Carolina Suarez Visbal, CEO of Latimpacto
After months of meticulous planning, we worked tirelessly to ensure that the second edition of the Impact Minds: Standing Together Conference was an exceptional event in every aspect, surpassing even the excellent previous version. The event was attended by almost 600 people, 250 of whom were Brazilian, and we were warmly welcomed with open arms, like the imposing Christ the Redeemer, an iconic monument of Rio de Janeiro. In the first days, despite the inclement weather, with persistent showers and the sun appearing timidly, nothing could undermine the determination and enthusiasm of the impact minds, who gathered with an unbeatable willingness to unite in this extraordinary event that generated new connections and opened new investment opportunities in our region.
Following the tradition of our first conference, we dove deeply into a rich diversity of contexts and realities in and around Rio de Janeiro. Ten unique learning experiences led us to journeys that ranged from difficult situations to moments of inspiration. At each meeting, we discovered incredible stories that gave birth to this city and nation, to the new business practices of the new generations of Brazilians. We are very grateful to the teams that made possible the visits to the Banco da Providência, Spectaculu, BNDES, Fiocruz, Sinal do Vale, Instituto Terra de Preservação Ambiental, Água do Rio, Cidade do Samba, Small Africa e Quilombo Cafundá Astrogilda.
Every significant event must have its starting point, and the Impact Minds: Standing Together Conference was no exception. The opening party at the Museu do AmanhãA truly wonderful place, it served as the perfect setting for the connections to flourish amidst an atmosphere full of joy and enthusiasm. It was a spectacle in which Latinos led the celebration with their contagious energy and unbeatable passion and managed to inspire those who came from distant lands with the unique joy that characterizes our region. This inaugural experience was more than just a celebration; it was an open invitation to forge deep bonds between all Impact Minds, regardless of their geographic origin.
Making connections and transforming the future: Our commitment to inclusion and empowerment
The beginning of our days of workshops, workshops, sharing collectives and inspiring conversations reflected our deep commitment to put people at the center of our impact. From mobilizing capital in an increasingly interconnected world, inspired by the success of our mothers' networks such as EVPA, AVPN, AVPA and now with the GAIN platform, to addressing fundamental issues such as racial inclusion, gender diversity and women's empowerment.
It is necessary to open spaces and places for black, indigenous and impoverished people who represent their communities, who represent diversity, seek them out, include them and support them in their work.
Tom Mendes, Instituto Identidades Brasileiras
The panels and discussions went beyond the surface, exploring issues of equity and social justice in critical areas such as mental health, combating racism and reducing social inequality. Individual responsibility was also highlighted, with an appeal to recognize one's role in combating current challenges and to become actively involved in the search for solutions.
At the same time, with the presence of the Presidents of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Development Bank of Brazil, Sergio Diaz-Granados and Aloizio Mercadante, we were able to highlight the fundamental role they play in the impact ecosystem, providing catalytic capital resources, facilitating financial innovation and collaborating with philanthropic and private actors. Working together, these organizations have the potential to mobilize private resources through joint funding structures for the same purpose. Their greater willingness to take risks and work with longer time frames allows them to reduce the risk and cost for private investors, maximizing the amount of resources that contribute to generate a more significant social and environmental impact.
On the other hand, we highlight the exceptional conversation on the role of women in the impact ecosystem, exploring diverse practices and perspectives from all over the region. This conversation was very enriching and essential to continue redefining and recognizing the great commitment of women in multiple contexts and scenarios.
As part of the closing of this first day of the workshop, was presented the Women's Empowerment AwardThe Bayer Foundation awarded five exceptional leaders who, with their creativity, initiative and tireless dedication, are making significant contributions to social change through their startups. Hearing from these inspiring women was a real joy, and we were very happy to see how such fantastic, high-impact ideas have the power to transform entire communities. This award celebrates their achievements and reminds us of the importance of supporting and empowering women in their quest for a better and more equitable world.
Brazil: An Evolving Impact Ecosystem - Honoring the Legacy and Shaping the Future
Total immersion in Brazil's impact ecosystem led us to a deep reflection on the challenges and opportunities in this country, full of diversity and cultural richness. We recognize the need to address areas where there is still a long way to go, with a special focus on the vital role of women and black communities in creating significant change. During our discussions, we remembered and paid tribute to those who are no longer with us, such as the moving tribute paid by all participants to Bernadete Pacífico, a Quilombola leader from Bahia, whose tragic assassination on August 17 shocked everyone.
These legacies, like Pacifico's, are inspiring beacons that light the way for current and future generations, urging us to continue building the foundations for social impact in a country that holds enormous potential for positive change. As we move forward, we remember and learn from those who have gone before us, committing ourselves to continue their legacy with determination and resilience, with the firm conviction that a brighter future is possible for Brazil and the whole world.
Promoting social change for positive impact
On the third day of our conference, we held an essential conversation in collaboration with Skoll Foundation CEO Don Gips and Paula Moreno, founder and president of Manos Visibles, where we discussed the critical role of private and public investors in driving social change. Moreno and Gips shared valuable experiences and perspectives for creating a positive impact in our communities.
In addition, in collaboration with the IDB Lab and Coca-Cola Latin America, we had the privilege of presenting the Catalytic Green Fund to the Latimpacto community and the participants of Impact Minds: Standing Together. This innovative initiative aims to significantly impact early stage solutions related to decarbonization and the quest for carbon neutrality (net zero). Although this fund has a regional scope, it pays special attention to the Amazon, recognizing its critical importance for Latin America and for the planet as a whole. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of Latimpacto and its partners to protecting the environment and promoting a more sustainable future.
Another important item on the day's agenda was to give voice to the pan-Amazonian communities, which proved to be an essential moment of reflection on the importance of empowering indigenous communities and peasant peoples in the Amazon, as well as protecting this region as an invaluable point of encounter and coexistence between human beings, other living beings and nature.
The urgency of designing strategies that support the quality of life and territorial management of these communities was highlighted, especially in the face of threats such as deforestation, forest fires, livestock and the lack of local opportunities and infrastructure. Multilingual communication and education emerged as fundamental pillars to empower these communities, guaranteeing their active participation and their rights in decisions affecting their territory. It was emphasized that the impact of local work in the Amazon transcends borders and that the preservation and care of this region continues to be a global responsibility.
In the end, the need to protect and empower indigenous and local communities in the Amazon was reaffirmed as a key to guaranteeing a sustainable and equitable future for all its inhabitants.
It is important to understand what we are fighting for, because our work will be local, but the impacts will be global.
Angela Mendes, Chico Mendes Committee
Together for a positive global change! The call of Latin America
With a regional approach with global projection, the conference culminated in a masterful way with the inspiring words of Natalye Paquin, COO of the Rockefeller Foundation, who provided an exemplary enclosure for three days of enriching dialogue. In her speech, Natalye highlighted the prevailing challenges that demand immediate action to change our world, emphasizing the critical role that all of Latin America plays in this process.
She urged us to strengthen initiatives such as those we are forging during the conference. She expressed her deep appreciation to Latimpacto members, staff and management for providing the space that made this event possible. Her message reminded us that together, with a unified commitment, we have the power and responsibility to drive meaningful and positive change on our planet.
We express our deepest gratitude to Brazil, to the members of Latimpacto in this country and to the production and organization team of the event, whose hard work made it possible to gather more than 580 Impact Minds during these inspiring three days. We appreciate and celebrate the collaboration and spirit of unity that permeated every moment of the conference.
As of now, we are enthusiastically preparing for our third Impact Minds: Standing Together Conference in Oaxaca, which will take place from September 9-11, 2024. We look forward to another event full of learning, connection and action for positive social impact in our region and beyond.
This conference is a framework. The Latimpacto team does not stop and will continue to do its best, even more motivated with all the support received, to mobilize more capital in the direction of impact.
