Measuring impact has been the challenge for many social enterprises and NGOs when it comes to truly assess the real benefit of their work. But why is it a challenge? And why is it also such low priority for many organisations? We explore further the challenge and the reason why this overlooked aspect is more important than ever.
Episode 39: Italy and sustainable development - is it possible?
In Episode 32, we spoke of Italy's need for sustainable development. On today's episode, we explore the possibility by speaking with Andrea Pastorelli, CEO of Teach for Italy and Daniele Abate, Public-Funded Project Manager for H-Farm to discuss how focusing on education and entrepreneurship for social impact can potential save Italy. But most importantly, we uncover whether it is still possible, even the current economic crisis.
Episode 36: Humanitarian diplomacy revealed
UN agencies such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have immortalised the role of the humanitarian diplomat and the crucial role they play in safeguarding the interests of marginalised communities. But can diplomats for sustainable development be considered humanitarians as well? Or is there a fine line between humanitarian aid and sustainability? We uncover the definition of both and see if both actors have a similar approach in their way of saving the world.
As mentioned in the episode: Osterman, C. "How globalisation didn't start with the local". Social Value UK. 2019.
Episode 31: Frontier Markets - the sustainable frontier for impact investors?
With all the hype on emerging markets, we forget there is one additional realm which very few impact investors have considered until now - frontier markets. On this episode, we speak with Gavin Serkin of New Markets Media and Intelligence to discuss what they are, why impact investors should be considering them and why they matter for a sustainable future.
Episode 27: Spotlight on the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has witnessed unprecedented growth and an economic boom since the mid-2000's, rendering this island nation as the top receiver of FDI in Latin America and the fastest growing economy in the region. But apart from business and trade opportunities, what lies for sustainable development? While it is an emerging economy, it is still a developing one. So what are they key gaps present and what can be done for greater social impact? We explore more on today's episode.
Episode 23: Spotlight on Indonesia
On 17 April 2019, Indonesians went to the polls and voted in current President Joko Widodo (commonly called Jokowi) back into office for a second term. But with underachieving on certain developmental promises and a sudden alliance with the more conservative right wing, what political implications will this have for both development and sustainability for the country in the coming years? We provide the overview and analysis on this episode.
Episode 22: The opportunity for businesses in supporting the SDGs - a conversation with Matt Loose
With the launch of the SDGs back in 2015, there was an opportunity for businesses and the private sector to come on board in supporting the global goals. But the pick up has been with mixed results. In this episode, we speak with Matt Loose of SustainAbility to discuss the opportunities available for businesses in supporting the SDGS and why it makes financial and commercial sense in saving the world.
Episode 20: Brazil under Bolsonaro - political will and the SDGs
In early 2019, Brazil elected Jair Bolsonaro as its new president. Hailed as the "Trump of Brazil" by many media commentator for his far-right stances, he has come into office promising to tackle the country's urban violence and spiralling corruption which has caused much unwanted attention globally. Much like Trump, Bolsonaro dismisses climate change and his political focus is no longer on sustainable development for a country where economic inequality and poverty is still a reality. So what is the current political climate and will for sustainable development in Brazil? On this episode, we're joined by Dr Ryan Lloyd of the University of Sao Paulo, Amanda Lima of UNDP and political journalist Carlos Oliveira to discuss the current Brazilian political landscape, political will for the SDGs and the change for businesses and NGOs to influence for the sake of social good.
Episode 15: What the hell is the difference? Development diplomacy vs diplomacy in international development
The term 'development diplomacy' has been confused often with diplomacy in international development. On this episode, we take the time to dissect the two, explain their differences and their respective importance in foreign affairs, business and sustainable development.
Episode 13: What is Impact Investment?
According to the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, there are estimates that in 2018, US $12 trillion was invested in socially responsible investment funds. Impact investing is a rapidly growing industry with a huge potential to bring sustainable social impact. But what is it? In this episode, we dive in to what it is, how it works and how it can help both emerging and developing economies.
Episode 12: Life After Economic Sanctions
For years, the preferred method of US Foreign Policy against states deemed dangerous were economic sanctions. From Sudan to Iran, sanctions have proved to be more harmful to the people on the ground than the government. But with sanctions lifted from Sudan in 2017 and the EU rigorously trying for the sake of their businesses to bypass re-emerging sanctions from the USA against Iran, what are the opportunities that lay for NGOs, impact investors and businesses when the curtains of sanctions are lifted? And what is the political will present for them? Our Director and Host Gesu Antonio Baez dives into the question to find out more.
Episode 11: Senegal - Africa's Rising Star
Africa is booming - there's no doubt about that! But some of the countries in the continent are really taking centre stage. One country in particular is Senegal. In this episode, we cover the political will present in the country that provides opportunities for businesses, NGOs and investors to engage with the country to further both social impact and sustainable development endeavours.
Episode 10: Why diplomacy in business?
In a rapidly globalising word, businesses are needing to engage more with governments. And with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations promoting more Private-Public partnerships, businesses are going to need a lot more political tact in order to engage with governments. This means employing diplomacy itself. In this episode, we explain why diplomacy in business is crucial, especially for businesses that foster sustainable development and social impact.
Episode 6: Can we invest during conflict?
Image by AFP/Getty Images
In September 2017, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched the new endeavour entitled “Humanitarian Impact Bonds” (HIBS) with the intention to sanction money from the private sector towards development in conflict zones. But can this be of benefit? How does it work and if it does work, how do we spread the word? We discuss more about the potential for HIBs in today’s episode.
Episode 3: Keeping up with Rwanda
More than 20 years since the horrific Rwandan Genocide leaving around one million Rwandans dead, the country has made a complete 360 degree change, becoming East Africa’s most up-and-coming emerging economy. Listen in to this quick overview and find our how Rwanda is committed to both global growth through sustainability and dynamic development.
