Here are a few takeaways from our team:
“If I were to give you a few reflections, I would say that in the midst of the wars in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine – many leaders, philanthropists, and NGOs remained very optimistic that we are at an inflection point in which optimism and solutions are needed more than ever and must prevail. I am encouraged that GIV [Global Impact Ventures] has much to offer to support these efforts moving forward.”
– Scott Jackson, CEO, Global Impact Ventures
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“It was exciting to be back at UNGA week this year. Most of our clients had side events, receptions, or speaking roles throughout the week and it was a wonderful opportunity to support them in person. The main takeaway from the week is that progress toward the SDGs and critical development milestones are not attainable when the attention and aid dollars are centered on ongoing global conflicts. Conflict impacts everything from hunger to climate change, and it was a topic at the forefront of discussion during the week. On a lighter note, I was also pleased to hear from so many young change-makers lifting the voices and solutions of communities around the world.”
– Laura Blyler, Director, Partner Solutions, Global Impact
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“There was an incredible amount of optimism present when discussing incredible challenges, crisis, and honestly very disappointing progress to date on the sustainable development goals. The solutions I heard loud and clear are (1) put women at the center, (2) listen to the communities you are serving, and (3) don’t discount our youngest generations to offer the best solutions. I left with a renewed faith in humanity!”
– Brittany M. Craig, Managing Director, Campaign Engagement, Global Impact
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“Seeing so many changemakers who are part of the Global Impact family in the same room during our formal happy hour was inspiring. I was humbled to interact with so many people who are keen on doing good. Our clients’ visions for the world – from “achieving health equity,” “providing education for all,” realizing “a world free from hunger,” and more – leave me feeling reinvigorated and ready to do whatever I can to make our world a better place.
– Jeremy Hiken, Director, Partner Solutions, Global Impact
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“2024 felt like the first year that ‘UNGA week’ was fully back in person, with a frenetic energy that felt different from years past. This was likely due to comfort with in-person gatherings post-COVID, the return of the Clinton Global Initiative, and the weight of urgent global issues. Ongoing conflicts in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan were ever-present, stalling progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was sometimes difficult to maintain hope for the shared solutions discussed. However, there was a shift toward “what can be accomplished in the next five years?” and “where can we focus our resources for the greatest impact?” Despite the challenges, hope, innovation, and investment toward achieving the SDGs remained strong.”
– Matthew Gembecki, Senior Director, Partner Solutions, Global Impact
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Across Global Impact Ventures (Global Impact, Geneva Global, Capital for Good, and the Global Impact Social Welfare Fund), we are deeply committed to supporting platforms like UNGA Week, which are pivotal in uniting key leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful progress toward shared global goals. At GIV, our vision is to unleash the full potential of the philanthropic sector to transform lives. If we missed the opportunity to connect in New York, we’d love to engage with you and explore ways we can help your initiatives succeed. Learn more about our advisory and infrastructure services and how we can support your efforts by visiting our expertise page here.