The Packard Foundation also addresses population issues; which are still a major problem and will continue to be such for many areas of the world. In doing so, the Packard Foundation also works with other foundations. Wilbur pointed out that the population is growing in areas that can least support the growth. “Urbanization is an issue we see over the next ten years as being much larger,” said Wilbur, who also pointed out the problems caused my migration. “Whatever your feeling on this is, migration is probably going to get larger before it gets smaller.”

Wilbur stressed the importance of researching problems in order to provide strategic and systemic solutions. He also stressed the extreme import of including China as a fundamental part of any solution to global challenges. Some examples of key issues include poverty, unemployment, food, education, health (epidemics and HIV Aids), and air pollution. He indicated that the global warming issue will worsen - as will the problem of over-fishing. Wilbur also pointed to the rising dosages of antibiotics being used in fish farming and agriculture. “My father was a doctor, and I looked at his bag…. He was giving out penicillin that was almost about 1/50th of … what they’re giving out now,” said Wilbur. Agriculture, food and water were also named as important issues, with water being likely the most important.

Wilbur stressed the importance of foundations being prepared for natural disasters. He also noted the proliferation of internet scammers; “As people give more online, we need to be helpful to them and figure out how can our foundation … be helpful to the individuals who want to give,” said Wilbur. In addition, he called for better coordination of volunteer efforts. “It could be that one of the issues that we could help in after a natural disaster is to try and setup a volunteer center…” he said.

Wilbur pointed out that in his experience working with governments has sometimes been positive, sometimes less good – dependent upon whether or not the efforts are in line with the government’s agenda or not. In reference to governments, Wilbur also pointed out that through tax deductions, governments are increasing their involvement in giving preference to certain charitable efforts. “We’re going to have to help the government come up with better policies,” said Wilbur. “My guess is that as philanthropy keeps growing, donor governments are going to get much more involved.”

“I feel that we need to do a better job of having this organization [the Bellagio Forum] and others work together,” said Wilbur. He also stressed the importance of building better relationships with other organizations. In addition, Wilbur added that an overall country strategy is needed rather than focusing on a particular issue – especially in developing countries. “I think we need to do a better job in the next ten years of understanding what other people are doing and really getting your information input,” said Wilbur. He pointed out that multiple NGOs may be working in a particular country, but none of them are aware of the other’s activities due to poor communication. “One role a foundation can certainly have is to bring together the NGOs and make sure that they do have an opportunity to work together,” added Wilbur.

Wilbur indicated that the use of assets is another way foundations can help. “We [Packard Foundation] do quite big program related investments – PRIs,” said Wilbur. He pointed out that foundations need to think more about program-oriented investments. “I think it needs to grow in the foundation field,” said Wilbur.

Wilbur also stressed the importance of working with corporations, “We don’t do that very often, and we should do a much better job of that.” He also stated that foundations don’t work as well as they could with governments and encouraged foundations to start at the top in their approach. “We can do better than we are,” said Wilbur.