The second PLP coaching meeting focussed on stakeholder communication, sponsoring and the corporate identity of the selected oikos projects. In the beautiful surroundings of Pagig (near Chur, CH) eight PLP participants met experts from these different fields, providing personal feedback to the projects.

 

Oliver Karius, LGT Venture Philanthropy, opened the weekend with a speech on sustainability trends. He outlined the opportunities for sustainable development projects in emerging markets. Many business solutions are ready to serve the poor if more partnerships between corporations, foundations, local communities and public agencies are explored, he says.  

 

Eveline Kooiman and Peter Paul van de Wijs, communication leaders at DOW Europe, explained how stakeholder communication works at DOW. They presented a step by step plan how to successfully engage stakeholders in students' projects.

 

Claudia Genier, FSG Social Impact Advisors, gave an introduction into sponsoring strategies. She emphasized the importance to come up with well chosen selling arguments. "By funding your project, the sponsor wants to feel good. So you need to tell him why your project is the best he could spend his money on."

 

Martin Herrndorf, oikos PhD Fellow, provided insights into the oikos corporate identity. He showed the participants what good and catchy texts look like.

 

For more details have a look at the programme of the second PLP meeting.