# Together for 2026 **URL:** \ **Category:** Impact\ **Created:** [January 21, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844 "2026-01-21T14:45:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BFP\_Moderator](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/bfp_moderator/32/24851_2.png) [@BFP\_Moderator](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/BFP_Moderator)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/1 "2026-01-21T14:45:34Z")
![Together for 2026](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/uploads/default/original/3X/6/f/6f2712fc40e6d90c1a6e4abcbe1f43555cf24236.jpeg) **\>\>\> [READ THE SUMMARY ARTICLE](https://businessfightspoverty.org/together-for-2026-navigating-a-shifting-social-impact-landscape/)** At the start of every year, the Business Fights Poverty community comes together to explore how we can collectively navigate the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead. This online forum is a unique opportunity to connect, share insights, and collaborate on key trends and strategies to deepen partnerships for impact. Together we discussed: - What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for you personally in driving meaningful social impact in the year ahead? - As terms like ESG and DEI become increasingly politicised, what is working for you when communicating social impact in ways that build shared understanding and bridge political divides? - In this shifting and contested context, what advice would you offer on leading and managing change while also supporting the personal resilience of those driving social impact? See what insights members of our community took away from the discussion in this [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/business-fights-poverty_togetherfor2026-businessfightspoverty-activity-7422290980592218112-oGF0?) post. Please re-share these insights to help us reach others who might benefit. **Opening speakers during the video meeting:** [Rachel Cowburn-Walden](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cowburn-walden/), Strategic Business and Human Rights Adviser [Meshack Kawinzi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshack-kawinzi-6ab43b65/), Social Sustainability and Gender Equality Specialist [Katie Hyson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiehyson/), Director of Thought Leadership During the opening of the Forum, Katie presented the insights corporates and NGOs shared recently in one-on-one interviews with us. Access the full paper here: [https://bit.ly/49Oxkmu](https://bit.ly/49Oxkmu) **Named Contributors in the Written Forum** We thank these members of our community for their insights. Everyone in our community is welcome to participate in the discussions and add their thoughts. **Paul Ellingstad,** Managing Partner, PTI Advisors **Stef Engels,** Consultant, Camzai Ltd **Ilze Melngailis,** Consultant, Independent **Maya Middlemiss,** Consultant, Remote Work Europe **Jennifer Owens,** President, Jennwork **Maggie Rarieya,** Consultant, Independent **Hamish Taylor,** Director, Shinergise Partners Ltd. **How to add your comments** This discussion will remain open. To post a comment, you will need to sign up / log in to the Business Fights Poverty Discussion Forum: If you are not already a member of the Business Fights Poverty online community, you will need to [sign up here](https://businessfightspoverty.org/login/). If you are a member, we have recently updated our community platform so you will need to reset your password when you [log in](https://businessfightspoverty.org/login/). Once you are logged in correctly, return to this page and click “Log In” - the blue button at the top right of this page - you will not need to enter your details again. ---
**Author:** ![BFP\_Moderator](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/bfp_moderator/32/24851_2.png) [@BFP\_Moderator](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/BFP_Moderator)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 10:53am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/2 "2026-01-22T10:53:39Z")
We look forward to hosting our live Community Forum on Wednesday, **28 January** , 15:00 - 16:30 (GMT), in the meantime, please do introduce yourself below. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_Ellingstad](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/paul_ellingstad/32/24121_2.png) [@Paul\_Ellingstad](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Paul_Ellingstad)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/3 "2026-01-26T15:55:32Z")
Looking forward to an engaging discussion on Wednesday! ---
**Author:** ![Marc\_Schleifer](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/marc_schleifer/32/25389_2.png) [@Marc\_Schleifer](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Marc_Schleifer)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/4 "2026-01-27T21:44:43Z")
Busy day tomorrow but hoping to tune in for some of the session - but if I can’t will be interested in seeing what everyone has to say about the discussion questions! ---
**Author:** ![rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rcwstrategicconsulti/32/25510_2.png) [@rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/rcwstrategicconsulti)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 8:36am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/5 "2026-01-28T08:36:43Z")
Hello everyone -this is me [(16) Rachel Cowburn-Walden | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cowburn-walden/?originalSubdomain=uk) Looking forward to seeing everyone later, discussing and learning as we embark on what will be a challenging and critical year for social impact. I am ready for it though! Honest, frank and practical reflections very welcome. Rachel ---
**Author:** ![rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rcwstrategicconsulti/32/25510_2.png) [@rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/rcwstrategicconsulti)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 8:44am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/6 "2026-01-28T08:44:23Z")
Hope to see you later Marc! ---
**Author:** ![Maya\_Middlemiss](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/maya_middlemiss/32/25449_2.png) [@Maya\_Middlemiss](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Maya_Middlemiss)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 10:30am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/7 "2026-01-28T10:30:32Z")
Togetherness is what will make the difference, in 2026. Looking forward to this event very much, see you later ---
**Author:** ![Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/shinergise/32/24511_2.png) [@Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Shinergise)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 11:28am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/8 "2026-01-28T11:28:11Z")
Hi everyone, for the first time in days here in Dollar, Scotland it seems like the sun is shining - and just disappointed that my new outdoor WiFi router has not yet arrived… look forward to sharing the sunshine on-line later today! ---
**Author:** ![Maggieger](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/maggieger/32/24291_2.png) [@Maggieger](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Maggieger)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 11:59am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/9 "2026-01-28T11:59:15Z")
Hi. This is Maggie. I work at the intersection of global health, social impact, and purpose-driven organisations, mostly focused on how we move from good intentions to impact that actually lasts. I’m really looking forward to learning from others in this thread and exchanging practical perspectives on what’s working (and what’s tough) in the current climate. ---
**Author:** ![ilze](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/ilze/32/25509_2.png) [@ilze](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/ilze)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/10 "2026-01-28T14:13:10Z")
This 2026 Social Impact Landscape paper by the Business Fights Poverty team is a powerful playbook for navigating this year and the near future. The insights collectively, support making the ‘business case’. Smart storytelling and communications is important. But history has shown the P&L impact of any issue is what drives critical mass and action (HIV, reproductive health, climate, DEI…you name it). Looking forward to unpacking this further with the committed experts joining today’s call. See you all soon. ---
**Author:** ![rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rcwstrategicconsulti/32/25510_2.png) [@rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/rcwstrategicconsulti)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/11 "2026-01-28T14:21:20Z")
Nice to hear from you Hamish. Hope all good. ---
**Author:** ![rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rcwstrategicconsulti/32/25510_2.png) [@rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/rcwstrategicconsulti)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/12 "2026-01-28T14:22:14Z")
couldn’t agree more! ---
**Author:** ![rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rcwstrategicconsulti/32/25510_2.png) [@rcwstrategicconsulti](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/rcwstrategicconsulti)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/13 "2026-01-28T14:22:34Z")
Nice to meet you Maggie. ---
**Author:** ![Stefan\_Engels](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/stefan_engels/32/25391_2.png) [@Stefan\_Engels](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Stefan_Engels)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 2:35pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/14 "2026-01-28T14:35:46Z")
Looking forward to seeing you all in a bit 👎 ---
**Author:** ![Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/shinergise/32/24511_2.png) [@Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Shinergise)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 3:01pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/15 "2026-01-28T15:01:52Z")
All good. Not quite as busy as I used to be but momentum is rebuilding! ---
**Author:** ![katie.hyson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/katie.hyson/32/24946_2.png) [@katie.hyson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/katie.hyson)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/16 "2026-01-28T15:12:46Z")
_ **Welcome to our written discussion today** _ ---
**Author:** ![ilze](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/ilze/32/25509_2.png) [@ilze](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/ilze)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 3:13pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/17 "2026-01-28T15:13:55Z")
On Rachel’s point about competition AND collaboration - Yes! this is about fomenting a race to the top… ---
**Author:** ![katie.hyson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/katie.hyson/32/24946_2.png) [@katie.hyson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/katie.hyson)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/18 "2026-01-28T15:20:54Z")
**Our first question today** 1. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for you personally in driving meaningful social impact in the year ahead? ---
**Author:** ![Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/shinergise/32/24511_2.png) [@Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Shinergise)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 3:21pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/19 "2026-01-28T15:21:53Z")
**Companies seem to be particularly struggling in this geo-political chaos to COMMIT to sustainable environmental and social justice programmes** ; there is a general sense of shared anxiety and of course pressure on budgets - they know that they should “_do something_” but appear reluctant to pull the trigger on the required resource and investment commitments. They need help, continuous support and every now and then, a gentle prod! ---
**Author:** ![ilze](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/ilze/32/25509_2.png) [@ilze](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/ilze)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2026, 3:21pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844/20 "2026-01-28T15:21:58Z")
Challenge: lack of sustainability of the sustainability movement. [Next page](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/together-for-2026/5844.md?page=2)