Interview with John Venier – Expert in regional development of Africa and Europe

John Venier is originally a Frenchman who graduated with a Doctorate of Food Processing/Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. He also obtained a Master in Computer Science in Dublin (Ireland), where he has lived since 2007. Specializing in environmental management. He is an expert in local and regional development (LED) driven by communities (CDD) and advertising for the economic, social, and environmental promotion of the territories where he has worked intensively throughout his life. He speaks several languages: French (native), English, German (fluent), and a little Spanish.

Give credit to those who deserve it !
One’s genuine worth is gauged by their capacity to innovate, create, progress, and achieve independently, rather than relying on wealth and the reputation of an organization where they may have been a mere employee, following directives for years. Let’s acknowledge and honour those who truly merit recognition!

John v’s ethics 1st rule

He has worked in Canada, the USA, Africa, ASEAN, France and Ireland for 20 years, focusing in various areas of action, such as the following:

Ultimately John’s skills extend from climate action and the blue and circular economy, science and data collection, agri-food production and industry, Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth (CSCY) capacity development; to the collective protection of intellectual property in groups of partners (collective IPP) and financing through Europe Aid (INTPA and others).

He gained experience over more than 10 years working on East Asian and African projects in Indonesia, Malaysia and Madagascar. He has published more than a hundred newsletters and blogs on websites regarding the global action plan on climate, circular, sustainable and affordable construction and energy, especially on ecotourism villages and urban planning in East Asia and Africa since COP21 (Paris 2015, where one of his projects was featured).

He is a multi-award winning eco-sustainable building designer and has over 15 years of experience in experimentation, implementation, research and human capital development (through ODeL centres, MOOCs) in: environmental management, circular economy, construction of housing and commercial premises, and addressing urban development issues in developed and emerging countries, including slum renewal at national and subnational levels.

John is ultimately a brilliant person in Redesigning and Rethinking climate instruments and the value chain. He has experience and passion in delivering projects in accordance with the needs and standards in the field of sustainability: climate action, education, clean energy, circular economy in cities and countries, etc.

The following section showcases some organizations related to John’s work:

INTERVIEW

Two ways of defining yourself

John, you are an expert in regional and local development (LED and communities driven development CDD) with many years of experience, in addition to having a clear understanding of what are the most important challenges we currently face, and how we should act in relation to them. Regarding this, you have defined yourself in two different ways. On one hand, from a personal point of view as a “Climate Crisis Man.” On the other hand, from a systemic perspective as an agent of the change for solving the climate crisis.

These two ways of thinking, one individual and the other systemic, have been a fundamental part of your life.

1. Regarding the individual part, you have proposed two initiatives related to your personal lifestyle to reduce carbon emissions:

– I wish these two lifestyle initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and resources consumption overshoot. The first initiative is the Reduce-Action Carbon challenge! I am its Inventor, and it consists in a test for each of us to reach a 2-3 tons of carbon (CO2) lifestyle per year!

2. Could you tell us what the launch of this idea involves?

– I have cut down all my high lifestyle carbon footprint origins for 7 years (2015-2023). A 2-3 tons of an “ultra low” carbon lifestyle per year means following this guidelines:

• No car
• No flights
• No power at home
• A €2-3 food budget a day!
• No new clothes or items
• Using half tissues (even during covid!)
• No toilet paper
• 20 Litres (yes twenty or less) of water per day only (all included) (USA 450 L/day/person. Canada 340 L/day/person. Japan 320 L/day/habitant!)

There are more pointers, but that would be out of the scope of a liveable long term lifestyle.

This includes a second initiative named the Low Calories challenge, which involves a 2-3€ budget for food per day! It’s amazing! Anyone can contact with me for training at home if you want!

Regarding the systemic way in which you characterize yourself, you define it as “the systemic redesign from the ClimateMan thinking about the civil society as an agent of climate change”, focusing on how to get communities and young people to become agents of personal and systemic change.

3. Could you tell us about this?

– After mastering a sustainable built environment redesigning approach, since 2012 my next step was mastering and redesigning a global systemic rethinking approach, including levers and enablers for making it happening!

I am a multi-award winning eco-sustainable building designer with over 15 years of experience in experimentation, implementation, research and human capital development. In the development of my work, I always highlight experience and passion in delivering projects in accordance with the needs and standards in the field of sustainability: climate action, education, clean energy, circular economy in cities and countries, etc. Without passionate people there can’t be any achievements!

Promoting talented young leaders

As Director of an accelerator, you built up an extensive network that advises 880 young leaders (fellows and entrepreneurs) in local business development, solidarity and environmental initiatives (LED and mostly CDD LED) in order to show young people from the civil society the best path so that their skills and strengths are recognized as innovative for local sustainable development.

4. What instruments and processes do you use in this process of sustainable development with a local effect?

– In the development of my work, I use the co-creation and co-development processes through several instruments:

• A Network of open distance e-learning centers through mentorships, scholarships, workshops, FP, and ToT in a co-creation and co-development mindset.
• The Impact Hub South-South-North AAAA alliance.
• Economic Development Board Association.
• Global portals/platforms, such as www.sponsorscholarships.org (a funding platform).
• Through various instruments for Local Economic Development (LED by Communities CDD), such as the OMCon (Open Minds Consortium).
• Several others that are being prepared, such as a labelling for local initiatives.

Civil society

Civil society is a part of society, organized and with common objectives, whose purpose is to raise demands and soon to monitor the implementation by the governemental sphere (and eventually the EU Member States) with the aim of influencing society through changes made by institutional means.

5. What are the main services you have in mind for mainstreaming the Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth?

– The Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth Voice Hub – CCSCY Hub!

The notion of creating communities, citizen and civil society observatories equipped with powerful tools, is the only way to guarantee transparency and to keep corruption and hypocrisy at a minimum through the involvement of a strict monitoring process by the civil society, ensuring better use and impact of funding. These tools, among other things, are based on artificial intelligence and therefore have the capacity to submit programmes or initiatives to funding, but also to collect data (data science based on citizen science) and lodge petitions and complaints against national and local authorities, which are usually the only beneficiaries of structural funds and/or subsidies at the country level.

The program you’ve outlined, which focuses on bottom-up co-creation and co-development processes, involves a variety of web-based services and platforms.

Overall, the program aims to achieve a range of objectives, including:

• Empowering young people through education, mentorship, and skills development.
• Reducing financial barriers to education and entrepreneurship.
• Encouraging international collaboration and networking.
• Fostering CCSCY-led economic development at both local and regional levels.
• Giving young people a real voice in shaping their communities and regions.
• Recognizing and supporting local CCSCY-led initiatives.

By providing these services and platforms, the program aims to enable young people to realize their potential, contribute to their communities, and actively participate in the development of their continents.

6. What do you hope to achieve with this program to help the young people of those continents?

– Co-creation and co-development. In a mainstreamed bottom-up process through services, this program to support young people in South America and Africa can contribute significantly to building up Europe’s leadership, competitiveness, and influence in several ways:

• Global Network and Collaboration: By fostering collaboration and partnership with young people from these continents, Europe can build a broader and more diverse global network. Engaging with emerging leaders from different regions can enhance Europe’s diplomatic reach and influence in international affairs.
• Cultural Exchange and Understanding: These collaborative initiatives encourage cultural exchange and understanding. Building relationships with young leaders from diverse backgrounds can improve Europe’s ability to work effectively on the global stage, addressing global challenges with a more inclusive perspective.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: By supporting entrepreneurship and innovation through these programs, Europe can tap into the potential of young leaders from South America, Africa and Asia. This can stimulate economic growth, making the European continent more competitive in the global market.
• Economic Ties: Initiatives like the Sustainable Economic Development Board Association can strengthen economic ties between Europe and these continents, opening up markets and business opportunities. This can enhance Europe’s economic competitiveness and create new avenues for trade and investment (Next Gen EU is YOU!).
• Education and Research: By providing scholarships and educational opportunities to young individuals locally, Europe can maintain talent and promote academic and research collaboration in Africa. This can bolster Europe’s academic leadership and contribute to its competitiveness in knowledge-based industries.
• Global Problem Solving: Collaborative projects and initiatives, such as those focused on sustainability or development, can position Europe as a leader in addressing global challenges. This leadership can foster goodwill and strengthen Europe’s diplomatic influence (Geopolitics positioning).
• Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth Engagement: The active engagement of CCSCY in Europe’s efforts to support these initiatives can lead to a more inclusive and dynamic leadership model. Young people can bring fresh perspectives, ideas, and energy to Europe’s leadership initiatives.
• Soft Power and Influence, Soft enforcement: The goodwill generated by supporting young people and contributing to positive development in these continents can enhance Europe’s soft power. This, in turn, can enable Europe to exert influence through attraction and soft persuasion rather than coercion.
• International Reputation: By actively supporting young leaders and participating in collaborative global projects, Europe can enhance its international reputation. A reputation for fostering talent, education, and innovation can attract positive attention and support.

Overall, these initiatives can help renew to position Europe as a global leader in a wide range of sectors, including education, innovation, sustainability of GloCal economic development. The active involvement of young people can ensure that Europe’s leadership is not only competitive but also social, forward-thinking and inclusive, leading to a stronger, more attractive and influential European presence on the world stage.

7. What is your general impression of how young people from those continents perceive this new space for collaboration and help in their professional lives?

– Well, there is no access to specific data or the ability to gauge real-time public sentiment. However, I can provide a general impression of how young people might perceive such spaces and services for collaboration and professional development based on the trends and expectations of that time. It’s important to note that perceptions can vary widely among individuals, and they can change over time based on experiences and feedback.

• Positive Expectations: Many young people/leaders will view such collaborative spaces and services positively. They will see them as opportunities to access education, mentorship, financial support, and resources that were previously inaccessible. These services can be seen as a lifeline for personal and professional growth.
• Empowerment: Young individuals in these regions will see these platforms as a means of empowerment. They could provide the tools and knowledge needed to overcome challenges and make a positive impact on their communities and societies.
• Global Networking: The ability to collaborate with peers and experts from different continents can be seen as a valuable chance to build international networks. Young people/leaders will value the potential for cross-cultural exchanges and global perspectives.
• Financial Accessibility: Services that offer scholarships and funding opportunities can be especially appealing, as they can help alleviate the financial burden of education and business endeavours, making professional growth more attainable.
• CCSCY Empowerment: Services that prioritize Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth voices and initiatives, such as the CCSCY Voice Hub and local labelling for local carbon credits CCSCY-led projects, can foster a sense of agency and purpose among young individuals. They may appreciate being recognized and supported in their efforts.
• Skepticism and Caution: Many young people may approach these services with skepticism, especially if they’ve encountered challenges with similar initiatives in the past. Trust in the effectiveness and sustainability of these programs may vary.
• Expectations for Results: Expectations for tangible results and impact are likely to be high. Young people will likely want to see concrete outcomes in terms of education, employment opportunities, and community development.

It’s essential to actively engage with young people from these regions to understand their specific needs and expectations, as well as to gather feedback on the effectiveness of these services. Such feedback loops can help adjust and improve the programs to better meet the evolving needs of the target demographic.

8. What is your assessment of this network of support for the promotion of opportunities for talented young people?

– The bunch of services and network of support outlined for the promotion of opportunities for talented young people and the collective intelligence of the civil society in a bottom-up process appear to be comprehensive and promising.

The services and network of support designed shows great potential for promoting opportunities for talented young people linked to the renewal of EC. It can contribute to Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth development, education, innovation, and community engagement in Africa and South America while strengthening Europe’s global leadership and competitiveness. However, careful planning, sustainability, adaptability, and a strong focus on impact assessment will be essential for its continued success!

9. What is your evaluation of your successful professional career throughout your professional life?

– As a senior expert who has navigated the complex worlds of food processing and construction with remarkable versatility. Today, I am the Director of an incubator for sustainable young leaders hailing from emerging countries, my journey has transcended boundaries and disciplines.

I nurtured Versatility versus Ultraspecialisation: escaping “working in a bunker/silos”

My career began as a young professional in the food processing industry. I quickly rose through the ranks due to my relentless commitment to expanding my skillset. While many of my peers opted for ultraspecialisation, I embraced versatility. I realized that a diverse skill set allowed me to see connections between seemingly disparate fields. Rather than being confined to a silo, I sought to break down the barriers that can stifle innovation and progress.

My ability to draw from multiple disciplines became a defining trait of my career. As I moved into the construction industry, I applied insights from food processing to improve production efficiency, thus revolutionizing the construction processes I encountered. This fusion of knowledge demonstrated that versatility could lead to groundbreaking solutions that transcended traditional boundaries.

Re-Designing Systems Mindset and Innovation

One of the hallmarks of my career was an unwavering commitment to re-designing systems. I was never content with the status quo. My innovative mindset, forged through my diverse experiences, led to the development of novel approaches that disrupted established norms. In construction, I introduced innovative building techniques that maximized efficiency and footprint.

These innovative achievements did more than improve the industries; they altered the way people approached problems. My career showcased that, with the right mindset and a commitment to breaking free from convention, one could transform systems and redefine the possibilities.

Connection with the Youth

As my career continued to flourish, I never lost sight of the importance of connecting with the younger generation. My belief in the power of youth was evident as he became the Director of an incubator for sustainable young leaders from emerging countries. My experience and wisdom served as an invaluable resource for these rising stars. I recognized the immense potential of young leaders and strived to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the ever-changing landscape of sustainable development.

My journey is a testament to the enduring value of versatility, innovation, and the mentorship of emerging leaders. My professional life showcases the extraordinary heights that can be reached when one escapes the confines of specialization, re-designs systems with an innovative mindset, and establishes meaningful connections with the youth. It remains a guiding light for all who seek to make a positive impact on the world.

Strategic Geopolitics and Economics – EU policy on aid and cooperation with Africa, South America and Asia

The increasing strategic influence of China and Russia in Africa and South America will drive the EU to take an important turn in relations with those continents where some of the most regrettable events on the international scene frequently take place: from illegal immigration, to trafficking of drugs, diamonds, illegal waste, fake medicines… these are just some examples of an unadapted and chaotic policy on these continents in which citizens suffer the brunt of these policies.

That is why different Associations of Europe with these continents are being developed. We have an example of this at the EU-African Union Summit in February 2022 where the leaders of both continents have agreed on a common vision of a renewed partnership. The objectives of this partnership are solidarity, security, peace, sustainable and lasting prosperity and economic development for the citizens of the African Union and the European Union, now and in the future, bringing together people, regions and organizations.

This renewed partnership (the global gateway) should involve: a €150 billion Africa-Europe investment package as a start, the supply of millions of supported projects in Africa, greater cooperation on peace and security, a strengthened partnership on migration and mobility, as well as a commitment to multilateralism.

On the other hand, although relations between Asia and the EU continue to grow, the rise of Asia as the main region in the new world order is a reality in economic, strategic and political influence, which is forcing the EU to take seriously the relations with that Asian continent that increases commercial relations, which on the other hand, although they have not stopped growing in recent years, the misgivings of the ever-growing strategic and technological influence of Asia, especially China on the international scene forces us to reinforce greater cooperation between these two continents. Similarly, it is happening to the continent of South America.

10.What is your initial evaluation of this new stage of territorial cooperation of the EU with these territories in Africa, South America and Asia?

– Well, The Next Gen EU package still suffers from real huge lacks! The European Union’s new stage of territorial cooperation with South America, Asia, and especially Africa holds significant geostrategic and geopolitical importance. This move can be evaluated in several ways, with a focus on the role of Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth and civil society in overcoming limitations and renewing Europe’s leadership (Nex Gen EU is YOU!).

The European Union’s success in creating the single market has been remarkable. However, to renew its leadership, the EU must move beyond economic integration alone. It should focus on addressing global challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and social inequality. By doing so, the EU can demonstrate its commitment to a values-based, cooperative, and responsible global leadership that goes beyond economic considerations.

The EU’s new stage of territorial cooperation with South America, Asia, and Africa carries significant geostrategic and geopolitical implications and opportunities. The engagement of Community Civil Society/Citizens/Youth and civil organisations in this process is essential for overcoming limitations and revitalizing Europe’s leadership. By actively involving these French and English and Spanish speaking stakeholders from Africa and South America, the EU can create a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to global cooperation that aligns with its values and aspirations.

Similarly, it is happening to the need for the civil society to go geostrategic or geopolitics!

COP 28

Finally, I would like to ask you about COP 28. Very soon the COP (United Nations Conference on Climate Change 2023) will be held from November 30 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

11.Do you think that the leaders of the countries will take the necessary measures to adequately fight climate change?

– NO! For sure NO…. The success of leaders at COP (Conference of the Parties) conferences in adequately addressing climate change is an obvious and contentious issue. While there have been some positive developments and agreements in the past, the effectiveness of these meetings is a matter of debate.

COP conferences have their limitations and political challenges, they remain important forums for addressing climate change on a global scale. However, to complement these efforts, it’s crucial for the civil society to take action at the domestic level, and for citizens to engage in activism and demand climate action. Alternative approaches, such as regional agreements and innovation, can also contribute to more effective climate change mitigation strategies.

12.What key measures would you introduce into the global strategy to effectively combat climate change?

– Again, I would recommend the civil society to stand up finally as a true revolution during these coming COP28 or COP29, and also COP30, etc! Mainstreaming, harnessing the Civil Society’s power is the engine of a the new impetus of EC for ongoing Strategic Geopolitics and Economics, including a strong commitment of the EU policy on AID and COOPERATION with Africa, but also with the world! The United Nations should recommend it!

The power is yours! Grab it!