On 22nd January, the Business Fights Poverty community came together to explore how we can collectively navigate the opportunities and challenges of 2025. This online event was a unique opportunity to connect, share insights, and collaborate on key trends and strategies to deepen partnerships for impact.
Help share these valuable insights far and wide via this LINKEDIN POST
Our annual start-of-year Community Forum is an inclusive and engaging platform where voices from around the world come together. Part written forum, part video event, the session provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and network with panellists and community members globally.
Thanks for the invitation Yvette and Zahid and this wonderful initiative! It will be a pleasure to participate and share of views from BBVA Microfinance Foundation. [Laura FernƔndez Lord](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ laurafernandezlord)
I am Muhammad Zubair Mughal, the Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE). With over 19 years of experience in Islamic finance, I have dedicated my career to promoting Shariah-compliant financial systems, including Islamic banking, Takaful, Sukuk, and Islamic microfinance, across more than 85 countries. I have had the privilege of working with esteemed organizations such as the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and central banks worldwide to develop inclusive and sustainable financial solutions. Through my research, speaking engagements, and advisory roles, I strive to contribute to financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, and the global advancement of Islamic finance.
It will be a pleasure to Participate and share my views from Alhuda CIBE.
You can find me on LinkedIn at: Zubair Mughal - AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking & Economics | LinkedIn
I am glad to be invited! I am Dos Santos (NIlton) from African Trade Chamber, Southern African Region. In my point of view to enhance social and environmental impact in 2025, businesses should align their operations with principles that prioritize sustainability, ethical governance, and community well-being. This includes investing in renewable energy, sustainable farming, and strengthening local supply chains to reduce reliance on imports while generating jobs and boosting regional economies. Equipping youth and women with skills and opportunities should be a key focus to address unemployment and enable their meaningful participation in economic progress. Crucially, businesses must involve the communities they serve as active stakeholders and, where possible, as shareholders to ensure solutions are inclusive, equitable, and community-driven.
Overcoming challenges like climate risks, economic disparities, and limited financial access will require joint efforts between the public and private sectors, along with tailored regional approaches. Companies must prioritize building resilience through initiatives that address environmental threats, ensure fair compensation, and expand access to funding for small businesses and community-driven enterprises. By embedding local communities into decision-making processes and offering them a tangible stake in the outcomes, businesses can foster trust, drive transformative change, and support lasting development while achieving sustainable growth.
Hello All, Looking forward to the conversation, thanks for including me. You can find me here; LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriajory excited to be involved.
Hello Changemakers, Iām Tsegga Medhin, an Equity Accelerator UNSDG2030 Consultant with a passion for driving gender equality and womenās empowerment. As the founder of The Pearl Leadership Institute, Iāve worked with clients across Sub-Saharan Africa and EMEA to accelerate economic growth, improve health and wellness, and increase access to STEM education for girls and women. With over two decades background in the Technology and Financial sector, as Past President of UN Women US NC, Iāve seen firsthand the impact that business can have in fighting poverty and promoting sustainable development. Iām looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and exploring ways to leverage business as a force for good. Letās connect via Linkedin Tsegga Medhin,MBA,CPC, CDE - The Pearl Leadership Institute https://thepearlleadershipinstitute.org/ | LinkedIn
If you could offer one piece of guidance to a corporate social impact leader stepping into 2025, what would it be?
As a former IBMās Corporate Social Responsibility Manager,
Iāve had the privilege of working on various social impact initiatives that have driven meaningful change. If I could offer one piece of guidance to a corporate social impact leader stepping into 2025, it would be to BE MORE OF A DO TANK than A THINK TANK. prioritize intentional leadership, authenticity and contextual understanding in their responsibility of social impact strategy to leave a legacy of a better future for people and planet.
In todayās complex, AI, data driven, and interconnected world, itās no longer enough to simply ācheck the boxā on corporate social responsibility. To truly drive impact, social impact leaders must take the time to deeply understand the needs and challenges of the communities they serve. This requires a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt, as well as a commitment to transparency and accountability.
At IBM, I saw firsthand the impact that authentic and contextual social impact initiatives can have. From our work in education and PTECH skills development to our initiatives in environmental sustainability and community development, This will be even more critical in 2025, as our next generations of leaders will increasingly expect to witness how how business can fight poverty and inequity.
āBE MORE OF A DO TANK than A THINK TANKā. Love this take! True social impact leaders put in relevant and intentional work that creates real impact on the ground.
We at Smarter Good work with our nonprofit partners to know our audience to ensure messaging and narratives drive the positive results that we want. The same applies to corporate social responsibility. Programs have to be realistic and appropriate for the communities, and progress and success are trackable and measurable. Iāll take a simple ābasicā program over something fancy and shiny if itās proven effective.
Hi everyone - looking forward to connecting with you all tomorrow. Iām Catherine from Oxfam GB, and with my brilliant team, we work to build partnerships with the private sector.
Iām Alexandra Salas of Bpeace, where we believe in the transformative power of decent jobs. In crisis-affected communities, we partner with local businesses to create meaningful employment opportunities, with a special focus on expanding womenās economic power. In times like these, sharing stories and innovative approaches isnāt just inspiringāitās essential for moving forward with purpose. Letās connect and continue the conversation: LinkedIn profile here.
