Despite the excitement that has accompanied the process and without discrediting the immense changes that have taken place, the country still has a challenging path ahead to democracy, ethnic reconciliation, sustainable and inclusive development. Business and economic development will play an important role in that context, for better or worse.
With persisting uncertainty over the reform path, poverty, ethnic conflicts and the taxing baggage of its past, Myanmar remains a challenging place to do business responsibly. Despite the exponential growth of expertise on Myanmar now available in the advisory services market, many companies still struggle with the uncertainty and risks associated with governance, vested interests and cronyism, transparency and accountability when doing business in Myanmar. As well as with the sustainability challenges typical for doing business in fast growing emerging economies and developing countries, like environmental sustainability, poverty and inequality, education, health, land rights, labor issues, etc.
Companies wanting to invest and do business in Myanmar in a responsible, sustainable and inclusive manner will be looking to learn more about the country, its people, their diversity, and the development challenges and sustainability context. They will need to learn more about key stakeholder groups to devise effective engagement strategies and align their CSR strategies with development objectives, community priorities and the needs of marginalized groups.
2014 will see a big event with much potential for learning more about Myanmar and its people. From 29 March – 10 April 2014, the first official census since 1983 will be held. The process is supported by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. One of the declared aims of collecting, compiling, evaluating, and analyzing as well as publishing and disseminating demographic, economic and social data through a census process is to support planners and policymakers in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs. It also has the potential to provide businesses with insights needed for meaningful CSR strategies linked to sustainable development.
A census is a highly complex process. In Myanmar, the inaccessibility of remote areas, ongoing conflicts in border areas, ethnic conflicts, mistrust of the process from some minority groups and generally poor logistics in many parts of the country will make it even more difficult.
100.000 teachers have been recruited and trained as interviewers to conduct the census in 12 million households. In addition, the census will reach 2 million institutions such as hotels, monasteries, hospitals or orphanages. The census will not just count people. The questionnaire includes data points on age, literacy rate, employment, disability, access to clean water and electricity, etc. The aim is to gather data that enables a better understanding of multiple aspects of Myanmar society that will help improved planning for a variety of objectives such as enhanced employment opportunities for youth, supporting women’s entrepreneurship, or ensuring the rights of people with disabilities.
UNFPA is interested in exploring partnership opportunities with business to support data gathering, public awareness, publicity and outreach as well as the dissemination of results. Many of the areas where support is needed are the core business of companies currently building their presence in Myanmar, including logistics and transportation, telecommunications, IT or infrastructure. Alignment opportunities also include access to remote areas through sourcing or distribution chains, marketing and communications expertise, employee engagement and others.
A better understanding of Myanmar society, the sustainability context in Myanmar, and the lives, livelihoods, challenges, needs, hopes and perspectives of its diverse people will be a strategic priority for many companies establishing a presence in Myanmar and concerned with responsible and inclusive strategies for investing and doing business. The census may offer interesting opportunities for engagement. Please get in touch if you are interested to learn more. And watch this space for further information, initial results are expected by July 2014.
source: CSR
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