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

The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is back! For more than a decade since the inaugural conference in 2007, we have been bringing together experts and major stakeholders in wide-ranging discussions on low-cost housing issues in the Asia-Pacific region. We aim to connect, interact and collaborate as we share insights and forge partnerships.

Objectives

• Build collaboration between organizations with the capacity to impact the low-cost housing sector in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Recognize and act on the importance of shelter as a driver of inclusion, resilience and sustainability in human settlements.
• Promote leaders and sector players with innovative and high impact housing initiatives through the sharing of best practices.

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with multi-sector leaders and speak out for the importance of shelter in shaping a sustainable future.

Innovations that transform lives…where do they happen? In sophisticated labs? Using ultra-modern technology? And advanced equipment?

No. Not always.

Because when an idea or an innovation is driven by empathy towards the less-privileged and the determination to resolve their hardships, the way forward inevitably appears before you. Everything around you becomes a resource. Whatever you place your hands on, becomes a valuable equipment. And you realize that you are inside one of the grandest labs…a lab called life.

Infosys Foundation is back with its second edition of Aarohan Social Innovation Awards with the aim of recognizing and rewarding individuals, teams or NGOs that are developing solutions for the social sector (Healthcare, Destitute Care, Rural Development, Women’s Safety & Empowerment, Education & Sports and Sustainability) with the potential to positively impact the underprivileged in India at a large scale.

Last year, from 1800+ registrations, 12 social innovators won up to INR 1.75 Cr. Hurry up! The submission process starts on 15th July 2019 and ends on 30th September 2019.

Impact investing is reshaping the future of financial markets as increasingly people are considering the societal and environmental impact of their investments in addition to their financial returns. Building on the success of the 2018 GIIN Investor Forum, which convened more than 1,200 active and aspiring impact investors from over 80 countries, the 2019 Forum will present delegates with the opportunity to make relationships, share insights about new strategies, discover new opportunities, learn the latest industry developments, and explore ways to drive continued momentum and growth in the market.

With billions of people globally without access to reliable electricity and nearly $2 billion USD in cumulative corporate-level investments into this rapidly emerging sector since 2010, off-grid energy access players and their strategic partners are tapping into this massive market opportunity in the energy transition.

Join Greentech Media on 2 October in London for a groundbreaking one-day conference bringing together key stakeholders in this space, including: strategic investors, energy majors, key European utilities and IPPs, and other financial stakeholders, as well as leading solar home system and mini-grid installers leading the charge on the ground in off-grid energy access markets. Use discount code UNF15 for 15% off your registration.

The 2019 Cracking the Nut conference will focus on balancing public concerns for food security with private, market-based solutions. Applying a food systems lens, this two-day learning event will bring together some of the world’s leading experts in rural development, sustainable agriculture, agricultural finance, water sanitation, health and nutrition. The conference will convene high-level representatives from the private sector, governments, donors and development practitioners to discuss the “tough nuts” related to food security, including the themes highlighted below.

• Reducing Systemic Risk: What mechanisms exist to stabilize commodity prices? To what extent can we reduce risks of agricultural investments with insurance and guarantees? How can blended finance be used to encourage investments in clean water, climate smart agriculture and health and nutrition support services? What community-based approaches to rural development can improve resilience and reduce the negative impacts of a food security crisis. How can we measure vulnerability and track systemic changes?

• Improving Health, Nutrition and Access to Clean Water: What is the appropriate policy response to balance competing priorities and protect access to clean water for fish, livestock, agriculture and people? How can the public sector incentivize commercial improvements in nutrition and health? What approaches are needed to ensure benefits flow to low-income communities, households and individuals, including regular consumption of nutritious diets?

• Increasing Inclusion in Commercial Markets: How can we entice the private sector to be more inclusive of women and youth? How do we link informal market opportunities to commercial markets? What public sector stimulus is appropriate to ensure food systems serve the last mile? In what ways do we need to adapt systems and approaches to the specific needs of high risk populations? What does it take to move households beyond subsistence level farming?

The importance of sustainability reporting and ESG disclosures is increasing across the globe. Investors, NGOs and other key stakeholders are requesting greater transparency and disclosure on both current and future impacts.

Our 2019 event will focus on how companies can fully assess and report their impacts across their whole operations – both now and in the future. We will bring together 300+ CEOs, business leaders, investors, Government representatives and NGOs to address the core challenges and understand the latest reporting and communications strategies that are shaping the future of responsible business.

Our flagship event, the SEEP Annual Conference gathers thought leaders and practitioners dedicated to promoting more inclusive markets and financial systems. The Conference offers a highly interactive platform for attendees to connect, engage and learn from each other about shared challenges and opportunities. The agenda is shaped by the conference Advisory Committee — a team of recognized international development leaders. A rich variety of learning formats highlight practical experience and recognized expertise to maximize engagement:

• Peer Learning Sessions bring diverse perspectives and experience to critical issues within the four technical tracks
• The Innovation Challenge highlights new and experimental approaches
• Plenaries and Lunch Dialogues feature influential thought leaders and global trends
• The Training Expo imparts practical skills in proven methodologies and relevant tools
• SEEP members participate in interactive lunchtime Table Talks and the Annual General Meeting
• SEEP’s communities of practice convene to develop the learning agenda and action items for the year to come

As some organizations pursue financial inclusion as their ultimate goal, others are driving toward financial health or the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Meanwhile, financial institutions and fintechs are aiming to profitably serve low-income markets.

In the face of these trends, we can’t help but ask: What is financial inclusion for?

Financial Inclusion: For What? What For? is a call to action for our community to reexamine our goals and renew efforts to achieve them. During Financial Inclusion Week this year, October 21-25, 2019, we invite you to convene around this question to reexamine, redefine, and align our goals.

Now in its 5th year, Financial Inclusion Week is an opportunity to strengthen the diverse community of players involved in building a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

The objectives of Financial Inclusion Week are:

• To bring the entire financial inclusion community together to explore issues of financial inclusion beyond access
• To create leadership opportunities among diverse stakeholders
• To create dialogue and community
• To foster partnership and coordination within the financial industry