Business fights Poverty
Global GOALS
23 – 25 SEPTEMBER 2025
Online | NEW YORK | Nairobi
Economic Opportunity for all
In September, as the world gathers for the 80th UN General Assembly, the Global Goals Summit 2025 united leaders in New York, Nairobi and online to co-create solutions for decent jobs, resilient livelihoods, and inclusive economic opportunity.
The Business Fights Poverty Global Goals Summit 2025, our annual flagship event took place during the 80th UN General Assembly. Over three days, we convened senior leaders from business, civil society, and government in New York and Nairobi, together with a large global online audience.
This year’s theme is Economic Opportunity for All: Decent Jobs and Resilient Livelihoods. In partnership with Barclays, Standard Chartered, the Harvard Kennedy School’s Corporate Responsibility Initiative, and others, we shared practical lessons and co-created solutions for more inclusive and resilient economies.
The Summit also launched a new Business Fights Poverty Institute report, “5 Bridges to 2045,” which sets out how businesses can embed social and environmental impact into their core strategy and operations.
What makes this Summit unique is its interactive format of workshops, clinics, and networking; its inclusive reach through multi-location gatherings and a seamless online experience; and its insightful content from leading voices in business and international development.
We connected with peers, heard from global innovators, and helped shape the next 20 years of business impact.
SUMMIT RESOURCES
How Can We Prepare the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future?
This session, hosted with Barclays, explored how AI is reshaping the future of work. Hear from workforce development leaders, Per Scholas, Robin Hood, NationSwell, and corporate voices on how they are adapting programmes to equip learners for the jobs of tomorrow while ensuring access to opportunity.
Hear practical insights from innovators bridging AI disruption and workforce readiness, and discover how cross-sector partnerships can create pathways to thriving careers in a rapidly changing economy.
https://vimeo.com/1121461621/6f543daf7a
FULL VIDEO & SUMMARY
23 Sept | Online | NYC
How can the private sector accelerate and converge efforts to tackle poverty?
This fireside chat with Vale explores how the private sector can drive impactful solutions to tackle poverty. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, speakers discussed how businesses can align purpose with profit, scale inclusive initiatives, and collaborate across sectors to create sustainable change for vulnerable communities.
Gain insights into how businesses can create inclusive solutions to tackle poverty, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, align social impact with strategy, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and community resilience.
https://vimeo.com/1121546207/581e4c75da
FULL VIDEO & SUMMARY
23 Sept | Online | NYC
How Can We Expand MSME Growth Opportunities in the Face of Disruption?
Hosted with Walmart, this session explores how to expand MSME growth opportunities in the face of disruption. Examine strategies for strengthening local supplier networks, enhancing capacity, and building resilient value chains that adapt to shocks while generating long-term economic and social value.
Explore practical ways to support MSME growth amid disruption. Gain insights on resilient supply chains, supplier partnerships, and business models that foster innovation, adaptability, and shared prosperity.
https://vimeo.com/1121588697/615365fa6d
FULL VIDEO & SUMMARY
23 Sept | Online | NYC
How Can Companies Turn Sustainability into Jobs, Livelihoods and Lasting Business Value?
With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, the focus is shifting from promises to practice. This Fireside Chat with Novonesis examines how businesses can embed sustainability into strategy, moving beyond risk and cost management to creating jobs, strengthening livelihoods and delivering long-term business value.
Hear how companies are shifting from “making the case” to “living the case,” aligning with investor expectations, building resilient supply chains and turning sustainability into a driver of inclusive growth and innovation.
https://vimeo.com/1121471572/3cf6dc3072
FULL VIDEO & SUMMARY
23 Sept | Online | NYC
How Can Regional Partnerships Unlock Economic Opportunity for All?
This Fireside Chat with the Business Fights Poverty Institute examines regional perspectives on building economic opportunity through decent jobs and resilient livelihoods. Hear from East African Breweries on their Learning for Life programme and from UN Women on Generation Equality. Gain inspiration and practical lessons on how partnerships can overcome barriers and drive inclusive, sustainable livelihoods.
Learn from regional leaders advancing skills, equality, and opportunity. Discover practical approaches to overcome barriers, foster resilient livelihoods, and drive inclusive growth through business and societal partnerships.
https://vimeo.com/1121904431/3288ac8022
FULL VIDEO & SUMMARY
24 Sept | Online | Nairobi
How Can We Unlock Decent Jobs for Underserved Young People in Africa?
Hosted with Standard Chartered, this panel discussion explores the demand-side ecosystem for employability in Africa. Focusing on market-responsive skills, employer incentives, and decent work, the conversation draws insights from Standard Chartered Foundation, real-world examples from business, policy, and youth leaders.
Explore practical solutions for connecting young people to decent entry-level jobs, hear from employers, policymakers, and youth voices, and identify actions to strengthen inclusive employability across Africa’s fast-changing labour market.
https://vimeo.com/1121790935/b81523b7fa
FULL VIDEO & SUMMARY
24 Sept | Online | Nairobi
ONLINE COMMUNITY CLINICs and PANEL:
5 BridgES to 2045: Building Fair, Resilient and Sustainable Business Futures
Our Community Clinics and Lunch Panel marked the launch of the Business Fights Poverty Institute report, 5 Bridges to 2045. Together, these sessions explored how business can help shape a fairer, more resilient and sustainable future. Participants examined the five bridges identified in the report connecting social impact to core business, aligning social and environmental agendas, evolving governance, amplifying local voices, and fostering partnerships, through practical examples and peer exchange.
Across the clinics and the lunch dialogue, participants co-created a future-facing timeline, defining concrete actions, commitments and milestones to embed social and environmental impact into business practice by 2045. The lunch panel offered further insights from leading practitioners on how to translate these ideas into systemic change and lasting economic opportunity for all.
23, 24 & 25 Sept | Online| Nairobi | New York
private in person workshop
This workshop brought together peers and thought leaders to wrap up UNGA80, Climate Week, and the Business Fights Poverty Global Goals Summit. The event featured a moderated conversation among industry peers and key stakeholders.
25 Sept | New York
the experience matters
INSIGHTFUL
98%
We bring together the world’s best thinkers and doers from business, civil society, and international development. Each session is designed to inspire fresh ideas, share practical lessons, and equip you with the tools to drive action.
98% of Summit participants said they learnt something valuable for their work.
INTERACTIVE
97%
Our Summits are designed to get you involved. Instead of sitting passively in rows, you’ll join interactive workshops, clinics, and conversations that encourage you to contribute, challenge ideas, and build meaningful connections with peers both in-person and online.
97% of participants rated our Summit as “good” or “excellent”.
INCLUSIVE
97%
Wherever you are in the world, you can take part. With in-person gatherings in multiple locations and a seamless online experience, our hybrid format ensures every voice can be heard and every perspective adds value.
97% of participants said they would recommend the Summit to colleagues.
Practical Pathways for Business Action
At this year’s Summit we launched the new Business Fights Poverty Institute report – 5 Bridges to 2045.
The report sets out five critical pathways for how business can embed social and environmental impact into core strategy and operations. Each “bridge” highlights a structural gap limiting progress today and offers practical steps and examples to accelerate change. The Report is designed as a guide for action — helping business leaders and partners prioritise what matters most to build a fairer, more resilient future.
ACCESS REPORT AND CASE STUDIES
https://vimeo.com/1113883432
Agenda
Tuesday 23rd September
7.00 AM EDT / 12.00 PM BST | COMMUNITY CLINIC: BRIDGES TO A BETTER FUTURE (90 mins)
🌍 ONLINE
What Bridges Must Business Build to Deliver a Fairer, More Resilient Future?
7.00 to 8.30 am EDT | 12.00 to 1.30 pm BST
This session will examine the five bridges identified in the Business Fights Poverty Institute’s new report, 5 Bridges to 2045: connecting social impact to core business, aligning social and environmental agendas, evolving governance, amplifying local voices, and fostering partnerships. Participants will share reflections and practical examples of how these bridges are being built in real-world contexts.
Join to explore the five “bridges” shaping business impact to 2045. Share insights, examples, and lessons with peers, and help co-create pathways for embedding fairness and resilience into business strategy.
SPEAKERS:
John Bee, Executive Board Member, AOAC AFRICA SECTION
Christian Pirzer, Managing Director, Endeva
Radha Rajkotia, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
Sanjay Banka, Executive Chairman, Banka BioLoo Limited
Maya Middlemiss, Founder, Remote Work Europe
David Wofford, Senior Director, Private Sector Strategy & Engagement, Universal Access Project
Yaquta Fatehi, Program Manager, William Davidson Institute at University of Michigan
Kate Gibson, Senior Advisor & Board Member, Kate Gibson Consulting & Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network member
Iyad Kallas, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
MODERATORS:
Alice Allan, Co-Director, Business Fights Poverty Institute
Anna Olivia Spenner Hernández, Community Learning Manager, Business Fights Poverty
8.30 AM EDT / 1.30 PM BST | WELCOME: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL (15 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇺🇸 NYC
How can we collectively drive economic opportunity for all?
8.30 to 8.45 am EDT | 1.30 to 1.45 pm BST
A welcome from Business Fights Poverty and our hosts for the day, Barclays.
OPENING & WELCOME:
Frances Cabrera, Vice President, Citizenship, Barclays
Zahid and Yvette, Founders, Business Fights Poverty
Will Hines, Director for Development, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
8.45 AM EDT / 1.45 PM BST | WORKSHOP: AI AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (75 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇺🇸 NYC
How Can We Prepare the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future?
8.45 to 10.00 am EDT | 1.45 to 3.00 pm BST
Hosted with Barclays
This session, hosted with Barclays, will explore how AI is reshaping the future of work. Hear from workforce development leaders, Per Scholas, Robin Hood, NationSwell, and corporate voices on how they are adapting programmes to equip learners for the jobs of tomorrow while ensuring access to opportunity.
Join to hear practical insights from innovators bridging AI disruption and workforce readiness, and discover how cross-sector partnerships can create pathways to thriving careers in a rapidly changing economy.
PANELLISTS:
Greg Behrman, Founder & CEO, NationSwell
Chymeka Olfonse, Managing Director, Adults & Household Supports, Robin Hood
Caitlyn Brazill, President, Per Scholas
Dr. John Frey, Senior Director & Chief Technologist, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
MODERATOR:
John Kenny, Vice President, Citizenship, Barclays
CLOSING REMARKS:
Mark Thain, Head of Citizenship, Barclays
10.00 AM EDT / 3.00 PM BST | LIVE FIRESIDE: BUSINESS TACKLING POVERTY (45 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇺🇸 NYC
How can the private sector accelerate and converge efforts to tackle poverty?
10.00 to 10.45 am EDT | 3.00 to 3.45 pm BST
Hosted with Vale
This fireside chat with Vale explores how the private sector can drive impactful solutions to tackle poverty. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, speakers will discuss how businesses can align purpose with profit, scale inclusive initiatives, and collaborate across sectors to create sustainable change for vulnerable communities.
Gain insights into how businesses can create inclusive solutions to tackle poverty, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, align social impact with strategy, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and community resilience.
INTERVIEWEES:
Grazielle Parenti, Executive Vice-President Sustainability, Vale
Jamie Coats, CEO, Wise Responder
INTERVIEWER:
Yvette Torres-Rahman, Co-Founder and CFO, Business Fights Poverty
10.45 AM EDT / 3.45 PM BST | NETWORKING SESSION (30 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇺🇸 NYC
Community Networking
10.45 to 11.15 am EDT | 3.45 to 4.15 pm BST
A chance to meet other members of the community, with structured sessions for our online and in-person participants.
11.15 AM EDT / 4.15 PM BST | WORKSHOP: EXPANDING MSME OPPORTUNITIES (75 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇺🇸 NYC
How Can We Expand MSME Growth Opportunities in the Face of Disruption?
11.15 am to 12.30 pm EDT | 4.15 to 5.30 pm BST
Hosted with Walmart
Hosted with Walmart, this session will explore how to expand MSME growth opportunities in the face of disruption. We will examine strategies for strengthening local supplier networks, enhancing capacity, and building resilient value chains that adapt to shocks while generating long-term economic and social value.
Join to explore practical ways to support MSME growth amid disruption. Gain insights on resilient supply chains, supplier partnerships, and business models that foster innovation, adaptability, and shared prosperity.
PANELLISTS:
Dan Bryant, EVP Global Public Policy & Government Affairs, Walmart
Catalina Garcia, Global Director, Corporate Affairs, AB Inbev
William Warshauer, Chief Executive Officer, TechnoServe
INTERVIEWER:
Beth Jenkins, Senior Adviser, Business Fights Poverty
12.30 PM EDT / 5.30 PM BST | LIVE FIRESIDE: SUSTAINABILITY, JOBS AND BUSINESS VALUE (45 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇺🇸 NYC
How Can Companies Turn Sustainability into Jobs, Livelihoods and Lasting Business Value?
12.30 to 1.15 pm EDT | 5.30 to 6.15 pm BST
Hosted with Novonesis
With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, the focus is shifting from promises to practice. This Fireside Chat with Novonesis will examine how businesses can embed sustainability into strategy, moving beyond risk and cost management to creating jobs, strengthening livelihoods and delivering long-term business value.
Hear how companies are shifting from “making the case” to “living the case,” aligning with investor expectations, building resilient supply chains and turning sustainability into a driver of inclusive growth and innovation.
INTERVIEWEES:
Morten Enggaard Rasmussen, EVP People & Stakeholder Relations, Novonesis
Jane Nelson, Founding Director, Corporate Responsibility Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School
INTERVIEWER:
Ilze Melngailis, Senior Adviser, Business Fights Poverty
1.15 PM EDT | LUNCH: BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL (75 mins)
🇺🇸 NYC
What Bridges Must Business Build to Deliver a Fairer, More Resilient Future?
1.15 to 2.30 pm EDT
Marking the launch of a flagship Business Fights Poverty Institute report, this session will unpack our “5 Bridges to 2045” framework. Using real-world examples, we will explore practical strategies for connecting business functions, aligning environmental and social goals, engaging employees and communities, and fostering collaboration across sectors.
Enjoy a working lunch while gaining fresh insights from leading practitioners. Connect with peers, exchange ideas and explore actionable strategies for driving systemic change, amplifying impact and advancing economic opportunity for all.
SPEAKERS:
Martín Burt, Founder and Executive Director, Fundación Paraguaya
Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV
Wim De Groof, Human Rights Lead, ABF Sugar
Joe Griffin, Head of Sustainability Strategy, Vodafone Foundation
MODERATOR:
Yvette Torres-Rahman, Co-Founder and CFO, Business Fights Poverty
Wednesday 24th September
1.00 PM EAT / 11.00 AM BST | COMMUNITY CLINIC: ACTION FOR A BETTER FUTURE (90 mins)
🌍 ONLINE
What Actions Today Will Shape a Just and Sustainable Business Future by 2045?
1.00 to 2.30 pm EAT | 11.00 to 12.30 pm BST
Looking ahead, what concrete milestones must we set to embed social and environmental impact into core business practice by 2045? This clinic invites participants to co-create a future-facing timeline—highlighting specific actions, commitments, and turning points that will shape business and society over the next 20 years.
Join to co-design a bold, future-facing timeline for business impact. Share practical actions and milestones, from living wages to circularity, that can accelerate progress towards a just, sustainable economy.
SPEAKERS:
Daniel Seymour, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
Dr. Jacques Drolet, Government and Industry Advisor, IDRG/KAYAKAYO
Tanya Singh, Partnerships Associate, Good Business Lab
Martin Casey, Director, AdvoCasey Advisory
Maria-Jose Subiela, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
Isabelle Carboni, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
Austin Atsua Terngu, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
Laura Hawkesford, Co-Director, The Partnership Collective
Saurabh Naithani, Member, Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network
Benon Mugarura, Founder and CEO, Hear Their Voice Initiative (HTVI)
MODERATORS:
Alice Allan, Co-Director, Business Fights Poverty Institute
Katie Hyson, Director, Thought Leadership, Business Fights Poverty
🌍 ONLINE | 🇰🇪 NAIROBI
How Can Regional Partnerships Unlock Economic Opportunity for All?
2.30 to 3.25 pm EAT | 12.30 to 1.25 pm BST
This Fireside Chat will examine regional perspectives on building economic opportunity through decent jobs and resilient livelihoods. Hear from East African Breweries on their Learning for Life programme and from UN Women on Generation Equality. Gain inspiration and practical lessons on how partnerships can overcome barriers and drive inclusive, sustainable livelihoods.
Join this session to learn from regional leaders advancing skills, equality, and opportunity. Discover practical approaches to overcome barriers, foster resilient livelihoods, and drive inclusive growth through business and societal partnerships.
INTERVIEWEES:
Anna Mutavati, Regional Director, East and Southern Africa, UN Women
Eric Kiniti, Group Corporate Relations Director, East African Breweries Limited
Regina Mukiri, Regional Head, Community Impact and Engagement, Kenya & AME, Standard Chartered
INTERVIEWER:
Zahid Torres-Rahman, Co-Founder and CEO, Business Fights Poverty
3.25 PM EAT / 1.25 PM BST | NETWORKING SESSION (20 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇰🇪 NAIROBI
Community Networking
3.25 to 3.45 am EAT | 1.25 to 1.45 pm BST
A chance to meet other members of the community, with structured sessions for our online and in-person participants.
3.45 PM EAT / 8.45 AM EDT / 1.45 PM BST | WORKSHOP: DECENT JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (85 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇰🇪 NAIROBI | 🇺🇸 NYC
How Can We Unlock Decent Jobs for Underserved Young People in Africa?
3.45 to 5.10 pm EAT | 8.45 to 10.10 am EDT | 1.45 to 3.10 pm BST
Hosted with Standard Chartered
Hosted with Standard Chartered, this panel discussion will explore the demand-side ecosystem for employability in Africa. Focusing on market-responsive skills, employer incentives, and decent work, the conversation will draw insights from Standard Chartered Foundation, real-world examples from business, policy, and youth leaders.
Join to explore practical solutions for connecting young people to decent entry-level jobs, hear from employers, policymakers, and youth voices, and identify actions to strengthen inclusive employability across Africa’s fast-changing labour market.
PANELLISTS:
Nadi Albino, Deputy Director, UNICEF Generation Unlimited
Andrew Dabalen, Africa Chief Economist, World Bank
Peter Njioka, Head of Talent Acquisition, Capability, Talent Management & HR Shared Services, Safaricom plc
Wilson Kamau, Disability Inclusion Facilitator, Light for the World Kenya & Youth Sounding Board Member, European Union (EU) – Kenya
MODERATOR:
Natasha Kwakwa, Global Head, Community Impact, Standard Chartered Bank
5.10 PM EAT / 10.10 AM EDT / 3.10 PM BST | CLOSE: FINAL REFLECTIONS (5 mins)
🌍 ONLINE | 🇰🇪 NAIROBI | 🇺🇸 NYC
Final Reflections
5.10 to 5.15 pm EAT | 10.10 to 10.15 am EDT | 3.10 TO 3.15 pm BST
Final reflections from Business Fights Poverty and our hosts for the day, Standard Chartered.
MEET SOME OF OUR amazing speakers…
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