NextBillion - A WDI Publication

Restoring Africa’s soils, ecosystems and livelihoods through biochar. A focused summit where investors, producers, researchers, project developers and policy leaders explore commercialisation and scalable climate-smart solutions.

The inaugural Net Impact Summit will bring together students from across the University of Michigan with leaders working across impact investing, philanthropy, sustainability, corporate social impact, and nonprofit and impact consulting. Through a keynote, practitioner panels, and networking opportunities, attendees will learn how professionals, many of whom are UMich alumni, have built careers in impact working across sectors.

Whether you are actively pursuing a career in social impact or simply interested in how you can create positive impact through your future work, the Summit is an opportunity to learn from practitioners and connect with a community of impact-minded graduate students and professionals.

Friday, October 30, 2026 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Open to graduate and undergraduate students across the University of Michigan.

Ticket fees: $30 for non-member, $15 for Net Impact at Ross members, $10 for undergraduate students.

Breakfast and lunch are included in your ticket.

Please use the registration page to pay your fee. If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact our VP of Finance, ksherap@umich.edu.

Summary
The 22nd Annual Global Microfinance & Financial Inclusion Forum is a leading international microfinance conference bringing together senior executives from microfinance institutions (MFIs), development finance institutions (DFIs), banks, impact investors, regulators, NGOs, fintech companies, and multilateral organizations. Taking place in Barcelona, Spain, on 23–24 March 2027, the forum explores the future of financial inclusion, responsible finance, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Through expert keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical insights into AI in microfinance, impact investing, open banking, financial health, climate finance, cybersecurity, gender inclusion, and strategies for expanding financial access to underserved communities.

DAY 1
Rebalancing Client Protection with Market Growth
Capital Flows into Microfinance: Where Will Growth Capital Come From in 2027?
Building Trust in Microfinance through Risk-Based Supervision
AI ROI in Microfinance
Scaling Entrepreneurship and Affordable Housing Through Partnerships, Capacity Building & Tailored Finance
The Changing Face of Funding: Surviving and Thriving as Development Aid Shifts
Upgrading Core Operations: Practical Approaches to Systems Transformation
Navigating MFI and Open Banking Integration
Modernizing Cross-Border Payments for Small Businesses
Financial Inclusion Beyond Credit: Savings, Payments & Long-Term Resilience
The “Human + Tech” Strategy: Reaching the Last-Mile Consumer Safely

DAY 2
Moving Beyond Repayment to Financial Health
Building Rural Resilience: De-Risking Smallholder Agriculture Finance
Climate-Smart Protection: Making Microinsurance Work at Scale
Liquid Assets: Structuring Sustainable Funding for Water and Sanitation
Market Survival and Financial Access in Conflict Zones
Safeguarding Financial Autonomy: Operational Design to Prevent Economic Coercion
Poverty Elimination: From Financial Inclusion to Poverty Elimination
Digital Trust: Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity in Inclusive Finance
Closing the Gender Gap: Designing Products for Active Female Participation

About the Conference

The Global Wind and Solar Energy Expo is an international conference and exhibition on May 24-26, 2027 in Amsterdam, Netherlands dedicated to accelerating innovation, collaboration, and investment in the global renewable energy sector. The event will bring together leading researchers, industry professionals, technology providers, policymakers, investors, and energy experts to explore the latest advancements shaping the future of wind and solar power.

As the world continues its transition toward clean and sustainable energy systems, wind and solar technologies are playing a vital role in transforming the global energy landscape. WINDSUN2027 will serve as a platform to showcase emerging technologies, share research breakthroughs, and discuss practical solutions for increasing renewable energy adoption.

The conference will highlight advancements in solar photovoltaic systems, offshore and onshore wind technologies, energy storage, smart grids, digital energy management, hybrid renewable systems, and innovative approaches supporting a reliable and resilient clean energy future.

Through keynote presentations, technical sessions, industry discussions, and networking opportunities, WINDSUN2027 aims to connect global stakeholders and foster collaborations that drive the next generation of renewable energy solutions.