Cleveland was in the world spotlight thanks to the UN Global Compact and Business as an Agent of World Benefit’s forum at Case, which drew an international cast of academics and non- and for-profit business leaders. Appreciative Inquiry (AI), an organizational method launched at Case Weatherhead Business School, was the lens used to address topics high on the UN agenda—human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.

At one session on October 24, Northeast Ohio’s sustainability leaders gathered for a panel discussion and brief AI exercise. The panel had Andrew Watterson, Cleveland Sustainability Programs Manager; Chuck Fowler, CEO of Fairmount Minerals; Holly Harlan, executive director of Entrepreneurs for Sustainability; and Lisa Hong, a board member of Sustainable Cleveland offering updates on the region’s progress.

Each was then asked to focus on one project with which they’re involved as the basis for audience discussion.

Hong’s group proposed that Cleveland become the first city to adopt the U.N. Global Compact as a framework for corporations to operate under and profit by.

“We’d like a network of companies to join the compact, and to be the first region to participate and connect with its global standards,” Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Director Paul Alsenas added.

Head of a Fortune 500 company, Fowler said that Fairmount Minerals has embraced sustainability principles. Fowler’s group called for an AI summit for Northeast Ohio's multi-ethnic, racial and religious groups.

Cleveland City Councilman Brian Cummins offered that the sustainability community doesn’t lack for ideas, but needs a clear, actionable plan. Communication of the success stories through media and online sources such as gcbl.org is key, Harlan added. Plus, setting goals—such as the 1 Megawatt Solar Challenge or a proposed Green Campus Challenge among the 25 universities in the region—helps people rally around the cause.

“Can we double our energy efficiency?" Harlan concluded. "We need clear goals to show where we’re going.”