By Foresee Foundation
As St. Maarten continues to grow, the question of social cohesion has become essential. On November 19, Forum 4, a series of sessions organized by Foresee Foundation’s NPOwer and Think To DO Institute, will provide a unique opportunity to examine social cohesion and the establishment of a Social Progress Index (SPI). The process will be guided by Chief Executive of the Think To DO Institute, Bonnie Benesh. A renowned change agent and thought leader, Benesh’s global expertise will bring insights and practical tools to enhance St. Maarten's social cohesion and resilience capacity. Scheduled from 10:00am to 3:00pm, this forum marks a vital step toward an SPI framework for the island.
Social cohesion, which centres on the inter-connectedness and solidarity among society's groups, forms the backbone of a stable, prosperous community. For St. Maarten, social cohesion offers a path to foster trust, equality, and a genuine sense of belonging across diverse groups. Building cohesion requires input from all segments of society: Public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, and community members. Through partnerships that share knowledge and expertise, these entities can collectively address the challenges of creating an inclusive, unified community. By facilitating Forum 4, Benesh will help translate this vision into actionable plans.
Central to this process is the Social Progress Index (SPI), a globally recognized instrument that measures critical aspects of a society’s development. The SPI examines 23 components and 50 distinct indicators, focusing on three primary areas: Fulfilling basic human needs, establishing a foundation for wellbeing, and creating opportunities for citizens to realize their potential.
The index addresses essential questions for any society: Does it provide for its people’s basic needs? Are the building blocks in place to sustain and enhance wellbeing? And, does the system enable individuals to reach their full potential? By answering these questions through data-driven insight, the SPI offers a powerful lens to assess and build St. Maarten's resilience and prosperity.
Benesh’s extensive international experience makes her well-suited to lead this discussion for St. Maarten. She has worked with public and private sector entities worldwide to drive systemic reform and develop human capacity. Her expertise in economic development, 21st-century workforce planning, and policy-making has positioned her as a sought-after connector in building resilient societies.
Through her role in Forum 4, Benesh will help St. Maarten envision its path forward. She will demonstrate how social dialogue – a critical component of social cohesion – can unite government bodies, employers, community organizations, and citizens to promote social justice, inclusive growth, and improved living standards.
Forum 4 aims to spark productive partnerships, inspire co-created solutions, and help St. Maarten take a decisive step toward greater social cohesion. In a rapidly changing world, the forum represents an opportunity for St. Maarten to align its social, economic, and environmental goals, setting the foundation for a resilient and inclusive future.
