Sustainable Peace-Enabling Technologies
The world is a complex place, and peace, fragile as it may be, often hangs in the balance. Behind every mission that restores stability in conflict zones, behind every innovative technology deployed to prevent further violence, there is a network of organisations working tirelessly to make a difference. My journey as a bid writer and sustainability consultant has placed me at the intersection of these critical efforts, supporting businesses that contribute to global peacekeeping through technology.
The first time I encountered the power of peacekeeping technologies, I was supporting a small startup that had developed a ground-breaking solution for landmine detection. The technology had the potential to save thousands of lives in post-conflict regions, but as with many early-stage businesses, the challenge was not just in the innovation—it was in securing the necessary funding and contracts to bring the solution to market.
The Competitive World of Bidding
In the world of public procurement and government funding, the stakes are always high. Whether for large defense companies or smaller startups, bidding for contracts requires more than a great product—it requires a strategic narrative that aligns with the needs of the government or funding body. This is where my expertise as a bid writer comes in.
For many of these businesses, crafting a compelling bid involves more than meeting technical requirements. It’s about understanding the broader mission—restoring peace, saving lives, and ensuring the long-term stability of regions affected by conflict. In the case of the landmine detection company, their innovation was remarkable, but they needed to translate that into a bid that reflected the potency of their technology as well as the wider social value it would deliver.
Bringing Sustainability into the Conversation
As I worked with more organisations in the defence sector, it became clear that sustainability was becoming an increasingly important factor in decision-making. Governments and funding bodies were no longer just interested in the immediate impact of a technology but were also asking questions about its long-term sustainability—environmentally, economically and socially.
One of the defining moments in my career was working with a provider of drone technology used in post-conflict reconstruction. Their drones had the ability to monitor and assess damage in war-torn regions, helping aid organisations respond more quickly and efficiently. However, the technology itself had a significant environmental footprint, and it became crucial to integrate a sustainability strategy into their bidding process.
This is where the story of peacekeeping enabling technologies takes on a new dimension. Beyond the immediate benefits of restoring peace, these technologies need to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development goals. As a sustainability consultant, I help organisations align their innovations with global sustainability standards, showing how their solutions address immediate security needs but also contribute to long-term environmental and social well-being.
The Missing Piece: Monetising Social Value
One of the most striking realisations in my journey has been the lack of formal metrics to capture the enormous social value created by peacekeeping technologies. It is well understood that bringing peace to conflict zones generates immeasurable benefits for communities, economies, and global stability, yet there are no widely adopted measures to quantify this impact in financial terms.
This gap presents a challenge, but also an opportunity. Organisations that can articulate the social value of their innovations—in terms of lives saved, communities rebuilt, and conflicts prevented—stand to gain a significant advantage in the bidding process. My role as a consultant is to help businesses frame their bids to highlight this broader value, even when formal metrics are lacking.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to work with businesses that contribute to global peace through technology, my goal remains the same: to support them in securing the contracts and funding they need to scale their impact. Whether through bid writing, sustainability strategy, or simply helping them tell their story, I am proud to play a small part in enabling the technologies that are shaping a more peaceful world.
The road ahead is full of challenges, but also incredible opportunities for those committed to making a difference. Peacekeeping enabling technologies hold the promise of a safer, more stable world, and it is my privilege to support tech companies to help bring these solutions to the forefront.
If you’re a tech company looking for a little help in bringing more peace to the world, feel free to reach out; I’d be delighted to assist.
