to improve the efficiency of humanitarian and development aid. We work with NGOs, governments, the United Nations, and citizens to convince them to buy local and invest in the people and economies of developing and post-conflict nations.

This approach works: we’ve created over 118 000 jobs in Afghanistan, and if you average it out, for every $1000 donated to PDT over $25 000 is leveraged into the local economy and 3 jobs are created.

We work hard, have a lot of fun, and are always trying to do better work.

Any questions?

Rebageling this for our new followers. Hello! *waves* Our ask is always open.

(Source: buildingmarkets)