Saturday, September 30, 2023

🌐 IMSPARK: Advancing Pacific Economic Growth and Inclusion 🌐

 

🌐 Imagine Prosperity: Advancing Pacific Economic Growth and Inclusion 🌐



πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where the Pacific region elevates living standards for all its inhabitants, guided by sustainability principles. 🌊 A Pacific where every individual is empowered to meet their essential needs, fostering inclusive prosperity.

 

πŸ“š Source:

Madgavkar, Et al., (2023, August 25). From Poverty to Empowerment: Raising the Bar for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.

πŸ”— Link:

McKinsey Global Institute

πŸ’₯ What's the Big Deal:

In the vast expanse of the Pacific, transformation is brewing. McKinsey Global Institute's research report, "From Poverty to Empowerment: Raising the Bar for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth," explores a journey envisioning shared prosperity that could impact Pacific island nations. 🌏 This research delves into the intricate relationship between economic growth, inclusion, and sustainability in the Pacific. πŸ’° It challenges us to imagine a Pacific where every individual can meet essential needs and embark on a journey towards empowerment. πŸ›£️ By 2030, this roadmap envisions a Pacific where empowerment and sustainability go hand in hand, shaping the next generation's destiny. 🌱 The research quantifies the empowerment gap and the net-zero investment gap, exploring scenarios to bridge them.

#EconomicDevelopment,,#CBED,#Inclusion,#PacificIslands,#net-zero,#IMSPARK, #McKinseyGlobalInstitute,

Friday, September 29, 2023

πŸ‘ͺ IMSPARK:ALICE Without Malice: Changing the Paradigm for Hawai'i's Families πŸ‘ͺ

 

πŸ‘ͺ Imagine…ALICE Without Malice: Changing the Paradigm for Hawai'i's Families πŸ‘ͺ

πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate: 

Imagine a Hawai'i where ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are empowered to break free from financial constraints, leading to a brighter and more equitable future for all.

 πŸ“š Source:

Yu, L. (2023, July 31). Living Paycheck to Paycheck Can Be Scary: How Nonprofits Help Hawai‘i’s Struggling Middle Class Gain Financial Stability. Hawaii Business Magazine, August 2023.

 πŸ”— Link:

  Read the full article

 πŸ’₯ What's the Big Deal:

In a state known for its high cost of living, where 44% of residents struggle to afford basic necessities, Hawai'i's ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population is finding innovative ways to rise above economic challenges. This is the story of resilience, resourcefulness, and community support. 🏑 Envision someone who defied the odds to realize his dream of homeownership in Hawai'i, a place where high costs can be a barrier to owning a home. His story is a testament to determination and breaking the cycle of financial instability for future generations.🌱 Visualize entrepreneurs turning trash into treasure through sustainable businesses like Upcycle Hawai'i. πŸ‘ͺ Envision resilience, as families embodying the struggles of working parents in Hawai'i. With family members facing resilient health challenges and high living costs, they navigate adversity to secure a better future, proving that even in paradise, living paycheck to paycheck can be scary.🌍 Imagine their experience with COVID-19 while pregnant igniting their passion for advocating for systemic change. As a parent leader, she's part of a movement pushing for affordable childcare, paid family leave, and higher minimum wages, emphasizing the power of community-driven solutions.


#ALICE,#EconomicMobility,#GenerationalPoverty,#WealthEquity,#InclusiveLiving,  #CostOfLiving,#IMSPARK, 

Thursday, September 28, 2023

πŸ§’IMSPARK: Early Childhood Care as a Valued and Thriving Industry in the PacificπŸ§’

 πŸ§’Imagine... Early Childhood Care as a Valued and Thriving Industry in the PacificπŸ§’

πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:

Envision the Early Childhood Care (ECE) profession and industry flourishing as a cherished and supported sector in the Pacific economy.

πŸ“šSource:

1.      Dickerson, C., & Trodd, L. (2020). Gaining professional recognition: exploring professionality and professional identity of early years practitioners in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 27(3), 319-336.

 

2.      University of HawaiΚ»i News. (2023, July 19). Infant, toddler caregiver certificate launched at Honolulu CC. UH News.

πŸ”—Link:

1.      https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2020.1724935; Dickerson, C., & Trodd, L. (2020

2.      https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2023/07/19/honolulu-cc-early-childhood-cert/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UH+News+072524: UH/HCC

πŸ’₯What's the Big Deal:

ECE is a vital need for the economy and a barrier to reentry for those who have been planning to return to work since the Pandemic. With that in mind, ECE could be revered as a Pacific industry 🌱. Its role is as essential as any other sector. It provides for nurturing children's development and societal progress, with far-reaching positive impacts on education, welfare, and the economy. πŸ“š This shift in economic perspective could enhance new and existing ECE practitioners' professional identity, recruitment, and fuel industry growth πŸ’Ό. The recent launch of Honolulu Community College's Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate adds momentum πŸš€. It offers a dedicated path for career development, that adds to meeting the HawaiΚ»i's Department of Human Services childcare provider license criteria πŸ₯. Graduates gain portable skills and avenues toward higher education, all the while bolstering the industry's prospects and growth with new talent and qualified labor πŸŽ“. 


#ECE, #childdevelopment,#EconomicMobility, #HumanCapacityBuilding,#IMSPARK,#ImagineEducation, #HigherEducation

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

🌱 IMSPARK: Inclusive Financial Data Sharing for the Pacific Islands 🌱

 

 πŸŒ± Imagine Inclusive Financial Data Sharing for the Pacific Islands 🌱



πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where the Pacific Islands, including underserved communities, have seamless access to financial services while maintaining control over their data. πŸ›‘️This empowers marginalized Pacific communities to improve their financial well-being.

πŸ“š Source:

Steele, F., Griffin, K., & Shaw, T. (2023, May 10). FAMILY FINANCES: A Call for Financial Inclusion in Data Sharing & Privacy. Aspen Institute.

πŸ”— Link:

 Aspen Institute - A Call for Financial Inclusion in Data Sharing & Privacy

🌟 What's the Big Deal for the Pacific:

πŸŒ… The Pacific Islands face unique financial challenges. To create a truly inclusive financial system in the Pacific, discussions on financial data sharing and privacy are crucial. πŸ› ️In a region where digital financial services can be a lifeline, many Pacific Islanders are excluded. πŸ“ˆ By including marginalized communities and services such as government-issued cards for assistance programs, we can ensure everyone benefits from innovations in financial technology. Smaller financial institutions 🏒 in the Pacific must not be left behind technologically; investments in their systems can level the playing field and foster financial inclusion. The Aspen Institute's driving principles for an inclusive financial system, tailored to the Pacific, could guide these discussions. πŸ’ͺ Financial literacy and inclusion efforts are ongoing, and if effective they can create a more financially literate and inclusive Pacific society.

#financialstability,#WealthEquity,#WealthMobility,#ASPEN,#PacificIslanders,#EmpoweringCommunities,#IMSPARK,

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

🏒 IMSPARK: Empowering Pacific Nations via Carbon Credit Trading 🏒

 

🏒 Imagine Empowering Pacific Nations via Carbon Credit Trading 🏒


                                                                                                                  (Visual Capitalist)

πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine Pacific Island nations trading carbon tax credits, bolstered by international agreements and robust domestic policies, πŸ“œ to fund sustainable development and combat climate change.

πŸ“š Source:

Visual Capitalist. (2023, August 7). Mapped: Carbon Pricing Initiatives Around the World.

πŸ”— Link:

Mapped: Carbon Pricing Initiatives Around the World

πŸ’₯ What's the Big Deal:

 

In the envisioned scenario, Pacific nations 🌊 use carbon credit trading to combat climate change πŸ” and boost economic growth and resilience. 🧬 Through international agreements and sound policies, they access the carbon market πŸͺ to fund sustainable projects, protect ecosystems, and secure their citizens' future. πŸ«‚. This table provides a concise overview of these considerations, vital for their sustainable development and climate action. 🌏



Monday, September 25, 2023

πŸ“š IMATRIX: Joint Chiefs Reading ListπŸ“š

πŸ“šWelcome to the IMATRIX presentation of the  Joint Chiefs Of Staff Reading List 🌟

Courtesy of  DODReads.

In our commitment to the IMATRIX concept, we've consolidated a curated collection of books, reducing the information load. πŸ“¦While the Joint Chiefs Of Staff may have experienced a delay in producing their latest official reading list, rest assured, we've consolidated a selection of titles that span critical aspects of leadership, strategy, history, and more. πŸ“–Whether you're a seasoned officer, a dedicated servicemember, or simply enthusiastic about military literature, our IMATRIX-inspired list offers timeless insights that transcend temporal boundaries.


Title

Description

Author

Why Should You Consider This

7 Deadly Scenarios: A Military Futurist Explores the Changing Face of War in the 21st Century

A global pandemic finds millions swarming across the U.S. border. Major American cities are leveled by black-market nukes. China’s growing civil unrest ignites a global showdown. Pakistan’s collapse leads to a hunt for its nuclear weapons. What if the worst that could happen actually happens? How will we respond? Are we prepared?

Andrew Krepinevich

Explore possible future scenarios and challenges in modern warfare.

Twentieth Century American Biography Series: George C. Marshall

This distinguished series provides complete interpretive biographies of influential twentieth-century figures. Based on extensive research and written by a prominent scholar, each concise study examines the subject's career, private life, political milieu, public image, and impact on modern society.

Mark A. Stoler, John Milton Cooper

Gain insights into the lives and impact of influential figures in American history.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

In 2009, Simon Sinek started a movement to help people become more inspired at work, and in turn inspire their colleagues and customers. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas.

Simon Sinek

Learn about leadership, inspiration, and the power of purpose in organizations.

The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations

Traditional top-down organizations are like spiders, but starfish organizations are changing the face of business and the world. What’s the hidden power behind the success of Wikipedia, Craigslist, and Skype?

Ori Brafman, Rod A. Beckstrom

Explore the dynamics of leaderless organizations and their impact on society and business.

The Soldier and the State: The Theory and Politics of Civil-Military Relations (Belknap Press S)

Stressing the value of the military outlook for American national policy, Samuel P. Huntington has developed a general theory of civil–military relations and subjected it to rigorous historical analysis.

Samuel P. Huntington

Delve into the theory and politics of civil-military relations in the context of American national policy.

Once an Eagle

Required reading for West Point and Marine Corps cadets, Once An Eagle is the story of one special man, a soldier named Sam Damon, and his adversary over a lifetime, fellow officer Courtney Massengale.

Anton Myrer

Explore the lifelong journey and conflicts of two military officers and the values they uphold.

On War

Carl von Clausewitz’s On War is the most significant attempt in Western history to understand war, both in its internal dynamics and as an instrument of policy.

Carl von Clausewitz

Dive into a comprehensive examination of the nature of war and its role in policy and strategy.

Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power

Robert D. Kaplan shows how crucial the Indian Ocean region has become to American power.

Robert D. Kaplan

Gain insights into the geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean region and its impact on American power.

Some Principles of Maritime Strategy

Julian S. Corbett draws upon centuries of naval battles to discuss the development of sound war strategies at sea.

Julian S. Corbett

Explore the historical development of maritime strategy and its significance in naval warfare.

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)

First published almost a century ago, this classic text on the history and tactics of naval warfare had a profound effect on the imperial policies of all the major powers.

A. T. Mahan

Learn about the historical influence of sea power on world history and military strategy.

George Washington and the American Military Tradition (Mercer University Lamar Memorial Lectures Ser.)

Investigates the interplay of militiaman and professional soldier that shaped George Washington’s military career and fostered the victory that brought independence to the United States.

Don Higginbotham

Explore the military career and legacy of George Washington in the context of American history.

The Command of The Air (USAF Warrior Studies)

A classic work on the command of the air in warfare.

Giulio Douhet, Dino Ferrari

Study the concept of air superiority and its role in modern warfare.

Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War

John Boyd may be the most remarkable unsung hero in all of American military history. He is remembered as the greatest U.S. fighter pilot and influential military theorist.

Robert Coram

Discover the life and contributions of John Boyd, a legendary fighter pilot and military strategist.

The Black Swan: Second Edition: The Impact of the Highly Improbable: With a new section: “On Robustness and Fragility” (Incerto)

Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores highly improbable events and their impact on the world, from the rise of religions to personal life events.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Reflect on the nature of unpredictable and impactful events in history and personal life.

The Art of War

The timeless classic by Sun Tzu on the art of war and strategy.

Sun Tzu

Delve into the principles of strategy and warfare as outlined by Sun Tzu.

The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us And What We Can Do About It

Investigates how traditional ideas and policies often fail in a rapidly changing world and explores ways to adapt to uncertainty.

Joshua Cooper Ramo

Explore strategies for dealing with uncertainty and the changing nature of global challenges.

A Message to Garcia: And Other Essential Writings on Success

Elbert Hubbard's classic essay on initiative and responsibility.

Elbert Hubbard, Charles Conrad

Learn about the importance of initiative and responsibility in achieving success.


⏳Remember, the power of books lies in their ability to shape minds, forge leaders, and ignite change. πŸ“šLet's dive into the Joint Chiefs Of Staff Reading List, embracing the IMATRIX concept, and unlock the wealth of wisdom it has to offer. ✨


Sunday, September 24, 2023

🌟 IMSPARK: Imagine Pacific Information Sparks! 🌟 (VIDEO)

🌟 IMSPARK: Imagine Pacific Information Sparks! 🌟
(VIDEO)


In this episode, we explore an exciting concept - Empowering Pacific Communities through Community-Based Economic Development (CBED). 🌱 πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:
Envision the Pacific Islands as thriving hubs of economic resilience and sustainability, where vibrant local businesses 🏒, empowered communities πŸ‘₯, and thriving ecosystems 🌿 create a prosperous and resilient Pacific region.

 

Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) is a powerful strategy that harnesses the strengths of Pacific Island communities, encouraging them to develop their unique concepts of sustainability and resilience.

 

Learn more about these transformative initiatives from the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) 🌏 and their partners. Explore how forward-thinking strategies are shaping the future of the Pacific.
πŸ’₯ What's the Big Deal:

Discover how PIDF, in collaboration with the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) 🌏, is launching the Island Resilience Initiative (IRI) in Pacific Island nations like Palau, Marshall Islands, and Fiji πŸš€.
Two Island Resilience Initiatives (IRIs) have been developed:

IRI 1.0 focuses on strengthening collaborative partnerships for system-level change πŸ’ͺ and initiating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework for local implementation by 2030.

IRI 2.0 launches a new project pipeline to catalyze investments in integrated infrastructure πŸ—️, supporting public-private civic partnerships.
This collective effort aligns with regional development frameworks and international agreements, fostering resilience, sustainability, and economic prosperity in the Pacific.
Join us on this inspiring journey into Community-Based Economic Development and see how every small step towards sustainability and resilience makes a big difference.
Don't forget to like πŸ‘, subscribe πŸ“Ί, and explore more episodes of IMSPARK and other exciting content on our blog at the Imagine Pacific Pulse – Impulse. 🌐

Saturday, September 23, 2023

🏞️IMSPARK: Pacific Renaissance: Transforming Communities with CBED 🏞️

 πŸž️Imagine a Pacific Renaissance: Transforming Communities with CBED 🏞️

πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine picturesque communities across the Pacific, much like Macon Georgia's inspiring journey, reinvigorated through the principles of Community-Based Economic Development (CBED). πŸŒ…These towns emerge as vibrant hubs of commerce, culture, and community engagement, igniting hope and prosperity throughout the region.

πŸ“š Source:

Darby, B. (2023). Towns Resurrected. Georgia Trend, 38(12), 28–35.

πŸ”— Link:

https://www.georgiatrend.com/2023/07/24/towns-resurrected/

πŸ’₯ What's the Big Deal:

A Pacific Renaissance 🏝️ would not only highlight the transformation of these Pacific communities but also emphasizes the profound impact of Community-Based Economic Development (CBED). πŸ“– By nurturing local businesses, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community bonds, these towns and communities have not just flourished economically πŸ“ˆ but have also become beacons of resilience and inspiration. A Pacific Renaissance could serves as a guiding light, 🌟 illuminating the path for other regions seeking similar revitalization and celebrating the spirit of unity and progress. πŸ’ͺ


#CBED,#Culture,#Renaissance,#IMSPARK,#EconomicDevelopment,#PacificIslands, 

Friday, September 22, 2023

πŸ’» IMSPARK: Addressing the Gap in Pacific Internet Adoption πŸ’»

πŸ’» Imagine… Addressing the Gap in Pacific Internet Adoption πŸ’»

 

πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a digitally connected Pacific region 🌏 where every island nation and its people are seamlessly integrated into the digital world, harnessing the power of the internet to empower their communities and drive progress.

πŸ”— Link:

Visual Capitalist 🌐

πŸ“š Source:

Ang, C. (2023, August 7). Bridging the Digital Gap in the Pacific: Internet Adoption Trends. Retrieved from

πŸ’₯ What's the Big Deal:

In today's digital world, access to the internet is fundamental for economic, educational, and social progress. πŸ“ˆ Yet, despite its prevalence, there are still regions, including parts of the Pacific, where significant segments of the population remain offline. 🌊Using data from the Pew Research Center, this graphic provides insights into internet adoption trends in the Pacific, shedding light on who is digitally connected and who is not. πŸ‘΅Age remains a significant factor, with older generations less likely to be online compared to younger ones. Income levels also play a role, impacting access to the digital world. πŸ“Education emerges as a key driver of internet adoption. Those with higher education levels are more likely to be connected, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and education programs. Interestingly, gender and race do not show strong correlations with non-adoption. 🌏Join the effort to create a digitally inclusive Pacific, where every island nation and its people are connected and thriving in the digital era.


πŸ‘₯IMSPARK: Hawai'i Prioritizing Civic Education πŸ‘₯

πŸ‘₯Imagine... Hawai'i Prioritizing Civic Education πŸ‘₯ πŸ’‘ Imagined Endstate:  A Hawaii where civic education is prioritized, ensuring that...