CBI EXTERNAL EXPERT DAY: TOGETHER CBI ON JUNE 3RD 2010

June 21, 2010

Looking back on the event, the External Expert Day: Together CBI was nothing short of the success we hoped for. As felt throughout the whole day, the theme “Together CBI” really came through thanks to the great enthusiasm and contribution from the participants: the CBI external experts as well as our local staff. 

The day kicked off with Deputy Managing Director Dick de Man, who gave a brief welcoming speech to the crowd, introducing the theme of the day, “Together CBI”. Managing Director Hans Klunder then presented the new CBI mission statement and vision. From there on Marjolijn Wilmink, head of the Knowledge Centre department,  presented the crowd with the CBI’s strategic focus, the core values and main objectives. Closing the morning presentations was CBIT project manager Gert Schoondewoert with the introduction of the new and improved website and web based applications that will be fully in use by the end of this year.

After these presentations the day continued with a creative workshop by inspirational speaker and musician Joshua Samson. With the emphasis on team work and unity, Mr. Samson brought the CBI together thru active participation by all who were present.

After the lunch, our external experts where to participate in 4 different workshops, which covered a wide range of subjects; Corporate social responsibility, knowledge management, outcome to output measurement and the deliverance of CBI services. These workshops were to generate feedback from the “field”, as experts gave their opinion and their vision on CBI related subjects.

At the end of a fruitful afternoon Ambassador of the Netherlands in South Africa H E Mr. R.G. de Vos gave an inspiring speech, touching subjects like development cooperation, trends within the work of field, measuring progress, knowledge management, the private sector, institutional interest, and food safety. And in the end giving a piece of advice as well as praising the CBI for its good future prospects.

Deputy Managing Director Dick de Man and Managing director Hans Klunder recapitulated the day. A day which had been very informative, offered major opportunities to network and gave the CBI a chance to inform the external experts about the current reorganization and receive feedback.

Managing Director Hans Klunder closed the day by thanking all external experts for their input and attendance as they are very valuable ambassadors for CBI.

In conclusion we can say that the CBI External Expert Day : ‘Together CBI’ was a very successful and fruitful event.