Harnessing private enterprise for climate compatible development

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) host a conversation with an international panel comprising pioneers of the transformational B Corp movement in South America and leaders in impact investment in renewable energy and telecommunications in Africa and the UK. The event explores the role that non-State actors from business and finance can play in low-carbon development and poverty reduction, as well as the enabling conditions necessary for scale and impact.

Actions by governments and the non-profit sector are necessary but insufficient to address major societal challenges, including climate change. Systemic challenges require systemic solutions, and business models such as the B Corp movement offer market-based, scalable solutions to create value for society rather than just shareholders. The panel discusses experiences from South America—where over 160 certified B Corps and hundreds of applying companies are leveraging market forces for public goods—and Sub-Saharan Africa, where CDKN’s Business Partnership programme supports innovative off-grid renewable energy business models for rural irrigation and telecommunications.

The discussion features international panelists including Juan Pablo Larenas (Sistema B / Late!), Pedro Tarak (Sistema B / Guayaki), Jonathan Treacher (Africa Power), Charmian Love (Volans), and Pippa Heylings (CDKN), moderated by Simon Maxwell (CDKN Executive Chair).