Conference 2011

Opportunities and Obstacles in Turbulent Times

Global Washington’s 2011 Conference

October 31st and November 1st
Microsoft Conference Center, Redmond, Washington


More Opportunities Than Obstacles For Washington’s Global Development Sector

On October 31st and November 1st, Global Washington convened nearly 350 people for its 3rd Annual Conference on global development. Entitled Opportunities and Obstacles in Turbulent Times the conference took place on the Microsoft Campus in Redmond and was broadly attended by representatives from nonprofits, foundations, businesses, and academic institutions.

Keynote speakers included Victoria Hale, founder of the world’s first nonprofit pharmaceutical company and Rick Steves, acclaimed television host, author, and travel expert. Other speakers represented innovative companies and organizations like the Coca-Cola Company, Save the Children, Landesa, Falling Whistles, and Mercy Corps.

Highlights of the conference include the celebration of Seattle’s first annual Global Action Day–a day to recognize the accomplishments and contribution of our state’s vibrant global development sector. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn praised this community on the opening day of the conference, saying “We are really proud of this sector and what it means to Seattle and the State of Washington.”

In honor of Global Action Day, Global Washington presented its first annual Global Hero Award to Professor Roy Prosterman, founder of Landesa, for his lifetime achievement in the field.

The Conference focused on global turbulence–from political and social unrest to environmental disasters. Speakers addressed not only the challenges of conducting global development projects in a turbulent world but also the inspiring successes and innovations that have formed as a response to these challenges.

Global Washington is pleased with the success of this conference! We hope that the lessons learned and the partnerships formed will enhance our collective work for years to come.


Washington Celebrates Global Action Day

Global Washington and its members celebrated Global Action Day on 11.1.11 and reached over 1 million people in the state with the message about the importance and impact of Washington’s development sector.

Thank you for partnering with us and making Global Action Day a success!


Missed The Conference?