Sustainable Development to Combat Poverty

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.

Business, Business Purpose, Corporate Impact, Health, Innovative Business Models, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Enterprises, Water and Sanitation

February 6, 2025

From Risk to Resilience: The Power of Women in Global Supply Chains

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.

Business, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Equity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Gender-Based Violence, Sustainable Development

February 5, 2025

Business as a Force for Good: Key Priorities and Actions for 2025

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.

Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Justice, Corporate Impact, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Economic Development, Employment and Jobs, Equity and Inclusion, Global Goals, Governance and Transparency, Health, Human Rights and Governance, Impact Measurement, Measuring Social Impact, Partnerships, Responsible Business, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sustainable Development

January 30, 2025

Protecting Garment Workers from Climate Extremes

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.

Business Purpose, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Corporate Impact, Health, Responsible Business, Sustainable Development

January 29, 2025

Growing Prosperity in a Warming World: A Strategy for Resilient Agriculture

As we enter 2025, the impacts of climate change are ever more prominent everywhere we look – especially for smallholder farmers. While there are no easy fixes to the climate challenges we face, there are solutions. This blog explores innovative business approaches to draw down CO2 and create new economic opportunities in areas of poverty.

Agriculture, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice

January 29, 2025

Climate Change and Biodiversity: The Inextricable Link

Climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected crises driven by unsustainable development. Aligning global goals from COP16 and COP29 presents a critical opportunity to tackle these issues together. Practical Action advocates for funding frontline communities, empowering Indigenous leadership, and adopting integrated solutions to protect ecosystems, combat climate impacts, and build a sustainable future for people and the planet

Agriculture, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice

January 20, 2025

5 Insights to Guide the Business Fights Poverty Community into 2025

As 2025 begins, businesses must shift from strategy to action on sustainability, resilience, and social impact. With support from Business Fights Poverty Institute Fellows, this article outlines five key priorities, including reimagining resilience, scaling regenerative solutions, aligning social and environmental goals, advancing living wages, and leveraging collaboration as a competitive edge. The year ahead offers a critical opportunity to drive meaningful, systemic change.

Business, Business Purpose, Climate & Environment, Corporate Impact, Economic Development, Employment and Jobs, Equity, Global Goals, Human Rights and Governance, Livelihoods and Jobs, Living Wages, Poverty, Responsible Business, Sustainable Development

January 14, 2025

Blockchain, Food and Supply Chains with Antoinette and Sander

Antoinette Marie, Director of Heifer Labs, and Sander de Jong, Managing Director of Fairfood talk blockchain, supplychains and food.

Agriculture, Business, Financial Inclusion, Food and Nutrition, Livelihoods and Jobs, Living Wages, Partnerships, Poverty, Small and Medium Enterprises, Technology

January 13, 2025

Transformative Partnerships with Taryn from Cargill and Chris from CARE

Social Impact Pioneers Taryn Davis of Cargill & Chris Noble of CARE talk business and social good through transformative partnerships.

Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Partnerships

January 13, 2025

Harnessing the Power of Local Networks for Climate Preparedness

As climate-related emergencies escalate, local networks of NGOs and businesses are becoming indispensable in disaster risk management. These networks foster anticipatory action and resilience through partnerships with governments, exemplified in countries like Peru, Madagascar, and the Philippines. By integrating local networks into disaster frameworks, we can achieve more effective, timely, and equitable responses to crises.

Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Partnerships

January 10, 2025

Agribusiness and Market Systems for Climate Justice

Smallholder farmers are at the forefront of the climate crisis, forming the backbone of global food systems while bearing its brunt. Market systems development (MSD) offers a transformative approach to achieving climate resilience and justice by fostering sustainable, scalable solutions. This article explores MSD’s potential to empower smallholders, drive greener growth, and support equitable climate action.

Agriculture, Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

December 16, 2024

Empowering Young Green and Social Entrepreneurs: A Call to Collective Action

Young green and social entrepreneurs are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but face barriers like funding gaps, market challenges, and regulatory hurdles. Youth Business International (YBI) and Development Solutions urge governments, financial institutions, and stakeholders to prioritize investment, legal support, and training to empower these innovators.

Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Corporate Impact, Finance and Investment, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Enterprises, Youth

December 10, 2024

ACCESS RESOURCES: Climate Justice Series 2024

The Business Fights Poverty Climate Justice Series ran alongside COP29 featuring a Community Forum discussion, as well as articles and podcasts to mark the occasion. This Series provided an opportunity to connect with peers and global advocates to explore how we can prioritise people in climate change strategies and actions.

Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Corporate Impact, Partnerships, Sustainable Development

December 9, 2024

David Nicholson, Mercy Corps and Thomas Beloe UNDP Talk Human Centred Climate Action

David Nicholson of Mercy Corps and Thomas Beloe from the UNDP talk human centred climate action, reflecting on COP29 in Baku.

Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Human Rights, Human Rights and Governance

December 6, 2024

Climate Justice Forum during COP29

Prioritising People in Climate Strategies The Business Fights Poverty Climate Justice Community Forum during COP29 convened experts and community members to explore how businesses

Climate Action, Climate Justice

December 5, 2024

Farmers Hold the Key to Climate Action: It’s Time to Listen

As a contentious COP29 wraps up in Azerbaijan, the eyes of the climate community turn to Brazil and COP30. In this article, TechnoServe’s Tony Siantonas and Katarina Kahlmann lay out five priorities to ensure that next year’s climate conference delivers the breakthrough that smallholder farmers need.

Agriculture, Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sustainable Development

December 4, 2024

Simon Crittle & Kazi Jawad Hossain on COP29 and Tackling Poverty

Meet two Social Impact Pioneers as they talk international development, climate resilience and the climate COP29 in Baku, Azebijan.

Agriculture, Business, Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Gender, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sustainable Development

December 3, 2024

Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights: Smart Climate Action and Good Business

Investing in women’s health and reproductive rights is both smart climate action and good business. With women disproportionately affected by climate stressors—like heat, flooding, and forced migration—companies have a responsibility and a benefit in enhancing their health. Boosting women’s well-being strengthens supply chains, drives productivity, and builds resilience in the face of climate change.

Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Gender, Health, Sustainable Development

December 2, 2024

Why is Doing Business Differently Critical to Combatting Climate Injustice?

Endless economic growth prioritises profit over people and the planet, deepening inequalities and accelerating climate crises. This article explores purpose-driven enterprises as a sustainable alternative, emphasising regenerative practices, ethical purchasing, and community resilience. With examples like WeWilder, it showcases how rethinking commerce can address systemic challenges and build a fair, sustainable future for all.

Climate & Environment, Climate Action, Climate Justice, Sustainable Development

December 2, 2024

Sustainable Development

Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals