Economic Development

Economic Development Strategies to Combat Global Poverty

Watch this Fireside Chat with Diageo to explore how to optimise the outcomes of smallholder farmer initiatives for business and society. This interactive dialogue explored
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How Can We Report on Women’s Equality in the New and Evolving EU Regulatory Landscape? Hosted with Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW), a
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How can businesses and NGOs partner to help smallholder farmers tackle the intersections of climate change and gender inequality? Hosted with Diageo This Insights
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How Can Business Build the Bridges to a Fairer, More Resilient Future? To tackle today’s biggest challenges, companies must break silos, align priorities, and
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How can Businesses Navigate the DEI Pushback While Advancing Fairness and Opportunity? Amid growing scrutiny and debate around DEI, companies face challenges in maintaining
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How can Business Expand Opportunity and Fairness in the Workplace and Beyond? The Community Forum at the Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit explored
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As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, the Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) programme comes to a close after seven years of advancing women’s economic empowerment in global supply chains. Working across 12 countries, WOW has helped improve job access, working conditions, and financial independence while tackling broader issues like unpaid care, gender-based violence, and climate resilience. Its legacy highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in creating fairer, more inclusive economies.
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Social Impact Pioneers Megan Spurgeon and Scott C. Miller talk economic empowerment, workforce development and overcoming poverty in the U.S
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Social Impact Pioneer Christina Mawuse Gyisun, Co-Founder of Sommalife, joins us to talk about the shea industry in West Africa and how she and her team are increasing market access, and securing the future of an industry, by better supporting female smallholder farmers.
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As a Ugandan beneficiary of aid, Keith Kibirango highlights how USAID’s funding freeze exposes the flaws in traditional aid models, leaving communities vulnerable and disillusioned. This crisis calls for new, sustainable partnerships that prioritize direct impact and local leadership. The Global South must take charge of its development and funding future.
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The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is intensifying, with political and corporate shifts challenging its future. However, DEI remains essential for fairness, business success, and innovation. This article explores strategies for navigating the debate, balancing meritocracy with inclusion, and ensuring workplaces remain diverse, equitable, and open to all.
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Building a fairer, more resilient world by 2045 requires businesses to bridge the gap between social impact and core operations. This article outlines five critical bridges—from breaking silos between environmental and social issues to strengthening collaboration across sectors—that will help companies align priorities, drive innovation, and create lasting impact for both business and society.
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Werner Wallner, Hilti Foundation; Amalia Johnsson, Hand in Hand International; and Payal Dalal, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Listen in to explore how microentrepreneurs can be the catalyst for economic growth, the systemic shifts needed to empower them, and the emerging trends shaping their future.
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Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains a major challenge for billions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in filling this gap, but their impact can be enhanced through behaviour change strategies. By leveraging local trust, targeted communication, and data-driven insights, SMEs can drive healthier communities while growing sustainable businesses.
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A new Toolkit, published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) programme, provides guidance for multinational companies on boosting the resilience of their supply chains in low-and middle-income countries by investing in women. Integrating gender equity into ESG strategies can help to meet evolving human rights and environmental due diligence requirements, improving risk management while unlocking productivity, innovation, and brand value.
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Social Impact Pioneer, Peter Buturo explains how social work strengthens communities, combats poverty, and champions justice.
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In January 2025, over 200 members of the Business Fights Poverty community came together for a virtual Community Forum, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to explore some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Over the course of the event, participants shared their insights, successes, and cautions, all framed by one central ambition: to identify the critical priorities, actions, and collaborations necessary to drive maximum social impact in the year ahead.
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Business as a Force for Good: Key Priorities and Actions for 2025 In January 2025, over 200 members of the Business Fights Poverty community
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Garment workers, particularly women, face growing risks from climate extremes, threatening their health, wages, and livelihoods. A climate-responsive worker insurance program—funded by fashion brands, suppliers, and governments—could provide crucial protections, ensuring financial security and resilience. As climate risks intensify, the fashion industry must prioritize worker-centered solutions for a just transition and sustainable supply chains.
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Gilad Tanay of the ERI Institute explains how to measure impact for business, unified impact measurement scales & impact per dollar.
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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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