Using tech to end wars
Author: [column] Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel, John Prendergast, Co-founder of Enough Project, in USA Today, Published on: 7 January 2014
Corporations may not have a direct responsibility to end wars in far-flung corners of the Earth. But when parts of their products may come from a war zone, they can...help support peace by assuming more control over their supply chains. Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a case in point. Five years ago... Enough Project started examining the role of the electronics industry and soon after set forth with a few partners, one of the most passionate ones being Intel, to identify a path forward for trade with the region without contributing to the conflict...[C]orporations in the U.S., Asia, and Europe purchased many...conflict minerals...and had no system to weed them out. Today,...[rebel groups] generate an estimated 55 to 75% less funding from three of the four conflict minerals...because it is much more difficult to sell untraceable minerals...Audit systems set up by Intel and other corporations...and the passage of U.S. legislation have made it less profitable for armed groups to trade...[This week] Intel announced it is now producing the first-ever conflict-free electronics product...Despite the progress, the violence has not ended. Three main actions can get us closer to peace. First, jewelry retailers should play their part...Second, other major companies...– particularly major electronics, aerospace, and automotive corporations – should join Intel...Finally, government action will be important.
Related companies: Intel