I have spent this week meeting unemployed people, employers and government officials who are looking for creative and innovative solution to growing the economy and creating wealth and sustainable employment. Interestingly there was no talk of recession, no talk of credit crunch, no blame for invisible politicians; no this week has been full of people talking of hope. They talk of hope that their time has come, hope that that can see the corner turning and finally daylight at the end of the tunnel.

Unemployed people have explained the hopes they have to work, to make a contribution and feel valued. You can see and hear the real commitment to skills acquisition, accepting change and embracing a new path in front of them. The employers have gone out of their way to talk and extend a welcome. They are looking for new partnerships, new business opportunities and a chance to engage with other businessmen. I have rarely been made so welcome. There was no hint of apportioning blame, rather a shared vision in the belief that they have the energy to lift their own game. They operate in many of the old traditional industries and also in the high tech world of communications. Each person I met was eager to shake your hand. Enjoying the chance to tell you their dreams. The politicians and civil servants seemed to have all the time in the world, they want to hear your views, understand your perspectives and genuinely seeking to help and ensure you have the chance to reach the right person in government. Again there are no clouds on the horizon, no talk of gloom. They have just deep appreciation that you have come to their offices and sought their views and offered a hand of friendship and partnership.

What has brought about this newfound sense of hope? It is not the G20, not a new government initiative. This week I have been working in Iraq, to be specific Kurdistan. I have been here because we have a vision of Improving Peoples Lives and there is a job to be done here. The people I have met are looking forward and dream of normalization in their personal and business lives. The sense of hope is very strong and also a belief that this is their chance and they are going to grasp it with both hands.

We can look forward to being apart of the transformation going on in Kurdistan, leading the development of solutions around the world. Listening to governments, unemployed people and stakeholders and when we have fully understood the context starting to develop joint initiatives to deliver a new beginning for people and communities. Its your work in Warrington, London, Paris, Gelsenkirchen, India, Poland and Jerusalem that makes this possible – so thank you for making our services strong and attractive to governments all over the world.

Thanks Roy