Article
Global Equity Summit
2026-02-12 · By Michael Salmon-Dabar
Business fights Poverty Global EQUITY 5 March 2026 University of Cambridge & Online ACCESS RESOURCES Content Contributors The Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit is a gathering of senior leaders from business, civil society and academia focused on one urgent question: how do we protect and strengthen livelihoods in an age of disruption? Through a…
Business fights Poverty
Global EQUITY
5 March 2026
University of Cambridge
& Online
Content Contributors
The Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit is a gathering of senior leaders from business, civil society and academia focused on one urgent question: how do we protect and strengthen livelihoods in an age of disruption?
Through a mix of private in-person clinics and hybrid workshops, participants explored the real-world impacts of accelerating forces such as AI, climate instability and displacement, while sharing practical strategies that companies can apply through their core business and value chains.
Designed for candid peer exchange rather than presentations, our Summits create space for experienced practitioners to compare what is working, challenge assumptions, and leave with sharper insight, stronger relationships, and concrete ideas for action.
CLINIC RESOURCES
WORKSHOP RESOURCES
How are current social and environmental challenges disrupting livelihoods?
5 March | Online, Cambridge
How can companies strengthen livelihoods through their value chains?
5 March | Online, Cambridge
FULL RECORDING AND SUMMARY
https://vimeo.com/915114839/fb8115937b
Agenda
Thursday 5TH March
9.00 am GMT | Welcome and In-Person Clinics Round 1: Key Trends
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
10.15 am GMT | In-Person Clinics Round 2: Managing Change
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
11.30 am GMT | In-Person Clinics Round 3: Language
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
1.30 pm GMT | Hybrid Workshop 1: Livelihoods and Disruption
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.
3.15 pm GMT | Hybrid Workshop 2: Livelihoods and Value Chains
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
MEET SOME OF OUR amazing speakers…
Past summit
resources
Explore the amazing content from previous summits