NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Connexus Corporation is working with USAID, CRS, IRG, and Chemonics International to organize a two-day learning event, which will raise awareness of the changing demographics impacting global demand and supply of food, and highlight how food systems are transforming, linking rural to urban markets, and responding to changing food preferences, especially in urban areas of developing countries. In 2017, we will highlight the multiple ways in which the private sector, governments, donors and development practitioners are working to improve food security, adjust systems and adapt finance for urban agriculture and sustainable energies.
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Cracking the Nut 2017 will provide a demand-driven, collaborative learning space where participants share experiences and best practice information on programs, methodologies, strategies and tools; network to build partnerships; and gain new technical capacities to build the fields of sustainable energy, agriculture, food processing and distribution, and access to finance. This two-day event will bring together approximately 300 of the world’s leading industry thought leaders from private sector companies, financial institutions, investors, donors, and development practitioners to discuss  “tough nuts” related reinforcing food systems and urban demand

GMW is an annual global celebration, initiated by Child & Youth Finance International (CYFI), with local and regional events and activities aimed at inspiring children and youth to learn about money, saving, creating livelihoods, gaining employment and becoming an entrepreneur.

Our programme has been formed around a structured learning environment, providing you with the key insights that only our global community of pioneering speakers, partner organisations and faculty can provide.

We begin the week with an overview of the trends and macroeconomic reasons for the growth of the sector, and quickly progress to policy, theory, and practice. The focus will be on developing useful skills essential to succeed in impact investments, including building effective organisations able to address the rigors of due diligence and supporting effective community-based projects.

Participants will finish the programme informed, inspired, and equipped to participate in, and make a positive contribution to community-based and global change and the impact investing profession.