The Public Private Alliance for Development (PPAD) in Panama was created to improve the quality of life of employees with low income and education levels (trade service workers, manufacturing plant machine and assembly operators, and drivers and operators of mobile machinery) from companies affiliated with SumaRSE/ Global Compact, through the adaptation and implementation in Panama of the "Alliance for Companies Without Poverty" methodology.The intervention seeks to address situations of poverty throughout the value chains of PPAD companies caused by socioeconomic problems, and to transfer capabilities to companies to establish their own internal programs.

The methodology proposed for this project consists of eight (8) steps to be implemented in order for companies to successfully identify the critical areas of approach, the populations in need of priority attention, and a comprehensive intervention strategy. 1. Planning and strategic alliances between the companies with the program. Provide a presentation of the program to companies that have shown interest.2. Strategic communication design and methodological validation. Design and approve the strategy for addressing priority areas, to facilitate the implementation of the programs and activities that improve the quality of life of suppliers and collaborators. 3. Implementation and transfer of the survey tool. 4. Application of the socio-economic survey.Execute the online survey tool to reach and gather information from the relevant employees participating in the program. 5. Analisis of survey results to prepare the design of an intervention strategy. Analyze the survey reports of the employees. 6. Joint design of the intervention strategy for the workers. Using the survey information to design and approve the strategy for addressing priority areas that allows the implementation of the programs and activities that improve the quality of life of suppliers and collaborators. 7. Implementation of the intervention strategy.Execute the intervention plan with the support of SumaRSE, taking into account the individual strategies of each participating company. 8. Monitoring and evaluation. Measure the progress of the set goals, verify the effeciency of the implemented actions, and take corrective measures in a timely manner. The methodological tool has been validated by the UNDP, which at our request has reviewed the survey and provided different approaches that allow us to interpret and define the relevant target groups for an intervention.

With regards to the capacity building process within the program, we can highlight various aspects that will contribute to the improvement of both internal processes and the quality of life of company employees. - Strengthen internal administrative capacities for addressing the socio-economic needs of employees in a sustainable manner.- Provide training processes concerning the approach and necessary focus for the design of programs and actions concerning human rights and gender equity in business. - Contribute to the generation of social mobility of homes identified as below the line of poverty through the programs implemented by the companies. - Enhance the scope and impact of corporate social responsibility programs in companies outside the PPAD, through the implementation of joint actions with companies participating in Avancemos. - Create a learning space that allows the sharing of experience and best practices that each company develops as part of the initiative. - Promote the participation of companies in the creation of opportunities for employees to improve their quality of life and socioeconomic condition. - Provide a collaborative space for addressing social needs with employees. Additionally, the process of technology transfer will occur in regards to the use and application of the online survey platform, which is the tool used to undergo the diagnostic process of the socioeconomic status of the company employees.

The PPAD’s operating structure includes two governing bodies, each of which has a specific role and functions within the Alliance:a) Governance structure in the PPAD: a) PPAD Technical Committee: Formed by those responsable for the PPAD, appointed by each partner. The Technical Committee is the body responsible for the implementation and regular monitoring of the PPAD.a) One representative from AECID. General Coordination/ Head of programs/projects.b) One representative from the SUMARSE Association. Executive director or other relevant representative.c) One representative from Movimiento Nueva Generación.d) One representative from UDELAS.e) Six representatives, one from each company. The Technical Committee is responsible for the following functions: - Approving the planning document and semiannual and annual follow-up reports.- Approving the deal concerning PPAD disclosure and external communications. The Technical Committee will meet on a semiannual basis. b) Technical Secretary/ Facilitative Entities: The Technical Secretary and Facilitative Entity positions are consolidated into one, as both positions will be filled by the same institutions. The management and social development departments at SUMARSE, one administrator from SUMARSE, and one technical personnel member from the Office of Technical Cooperation at AECID. The Technical Secretary/ Facilitative Entities are responsible for the following functions: - Preparing technical and economic plans along with quarterly and semiannual technical reports. - Monitoring the technical and economic results of the PPAD. - Raising key issues to the Technical Committee for proper operation of the PPAD. - Coordinating the implementation, monitoring and evaluation phases of the project.- Coordinating the Alliance partners. - Convening meetings of the Technical Committee. - Supporting the development of planning. - Preparing the request for funds to Alliance partners, following established guidelines for calls and tenders.- Preparing the Technical Committee.As the coordinating and facilitating needs are ongoing, the governing bodies will meet periodically, at least monthly, to monitor and coordinate PPAD activities. No specific management unit will be formed for the development of the Alliance, as coordination will handled by the technical secretary/ facilitative entities. Regarding the financial management of the Alliance’s corporate funds, each partner will use its contributions to make payments directly to its relevant suppliers, employing its own internal regulations. The funds provided by AECID will require standard implementation and justification of grants for international cooperation of the Public Spanish Administration.

Partners in the Public Private Alliance for Development (PPAD): AECID The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation -; SUMARSE- Panama Network of the Global Compact; UDELAS- Public University; Movimiento Nueva Generación- Local NGO; Important national and multinacional companies: Súper Xtra; Grupo Melo; Casa de las Baterías; Felipe Motta and CEMEX.