IVC State of the Vision May 2008

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International Vision Collective White Paper:

State of the Vision May 2008

IVC State of the Vision May 2008


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It seems that systems everywhere are in critical flux. Global economic systems that hinged onthe vagaries of the US dollar and the primacy of the market for decades are now adjusting to thestronger euro and giving renewed attention to state regulation. Social and cultural transformations,from the rise of YouTube to the campaign to ban the use of landmines, are fostered by advances incommunications and technology that leave us breathless in the pace and scope of theirapplications. And in the political realm, the role of the state increasingly accommodates the



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undeniable power of business and civil society, while the notion of the nation state itself clings tothe last vestiges of its legitimacy as globalization takes hold. Even natural systems mirror humansystems, becoming more vulnerable as they respond to unsustainable practices.

In the midst of all this change, how do we know that the future these trends lead to is a placewhere the welfare of humanity is assured? These open-ended global developments demandguidance from a framework of principles with optimal global legitimacy, application and resonance,principles that endure beyond change. It would appear that those institutions charged with thecodification and application of universal values gain unprecedented relevance. The United Nationssystem, and the full spectrum of actors relating to its work, including the diplomatic corps, UN staff,non-governmental organization and private sector representatives, as well as international



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relations academics, assumes much significance in this view. It is all the more deserving ofsupport to realize its potential.

The International Vision Collective (IVC) is a new independent not-for-profit organisationseeking to promote ownership of universal values among members of the international communityaround the UN system. It supports the development of a culture of universal values in the beliefthat those embodying such values are best equipped and empowered to serve in the delivery ofthese values to a wider humanity. The IVC provides forums for exploring what these universalvalues look like and how we can concretely realise them in our lives, work and action. We hope tohelp individuals in the system to find fulfilment in the system, as well as to ensure the fulfilment ofthe system itself through having its members connect to the core principles of peace, justice,



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equality, human dignity and planetary sustainability as aspired to in the UN Charter, the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights, the Programme of Action on Culture of Peace and relatedinternational instruments. The mission of the International Vision Collective is revitalization of theinternational system based on these core universal values. Its purpose is to nurture a network ofprofessionals, a common vision, and a wider culture in the international community devoted touniversal-values-based methodologies, policies, advocacy and practice, and corresponding togenuine service to humanity.



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Building the vision

The IVC held three coaching workshops in November 2007, April and May 2008. Theseworkshops provided a space for participants a total of 45 diplomats, UN staff, NGOrepresentatives and members of the private sector in the international community in New York toexplore what an international system based on universal values would look like. What would bethe qualities of this system? What would be its behaviours, processes, mechanisms, relations andoutput? What are the real-life supports and obstacles to these now? And what paths can take usthere from where we are today? How can we be now to bring this about? These were the kinds ofquestions asked, and the outcomes of these probes are captured below in text and mind-maprepresentations. The words are the unedited, unprompted responses of participants in reflecting



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creatively on these questions. The full workshop debriefing texts are available on our website atwww.internationalvisioncollective.org .

This is the beginning of a new process of engagement, collectively constructing a framework ofactions and processes that best reflect the systems core values. The output thus far hasnecessarily been introductory in nature, and we encourage further elaboration, debate andexperimentation in future activities as well as in our online community at http://theivc.ning.comSome suggestions for further development on the existing vision framework is annexed. We hopethey will guide further thinking and applied action as we move ahead in understanding andembracing more fully the implications of our roles as international servants.

http://www.internationalvisioncollective.org/http://www.internationalvisioncollective.org/http://theivc.ning.com/http://www.internationalvisioncollective.org/http://theivc.ning.com/


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We will be building on these initial visions in future activities, including virtual seminars and tele-salons, informal get-togethers, retreats and workshops. The IVC team is also available fordelivering coaching workshops with organizations and departments, as part of the next generationof engagement in taking forward values-based processes in the international community. For moreinformation, see our website atwww.internationalvisioncollective.org . We look forward to feedbackand requests [email protected].

http://www.internationalvisioncollective.org/http://www.internationalvisioncollective.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.internationalvisioncollective.org/mailto:[email protected]


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I. QUALITIES

A. Spirit

B. Solidarity/Equality

C. Idealism

D. Pragmatism



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E. Governance

F. Love

G. Peace

H. Authenticity



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II. REALITY CHECK

A. Positive

1. the fact that different groups are forced into dialogue

2. the freedom NGOs have to express ideals

3. acknowledgement of the common interests of humanity

4. current efforts to renew the internal justice system



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5. informal diplomacy

6. representation in the system

7. the commitment of staff in the field

8. Week of spirituality, values and global concerns

B. Negative

1. bureaucracy and hierarchy



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2. lost idealism

3. power imbalances

4. use of language which obscures rather than promotes communication

5. the narrow definition of states

6. lack of openness at the individual and organizational levels

7. Idea



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8. poor leadership and models

9. inadequate application of knowledge

10. lack of inclusiveness

11. the economics of weaponry

12. arrogance

13. hypocrisy



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III.OPTIONS

A. Authenticity

1. building trust by modeling values-based behaviour

2. recruiting persons for integrity

3. breaking down bureaucracy and increasing enthusiasm

B. Solidarity



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1. modernization of structures

2. good governance

3. increased transparency

C. Spirit

1. building time for meditation in the schedules of leadership and staff

2. recruitment based more on authenticity and sense of spirit



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D. Idealism

1. forming an organization dedicated to solving the problems identified

2. effective communication on all levels

3. reflection and meditation

4. being open and honest

E. Pragmatism



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1. establishment of inclusive partnerships

2. taking risks

3. caring and warm strong leadership

4. mentoring on an individual level

5. ending meetings with practical and bold action steps

6. assigning responsibilities to specific individuals or institutions



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F. Governance

1. developing and implementing practical steps

2. cooperation among democracies to avoid dictatorships

G. Love

1. work on one-self

2. developing confidence in convictions



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3. finding and maintaining sources/concrete examples of love in ones own life

4. being open to the perspectives of others

H. Peace

1. communication

2. modeling peace in ones own behaviour

3. respecting cultural and religious differences



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4. creating social and economic justice

5. overcoming isolation



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AREAS FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:

ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT

I. Authenticity1. Impact on system beneficiaries

2. Impact on the culture of the international community



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3. Impact on processes, mechanisms, behaviours

4. Resource implications

5. Summary

Overall benefits

Overall risks

Rating

Decision



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J. Solidarity

1. Impact on system beneficiaries

2. Impact on members of the culture of the international community



5. Summary

Overall benefits



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Overall risks

Rating

Decision

K. Spirit






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5. Summary

Overall benefits

Overall risks

Rating

Decision

L. Idealism



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5. Summary

Overall benefits

Overall risks



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Rating

Decision

M. Pragmatism







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5. Summary

Overall benefits

Overall risks

Rating

Decision

N. Governance




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5. SummaryOverall benefits

Overall risks

Rating



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Decision

O. Love







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5. Summary

Overall benefits

Overall risks

Rating

Decision

P. Peace




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5. SummaryOverall benefits

Overall risks

Rating



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Decision

AREAS FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT: IMPLEMENTATION

Q. Set up team

R. Plan the implementation

S. Communicate



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1. Presentation

2. Meetings

T. Monitor progress

1. Regular meetings

2. Presentations

3. Action items



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U. Deal with objections

V. Make changes?



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International Vision Collective Board of Directors:Ms. Alisa Clarke PresidentDr. Joni Carley Vice PresidentDr. Tim Murithi Secretary



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Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury

244 Madison Avenue, No. 1680, New York, NY 10016-2817

E-mail: [email protected]. On-line community: http://theivc.ning.com

mailto:[email protected]://theivc.ning.com/mailto:[email protected]://theivc.ning.com/

Documents

IVC State of the Vision May 2008