With the help of private companies and charitable organizations, and the efforts of skilled volunteers like Accenture’s Graeme Harris, manager-Products, countries affected by the tsunami disaster of 2004 are restructuring their communities and rebuilding their economy.

Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, Graeme is developing pipeline projects to restructure communities affected by the tsunami in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. In each of these areas, Graeme identifies and meets with potential clients to determine their needs. He then structures complex intervention programs to confirm areas where Accenture’s expertise can be put to best use.

“It amazes me everyday how relevant our business consulting and technology skills are in this area,” Graeme stated. “I am doing real consulting work, identifying the needs of my clients and delivering solutions that can greatly impact people’s lives.”

As a result of this work, Accenture Development Partnerships has initiated tsunami-related projects within a number of aid organisations. The nature of this work includes systems design, supply chain strengthening, strategy, process improvement and organizational design.

While working with the program, Graeme had the opportunity to participate in the Private Sector Response to Tsunami Reconstruction, a meeting attended by business leaders from 20 leading private companies from around the world. The meeting, held in Banda Aceh, called upon private companies to help develop and participate in a plan of action that would help with the future restructuring of tsunami-affected countries.

The meeting was co-headed by former US president Bill Clinton who is the United Nations Special Envoy for Tsunami Reconstruction.

An experience he is unlikely to forget, Graeme is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these affected communities. With much more work still to be done, Graeme recommends others within Accenture take up the rewarding challenges of working in this region.

Learn more about Accenture Development Partnerships

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