Sustainable Parallels

There are many parallels to be drawn between the projects funded by REI and business initiatives. 

In a recent article with the Japan Times, Tove Kinooka, a director and co-founder of both Enteleco and Global Perspectives, highlighted the importance of REI’s work, in alignment with sustainability practices. Tove says her work relating to the sustainable growth and practices in different organisations, also reflects that of the work of REI.

As stated by Tove in the article, in regard to refugees: ‘They don’t want to be dependent on aid, there’s no dignity in that. So the projects REI are working on are finding ways for the communities to build resilience and build skills and knowledge to support themselves. REI can provide training and a starter pack — which is often their own ideas — to help them become independent, and the model has proven to be quite successful’.  

Tove is a long-time supporter of REI, as well as being a member of the management committee. She says that:‘REI is a good fit because all the projects they support are by refugees for refugees and enabling people to rebuild their lives once things are under control’.  

Tove recently joined REI on a field visit, to the Thai-Myanmar Border, to visit three REI supported projects. Here, she was able to see first-hand, the impact of the funding and their sustainability. She stated: ‘I’ve known for a long time that the projects were impactful, but what I hadn’t realized was how extremely professional the project teams are. They are well organised and clearly focused on what is best for their communities, and skilled at making the most of the limited resources available. The content of the projects was also deeply impressive – for example, I had conversations with Karenni students about leadership approaches and environmental issues, which confirmed for me that the REI mission is clearly aligned with the work we do at GP on sustainability and leadership’. She outlined how the projects are bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures, ages and working effectively together for a common goal, whilst many of the team structures are also being led by women.  

Isabella Drysdale, intern 2025