Pamela Passman, Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Corporation

Initiative Session Date: April 19, 2005

Summary:
Ms. Passman expressed her appreciation for the work of the Initiative for Global Development (IGD), saying it has not only exposed her to internationally recognized experts in the field of development, but also impressed upon her the strong culture and values of the Seattle community. Ms. Passman stated that Microsoft’s objective is to reduce poverty by creating self-sustaining businesses and reliable employment in places that are forced to adapt rapidly to the pressures of a global economy. The corporation wants to be a part of the economic success stories in developing countries by providing software alternatives that drive commercial performance and job creation, and make small farmers and individual entrepreneurs more productive and, therefore, more competitive. Microsoft is drawn by the human challenges as well as the business opportunities. Ms. Passman explained that Microsoft’s emerging markets proposition has three dimensions: commercial, community and policy. Microsoft has made partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations a fundamental part of the way it does business. The divide that Microsoft wants to close is not just one of access, but of performance. Ms. Passman concluded by emphasizing the enormous untapped potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to generate growth and reduce poverty in even the poorest parts of the world. Microsoft, she said, is seeking to ensure that this transformation is carried to all corners of the earth and to do what is necessary to create the conditions for that to happen.

“Reducing poverty by increasing productivity and building cohesive societies is the great calling of this generation.”

    – Pamela Passman, speaking to the Initiative for Global Development

Biography