WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI), today announced a grant to RESOLVE to help expand the Solutions for Hope platform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Colombia and other countries. Through Solutions for Hope, companies, civil society organizations and governments partner to build responsible minerals supply chains from regions where due diligence and market access are limited by both armed conflict and supply chains with limited transparency.
The Solutions for Hope model has proven effective in providing electronics companies with the first supplies of verified conflict-free tantalum used in their products. It aligns downstream companies' needs for transparency and reporting compliance with regional stakeholders' needs for development and capacity-building. Responsible sourcing of minerals from conflict regions can allow companies to support and contribute to peacebuilding, reducing armed conflict and violence while meeting their businesses' supply chain needs.
Solutions for Hope was first piloted in the DRC by Motorola Solutions and AVX, which publicly committed to establishing a responsible "closed pipe" tantalum supply chain from mine to smelter to component manufacturer to original equipment manufacturer. In the DRC, the Solutions for Hope approach was designed to work within developing regional systems, such as the framework of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region Regional Certification Mechanism, and utilized proven systems such as the Conflict-Free Smelter Program to support due diligence and a traceable, auditable supply chain.
The newly expanded Solutions for Hope platform will seek to pilot the Solutions for Hope approach with other minerals and regions. With support from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, RESOLVE initiated a program in Colombia to support transparency in that nation's gold, tantalum and tungsten sectors in tandem with peacebuilding and economic development efforts.
"RESOLVE is excited to continue to support and expand the Solutions for Hope platform," said Stephen D'Esposito, RESOLVE president. "Solutions for Hope is a leadership platform for companies and NGOs. Participants who join are anxious for results, and they're willing to roll up their sleeves and engage in trial-and-error to get results. Motorola Solutions, AVX and the Enough Project have demonstrated leadership in the DRC. Ongoing expansion of the platform with participation from actors across the supply chain will advance responsible sourcing in conflict and high risk areas."
"The support and participation by companies like Motorola Solutions sends clear signals of downstream interest in verifiable conflict-free minerals," said Tim Martin, former Canadian ambassador to Colombia, and a RESOLVE strategic partner. "Solutions for Hope is an asset. It supports Colombia's interest in OECD membership, builds valuable global partnerships, and seeks to build tools that are right for Colombia."
"We are very pleased to be part of the expansion of the Solutions for Hope platform," said Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "The Solutions for Hope model demonstrates that companies can make a meaningful contribution to peace building while improving certainty of supply and cost, as well as increased supply chain transparency. With this grant to RESOLVE, we are supporting the expansion of this proven model to other minerals in the DRC's Great Lakes region and to other geographies affected by conflict."
Pilots will focus on testing validation approaches with local refineries, supporting formalization programs, providing a sourcing opportunity for artisanal scale miners and cooperatives meeting conflict-free standards; and capacity-building at all levels of the supply chain.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For additional links and information, please see the full press release at: http://www.resolv.org/blog/2014/solutions-for-hope-program-to-grow-with-new-grant-from-motorola-solutions
About Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships and fostering innovation.
About Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions is a leading provider of mission-critical communication products and services for enterprise and government customers. Through leading-edge innovation and communications technology, it is a global leader that enables its customers to be their best in the moments that matter. Motorola Solutions trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "MSI."
About RESOLVE
RESOLVE is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit that builds strong, enduring solutions to complex environmental, social, and health challenges. RESOLVE helps community, business, government, and NGO leaders get results and create lasting relationships through collaboration. RESOLVE is an independent organization with over thirty years of success building collaborative solutions.
About Solutions for Hope
Solutions for Hope is a platform that supports companies, civil society organizations and governments working together to responsibly source minerals from regions experiencing conflict and where market access is limited by opaque supply chains. The program manages risk for participating companies and offers recognition for participation. The Solutions for Hope model is being explored for further expansion to gold and to other locations where increased transparency, traceability and supply chain due diligence is sought for tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. The Solutions for Hope program is part of RESOLVE's Solutions Network.
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