AUTHOR: Edson Marinho

Over the past few days, I had the chance of attending the 2024 PMI Global Summit, one of the premier events in the project management field. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the summit gathered over four thousand participants who engaged in more than 350 sessions covering a diverse array of topics. A prominent focus was placed on two topics: Artificial Intelligence, and how we can enhance the value of the project management profession.

These discussions are not confined to the private sector alone. Those of us working in the development and humanitarian sectors must also explore the benefits, implications, opportunities, and potential risks of integrating AI into our projects. Moreover, it is essential that we continue to advocate for the vital role project managers play in achieving the mission and goals of nonprofit organizations.

I was fortunate to connect with two generations of PM4NGOs Board of Directors during the event: Trevor Nelson, former Chair, and Lee Goldstein, current Vice-Chair. Our conversations about the conference sessions and the future direction of PM4NGOs were invaluable, providing key insights that will be instrumental as we prepare for our upcoming Board Meeting in November. A special thanks to Lee and Trevor for these enriching discussions!

I leave the summit with a wealth of new ideas and a deeper appreciation for the project management profession. I am more inspired than ever to continue promoting the growth and recognition of project management in the nonprofit sector, convinced of its transformative impact on the communities we serve.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edson Marinho

Edson is a Brazilian passionate project/program manager who has headed up PM4NGOs since 2015. He is also the founder and director of Teoria da Prática in Brazil and a senior member of the Project DPro (PMD Pro) Trainers Network.

International Relations Bachelor, MBA in Project Management, post-graduated in Distance Learning, Project DPro Practitioner, Program DPro, and AgilePM Practitioner certified, he has over 20 years’ experience in managing projects and programmes.

Edson has been involved in training and developing the PMD Pro since the very first training group in Brazil. In his words: “I truly believe that we must empower professionals by disseminating project management tools and techniques to the community-based organizations. In the other hand and most importantly, it is from the community that we will learn how and which of these techniques and tools really work“.