Economic Development

Economic Development Strategies to Combat Global Poverty

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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Trust, Transparency and Impact: How Credibility Offers Vital Solutions to the World’s Most Pressing Problems

Credibility is the key to unlocking crucial sustainability impacts. Embedding trust and confidence, credible sustainability systems help governments and businesses address today’s most urgent challenges. Patrick Mallet, ISEAL’s Innovations Director, explains what credibility is and why it’s so important.
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Women in Cotton

Our Path to Sustainability Must Include Women: Lessons from Cotton Farming and Climate Resilience

Women play a vital yet often overlooked role in agriculture and climate resilience. CottonConnect CEO Alison Ward highlights how women cotton farmers are disproportionately impacted by climate change—and why they must be central to sustainability strategies. Through education, training, and recognition, women can lead transformative climate action from the ground up.
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corporate culture of social impact - Large group of business people preparing for a race on a starting line in the office

Creating a Culture of Impact: How Thinking Like A Pro Athlete Can Help Businesses Drive Meaningful Change

How can businesses build cultures that deliver meaningful social impact? Nick Cooney argues that companies should take inspiration from elite athletes—adopting a performance-driven mindset to “train” their impact strategies. By embracing discipline, pushing beyond comfort zones, and prioritising purpose alongside profit, businesses can create a legacy of measurable, lasting change.
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market systems development for climate action

Climate Action Through Market Systems: Why Businesses Need a Systems Development Approach

To stay resilient and impactful amid climate challenges, businesses must embrace a systems development approach. This article explores how Market Systems Development (MSD) can align business incentives with environmental goals, helping SMEs access ESG support and scale sustainable practices. MSD isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset for long-term, inclusive climate action and economic growth.
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Young African Farmer with Tablet

When Opportunity Knocks: Three Keys for Creating Inclusive Growth through Sales-Agent Models

Sales agent models have the potential to improve access to goods and services while creating economic opportunity for women and youth. Drawing on work from Rwanda and Mozambique, TechnoServe’s Sophie Duchanoy and Sarah Bove share three key factors in making these approaches work.
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Business-NGO partnerships for social impact. Amanda Smith, Amayaa Wijesinghe, and Thomas Ongogo

Business-NGO Partnerships for Social Impact, With Diageo and Care

How can business-NGO partnerships for social impact tackle climate, gender, and economic challenges together? Diageo and CARE share lessons from their work with smallholder farmers—offering five actionable insights for inclusive, sustainable impact.
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Max Cuvellier

Mobile Technology and International Development with Max Cuvellier

How can mobile technology drive social impact? Max Cuvellier of GSMA shares how mobile innovation is advancing inclusion, gender equality, and climate resilience in underserved communities.
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What do we mean by "Economic Development"?

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