What are the key trends shaping the social impact landscape in 2026?

[In Person, 60 mins]

A peer-led clinic exploring the most significant shifts shaping the social impact landscape for 2026. Drawing on Business Fights Poverty’s latest insights, participants will examine how polarisation, funding uncertainty, AI and climate disruption are reshaping business responsibility. Includes short speaker reflections and facilitated table discussions focused on practical implications.

Speakers:

Hazel Taylor-Tangen, Investment Director and Head of Investor Desk, British International Investment plc

Sarah Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Practical Action

Flynn Lebus, Social Impact Director, Global Sustainability, AXA XL

What is genuinely working for social impact professionals managing change in 2026?

[In Person, 60 mins]

This clinic focuses on what is genuinely working for social impact professionals navigating disruption in 2026. Grounded in practitioner insights, the session explores how leaders stay anchored in purpose, build trust, support teams, and collaborate effectively under pressure. Includes speaker input and table discussions designed for candid peer exchange and applied learning.

Speakers:

Divya Kalychurn, Senior Partnerships Manager, Save the Children

Lindsay Camacho, Associate Director, Institutional Partnerships, Acumen

How should social impact leaders adapt their language in a more politicised environment?

[In Person, 60 mins]

A practical clinic on how social impact leaders are adapting narrative and language in a more politicised environment. Drawing on real-world lessons from practitioners, participants will explore how to communicate impact with clarity, credibility and business relevance, while avoiding polarising terminology. Includes speaker reflections and facilitated discussions on what resonates today.

Speakers:

Anita Tiessen, CEO, Youth Business International

Karine Sar, BCI Director for West, Central and Southern Africa, Barefoot College

How are current social and environmental challenges disrupting livelihoods?

[Hybrid, 75 mins]

A hybrid workshop exploring the biggest disruptive forces reshaping livelihoods, including AI and climate change. We will take a deeper look at the impacts on women, youth and refugees. Featuring an interview-style panel and facilitated table discussions, participants will share insights and practical responses, drawing on experience from organisations working at the frontline of change.

SPEAKERS:

Cordelia Chesnutt, Migration Specialist, Private Sector 4 Refugees, The World Bank Group

Franziska Deininger, Program Officer for Europe & Just Transition, The World Bank Group

Kate Sullam, Head of Impact Measurement and Insights, Standard Chartered

Rachel Seftel, Head of Research and Impact, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women

Moderator: Alice Allan, Co-Director, Business Fights Poverty Institute

A 30-minute networking break designed to strengthen relationships across business, civil society and academia. Participants will have time to connect informally, follow up on earlier discussions, and explore potential collaborations. Both in-person and online attendees are encouraged to build practical connections that extend beyond the Summit.

How can companies strengthen livelihoods through their value chains?

[Hybrid, 75 mins]

A hybrid session examining how companies can strengthen livelihoods through their value chains, including suppliers, distributors and employees. Through an interview-style panel and table discussions, participants will explore what effective action looks like in practice, how to embed livelihoods into core business strategy, and how to scale solutions through partnerships.

SPEAKERS:

Sandra Fontano, Senior Global Social Sustainability Manager, Unilever

Bilal Bawany, Global Sustainable Sourcing Lead, Mars Snacking, Mars Inc

Frances Goodwin, Living Wage Lead, Primark Cares, Primark

Myriam Ballot, Inclusive Sourcing Global Manager, L’Oréal

Moderator: Zahid Torres-Rahman OBE, Co-Founder and CEO, Business Fights Poverty