Leading voices from UK social enterprise, co-operatives and social investment have raised concerns over a “landmark” definition of the ‘impact economy’ that risks alienating a number of impactful organisations.
Impact Europe today revealed the name of its new chief: Angela Wiebeck, praised for “building bridges” between mainstream finance and impact over her two decades at UBS and Aquila Capital. She speaks to Pioneers Post from Brussels.
OPINION: There’s a message blowing across the Atlantic that the business of investment is to maximise return, and considering people and planet is woke nonsense. This argument is outdated, says GSG Impact chair Nick Hurd.
INTERVIEW: Putting a price tag on a company’s social and environmental impact is the only way to demonstrate its true profit and loss, believes Sir Ronald Cohen, who is now focusing on driving forward the next accounting revolution.
Women workers outnumber men in social economy organisations; leadership and pay gaps are also lower than in the wider economy. But a “considerable glass ceiling” persists. The OECD argues this needs to change.
The Mumbai slum romanticised in the film Slumdog Millionaire is to be redeveloped – but current plans ignore its function as a hub of enterprise and creativity. Sustainability-linked finance could unlock an alternative future.
UN recognition of the social economy builds on progress in many countries, from Senegal to South Korea. The next step is widespread implementation, say Victorine Anquediche Ndeye, Marlène Schiappa, Chantal Line Carpentier, Frédéric Bailly and Francois Bonnici.
PART 2: Shallow self-knowledge about what's driving you will crumble quickly when you face resistance. So: why you? Why do you care? Tough questions from the gloves-off mentor for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
IMPACT 101: What exactly is being blended in blended finance? Why do we need this strategy – and what are the challenges of making it work? Catch up in our explainer with Dalberg's Marcos Paya.
Social entrepreneur Aimée Clint was namechecked by US president Joe Biden during his speech in Northern Ireland in April to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. “It was like watching a movie,” she tells us.
The global impact deals, reports and initiatives you need to know about this month – all in one place. Featuring ABC Fund, L’Oréal, Social Value Portal, Growth Impact Fund, and many more.
