Economic Development

Economic Development Strategies to Combat Global Poverty

Fueling the Future of Social Entrepreneurship: Reflections from IKEA Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurs are driving inclusive, sustainable solutions, but they need stronger support. Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, reflects on over a decade of experience, highlighting the urgent need for blended capital, inclusive circular solutions, and empathetic leadership to scale impact for the world’s most vulnerable communities.
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Mark Horoszowski & Alam Bains

Empowering Social Innovation with Mark Horoszowski & Alam Bains

Mark Horoszowski and Alam Bains of MovingWorlds talk behaviour change, empowering social innovation and taking volunteering to another level.
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Impact Credits Can Revolutionize Poverty Alleviation

Tradeable impact credits—like those issued on the Common Good Marketplace—are transforming how businesses fund global poverty alleviation. With verified outcomes, clear valuation, and rigorous auditing, these credits enable companies to invest in real results and receive measurable social returns. This article explores the promise of impact credits as a tool for scalable, accountable, and high-impact funding.
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Stef Engels

Reimagining Development Through Business with Stefan Engels

Meet Stefan Engels, an international development leader with a remarkable cross-sector journey—from corporate boardrooms to grassroots innovation hubs across Africa. Now based in Nairobi, Stefan brings nearly two decades of experience working at the nexus of private sector development, inclusive business models, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
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Enabling a Fairer Transition and Climate Response

A project to build the resilience to climate change of coastal communities in Sierra Leone, and a partnership with world-leading researchers on how the private sector can contribute to a fair and just energy transition, are just two examples of AXA XL’s work on social impact. As part of managing the risks and seizing the opportunities of the transition and navigating the extreme weather events from a changing climate, AXA XL are working to deliver positive social impact for people and communities around the world and accelerate an inclusive transition.
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Two business professionals discussing ideas in an office- Portfolio Approach to Impact

Beyond Buzzwords: A Portfolio Approach to Value, Purpose, and Performance

With trust and supply chains under pressure, companies need more than good intentions—they need smart strategy. In this new piece, Alix Lebec shows how a portfolio approach to impact can align capital, philanthropy, and business goals to drive efficiency, resilience, and value. Discover how leading companies are integrating purpose to navigate a complex future.
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Nyika Brain

Why Business Resilience is the New Social Impact, with Nyika Brain

Sustainability and social impact leader Nyika Brain, joins the Social Impact Pioneers podcast to share her experiences in global supply chains, delivering impact through business and explains why resilience is the new social impact and could be the way to navigate CSR and ESG challenges.
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In the Face of Headwinds, Look to Partnerships

In the nonprofit sector, the phrase “stronger together” has never been more relevant. As organizations face mounting challenges—from funding cuts to political uncertainty—there can be a tendency to turn inward. However, for purpose-driven organizations to thrive in the face of adversity, it will be essential for them to leverage this season of change as an opportunity to build and strengthen effective partnerships, thereby maximizing their impact.
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Youth Business

Unlocking the “Missing Middle”: A New Agenda to De-risk Youth Entrepreneurship and Drive Economic Growth

Youth Business International (YBI), the global leader in youth entrepreneurship, is calling for urgent action to support high-growth potential youth-led businesses trapped in the “missing middle.” YBI’s new policy paper sets out strategies to de-risk youth entrepreneurship and unlock sustainable economic growth, job creation, and innovation — particularly among underrepresented youth, women, and businesses outside traditional tech hubs.
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Woman and Man business meeting over coffee Business and Refugees

Turning Potential into Prosperity – How Business Can Help Refugees Thrive

In partnership with Visa Inc, Business Fights Poverty launched yesterday a new report, at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, calling for the private sector and governments to recognise the economic potential of refugees and to support approaches that work for refugees and host communities.
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Online gender-based violence

Online Gender-Based Violence Limits Global Economic Growth, Research Reveals.

Online gender-based violence (GBV) is driving women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) offline, shrinking markets, profits and global economic growth. This MSME Day, we’re calling for the private sector to take urgent action to address this issue and create a more inclusive digital business world. Our new research with Intuit and the World Bank’s ‘Women, Business, and the Law’ project sheds light on how.
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EU Anti-Greenwashing Law is Developing Fast: Credible Sustainability Systems Can Maximise its Potential

The EU Green Claims Directive (GCD) will outlaw false environmental claims, regulating consumer trust, truthful business and meaningful sustainability action. Credible sustainability systems will be vital in corporate adaptation to the GCD. Influencing companies’ claims work, they can create positive impacts for people and planet. In Part Two of ISEAL’s credibility series, Vidya Rangan, Policy and Engagement Director and Patrick Mallet, ISEAL’s Innovations Director, reveal why credible claims are so vital.
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Women Garment Workers’ Career Advancement

How Garment, Footwear and Textile Businesses Can Improve Women Workers’ Career Advancement

Despite making up the majority of the garment, footwear, and textile workforce, women are vastly underrepresented in leadership and technical roles. A new RISE report explores how businesses can unlock flexible, inclusive pathways for career advancement—boosting retention, equity, and resilience. From fair promotion systems to childcare support, the solutions are practical, scalable, and urgent.
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child labour in palm oil sector

Reducing Child Labour in Palm Oil: A Model for Business-NGO Collaboration

A pioneering partnership between Planting Naturals, APT Action on Poverty, and MAPCO has reduced child labour by 70% in Sierra Leone’s palm oil sector. By combining ethical sourcing, community-led development, and inclusive finance, this collaboration shows how businesses and NGOs can drive sustainable change through shared responsibility and grassroots engagement.
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sustainable development and ESG

Why We Must Bring “Development” Back into Sustainability Conversation More Than Ever

As ESG faces backlash, it’s time to reconnect sustainability with human development. Lourdes Montenegro of the World Benchmarking Alliance argues that companies must align sustainability with real-world progress—like livelihoods, safety, and resilience. Using data from the updated SDG2000 list, she calls for reframing ESG as a tool for inclusive development, not just environmental performance.
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collective social innovation

Bridging Divides: Rethinking Collaboration amid Global Crises

In a world facing intersecting global crises, collective social innovators are reimagining how we collaborate. Moving beyond the lone innovator, they unite communities, NGOs, and governments to manage resources, influence policy, and drive systemic change. The Schwab Foundation’s new report highlights lessons from these changemakers, revealing the power of inclusive, participatory approaches to global problem-solving.
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Female doctor examining rural indian senior woman at home. stock photo

Closing the Healthcare Gap: Scaling Hybrid Solutions for Low-income Communities

Hybrid healthcare models—combining in-person and digital care—are closing critical gaps in low-income communities. The Swiss Re Foundation’s Entrepreneurs for Resilience 2026 programme is now accepting applications from ventures using this hybrid approach. Selected finalists will receive funding, technical support, and visibility to help scale impact and deliver essential care where it’s needed most.
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Two Fishermen riding a boat on body of water - Credibility for Equity and Livelihoods

Building Credibility for Equity and Livelihoods: Foundations for Fairer Futures

Fairer prices and fundamental human rights are desperately lacking for global producers. The solutions require trustworthy frameworks and dialogues. Sheila Senathirajah, ISEAL’s Head of Social Impact, explains how complex equity and livelihoods are, revealing credibility’s catalysing power for foundational change.
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Nguyet Tran Thi Minh in Vietnam and Tanvi Jaluka in California.

Financial Inclusion & Women Entrepreneurs with Nguyet and Tanvi

What are the real-world impacts of inclusive economic development, gender equity, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship? Social Impact Pioneers Nguyet Tran Thi Minh in Vietnam and Tanvi Jaluka in California.
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Vietnam WE-Connect

Power Through Partnerships: How Learning Networks Drive Success for Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs are vital to economic growth, yet continue to face persistent barriers—especially in accessing finance. This article explores how Learning Networks, like WE Connect in Vietnam, bring together ecosystem actors to co-create practical solutions. Through shared knowledge, innovation, and partnership, these networks can drive inclusive finance and long-term success for women-led enterprises.
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What do we mean by "Economic Development"?

Explore how economic growth can significantly reduce poverty through innovative business initiatives and strategic planning. Join us in making a difference.

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