Unveiling Samuel Bon: A Trailblazing Leader as the New President of the Board at Aiducation International
We are delighted to introduce Samuel Bon the new President of the Board at Aiducation International, starting from July 1st, 2023. A Swiss national based in Winterthur, Samuel brings with him over two decades of senior executive experience across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. His proven track record in international settings makes him a valuable addition to our organization.
Samuel runs his own Consultancy Company, Join International gmbh, based in Switzerland, providing advisory services in CSR, ESG, philanthropy, organizational development, and strategy to companies, foundations, and family offices. From 2011 to 2021, he served as the CEO and Executive Director of SwissContact, a leading operating foundation in Zürich, where he implemented large-scale development projects focusing on vocational education, employability, and sustainable supply-chain development. Prior to that, he held senior executive positions at the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) and worked in various countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Congo, Kenya, Sudan, East Timor, and Burma/Myanmar.
Samuel holds an Executive MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), an M.A. in Theology & Social Ethics from the University of Zürich and a B.A. from the University of Bern.
We spoke to Samuel about his decision to join Aiducation and his goals for his new role:
What motivated you to join Aiducation?
Growing up, I have been fortunate to witness the benefits of a diverse and accessible educational system firsthand. My access to a comprehensive primary education and university in Switzerland has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education. The experience at Swisscontact further reinforced my understanding of the tremendous impact that well-designed educational programs can have on individuals and communities. What particularly resonates with me about Aiducation was its focus on developing future leaders and promoting better education and sustainable income for all. This also resonates with my involvement with Edulution, another private education initiative dedicated to improving primary education in Southern Africa.
What differentiates Aiducation from other for-impact organisations?
I am drawn to Aiducation because of its convincing, entrepreneurial, and impact-driven model that complements more traditional educational programs. International development usually focuses on leaving nobody behind, putting a lot of emphasis on the weakest links. This runs the danger of forgetting the hidden talents who have the potential of making a significant difference in their economy and society.
By joining Aiducation, I will have the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated group of individuals who share a strong drive and conviction to make a meaningful impact through education. Together, we can create transformative opportunities for underprivileged youth and nurture the next generation of leaders.
How would you describe the key responsibilities and goals for your role as President of the Board?
As the President of the Board at Aiducation, my responsibilities include a diverse range of tasks.
First, I want to prioritize the establishment and maintenance of an efficient governance structure within Aiducation so we can optimize our operations and drive effective outcomes.
Another key aspect of my role will be supporting the management team in positioning Aiducation within the donor landscape to secure funding opportunities, for our growth strategy.
I hope that with time, I can also engage with the global teams to gain comprehensive insights into Aiducation's work, challenges, and organizational culture and possibly connect with the young scholars and entrepreneurs supported by Aiducation, to learn from their unique experiences, understand their aspirations, and gain valuable perspectives on their visions for the future.
I am excited about being part of this journey with Aiducation.
We extend a warm welcome to Samuel Bon as he joins Aiducation International. With his extensive international experience and proven leadership, Samuel's expertise will greatly contribute to our mission of empowering future leaders through education. We look forward to his valuable insights and guidance as the new President of the Board.
Published by Boniface