Economic Development

Economic Development Strategies to Combat Global Poverty

Community Forum: Connecting Decision Makers with Those Closest to the Issues

We brought together diverse voices to explore how to bridge the gap between decision-makers and those living the realities of the world’s biggest challenges.
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AI innovation in LMICs

Exploring the AI opportunity in LMICs: Unlocking Funding and Inclusive Innovation

As AI advances globally, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) risk being left behind. Yet AI holds transformative potential for addressing local challenges—from healthcare to climate resilience. This article explores the funding gaps, structural barriers, and innovation potential in LMICs, calling for inclusive investment, infrastructure, and policy to ensure AI delivers for everyone, everywhere.
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Group of Workers at a Factory

“Building the Muscle” to Manage Business Impact on People: Three Key Priorities

As expectations rise and regulatory demands grow, businesses must strengthen their ability to manage social impact. This article outlines three key priorities for companies: addressing core worker concerns like wages and job security, using social data to inform decision-making, and building relationships across systems to tackle complex issues like forced labour and living wage.
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How Can Collaboration Drive Fair Pay for Women in the Garment Sector

How Can Collaboration Drive Fair Pay for Women in the Garment Sector? Hosted with Primark Gain an insider’s perspective on a pilot project which
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How Can Outcome-Based Finance Drive Business Value While Advancing Women’s Equality and Climate Action?

Watch this Workshop with IFC on how we can advance women’s economic participation on a healthy planet. Outcome-based finance is unlocking investment for high-impact
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How can businesses and NGOs partner to help smallholder farmers tackle the intersections of climate change and gender inequality?

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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Women’s Equality in the New and Evolving EU Regulatory Landscape

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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Businesses and NGOs Partner to Help Smallholder Farmers Tackle the Intersections

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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Advancing Outcome Based Finance for Social Impact

How Can Outcome-Based Finance Drive Business Value While Advancing Women’s Equality and Climate Action? Hosted with IFC This session looked at how we can
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Business Building Bridges to a Fairer, More Resilient Future

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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Navigating the DEI Pushback

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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Community Forum Global Equity Summit 2025

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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Winny Cherono - Empowering Women in Supply Chains

Empowering Women in Supply Chains: Celebrating the Impact of the WOW Programme

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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Megan & Scott

Workforce Development & Economic Empowerment, with Megan & Scott

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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Christina Mawuse Gyisun

Scaling Support for Smallholder Farmers, with Christina Mawuse Gyisun

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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The Silent Voices of the Global South: How USAID’s Funding Freeze Exposes the Need for Change

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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DEI for Business

DEI: Do or Die

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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Highway crossing a large river 5 Bridges

Five Bridges to 2045: How Business Can Deliver a Fairer, More Resilient World

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, Managing Director of the Hilti Foundation; Amalia Johnsson, CEO of Hand in Hand International; and Payal Dalal, Executive Vice President of Global Programmes at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Microbusinesses and Digital Inclusion with Amalia, Payal & Werner

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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Bhumijo - Bangladesh. Behaviour change for safe water and sanitation

How Businesses Can Use Behaviour Change Science to Improve Access to Safe Water, Clean Toilets, and Better Hygiene Habits

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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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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