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Good evening. Governor Sabines, Under-Secretary Hughes, distinguished friends. It’s a pleasure to be here tonight.
Earlier this morning, I had the unique opportunity to meet with some individual coffee growers during an event in San Cristobal. While speaking to the farmers, I was particularly struck by their commitment to learn the new skills necessary to produce the best quality product possible. The commitment of these hard working farmers in the hills of Chiapas has its roots right here in this room this evening.
I am here tonight to applaud Starbucks Coffee and Conservation International for their unique vision to promote conservation coffee – an effort that brings quality coffee to consumers all over the world while improving environmental protection. In 2004, I was present at the original signing of the agreement to establish the Conservation Coffee Alliance and I couldn’t be happier to be here today and witness the great lengths you have come in less than 3 years.
Our world is changing and we realize that globalization has shifted the flow of financial resources to developing countries in a way that has transformed international development. Only 30 years ago, 70% of U.S. assistance to developing countries came from the U.S. government. Today, over 85% now comes from private companies, and other organizations, developing business partnerships overseas.
The U.S. Global Development Alliance was created to support this private sector leadership. It’s a testament to the generosity and spirit of companies, like Starbucks, that dedicate their resources to develop and improve communities around the world. Too often we read about corporate misbehaver and scandals in the news. However, this is a night to celebrate corporations with a conscious.
Now on to the recognitions: I would like to take this opportunity to present several certificates of recognition to the institutions that have made this program a success:
For Starbucks Coffee, I would like to request that Megan Campbell accept this award
“For embracing the innovative concept of Conservation Coffee and for supporting public – private partnerships through USAID’s Global Development Alliance”
For Conservation International, I would like to present this award to Claude Gascon from Washington, and Ricardo Hernandez, CI’s representative here in Chiapas.
“For developing the concept of Conservation Coffee, one of the first models that allows consumers to support conservation efforts of individual farmers,
And for their partnership with Starbuck Coffee and USAID in Mexico through USAID’s Global Development Alliance”
In closing, it is always a special pleasure to watch the beginning of a project such as this and see it succeed. And now I can say I will never feel guilty about going on my sometime multiple daily coffee runs with my staff to the Starbucks next door to the Embassy. In my mind, I’ll tell myself all that money spent next door is going straight to Chiapas!
Thank you again. May God Bless the United States and Mexico.
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