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

Join us in Mexico City for the GAIL Summit 2025, where legal professionals from across the globe will come together to explore the evolving field of impact law.

As societies face increasing complexity—from climate-related challenges to global economic shifts—the legal profession has a vital role to play in developing practical frameworks that support more inclusive, sustainable, and accountable systems. The GAIL Summit will provide a structured forum for legal practitioners, academics and law students to examine these developments and collaborate on shaping effective legal responses.

The programme will focus on translating systems thinking into practical legal tools that can support resilient communities, economies, and ecosystems. With particular attention to perspectives and leadership from the Global South, including a spotlight on Latin America, the Summit will provide a platform for shared learning and peer exchange among legal experts from diverse jurisdictions.

Participants will engage in thematic sessions covering cutting-edge issues in impact investing, blended finance, climate law, ESG, corporate governance, philanthropy, purposeful business, and emerging legal models. These sessions are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, identify best practices, and support the development and refinement of legal approaches that underpin positive social and environmental outcomes.

The GAIL Summit is intended as a working space for reflection, collaboration, and practical progress—bringing together legal professionals who are committed to advancing the field of impact law for the public good.

AfriLabs Annual Gathering: Shaping Africa’s Innovation Future
The AfriLabs Annual Gathering remains Africa’s premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation. In 2024, Cape Town hosted the 9th edition under the theme “Uniting Innovation,” convening over 2,000 participants from 50+ countries. Reflecting on the event, Hon. Jane Sithole, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, South Africa, remarked:

“Collaboration across borders is the key to unlocking Africa’s shared prosperity and innovation-driven future.”

Looking ahead, the 10th AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG 2025) will take place from October 13–15, 2025 at the prestigious United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), under the theme “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships & Progress.”

This landmark edition is being co-hosted in partnership with timbuktoo, the pan-African innovation initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to unlocking Africa’s innovation potential through inclusive policy dialogue and transformative partnerships.

Nairobi, often referred to as Africa’s “Silicon Savannah,” offers the perfect stage for this milestone gathering. Over the course of three days, AAG 2025 will convene Ministers, Heads of Innovation and Investment Agencies, Private Sector Executives, Development Partners, and Innovation Ecosystem Leaders for high-level discussions and impactful engagements on the continent’s innovation agenda.

Join us as we shape Africa’s innovation future.