The Geneva Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC) is challenging the “profit before people and planet” paradigm and the limitations of the “charity” mindset.
The Problem
Though there have been numerous events on innovative/sustainable financing and impact investing (major conferences, seminars and workshops), the volume has not been reflected in sufficient or timely responses from any of the individuals or organisations that hold the keys to a successful transition from the old ways of thinking and working to a more sustainable, and by definition, more inclusive approach.
Efforts to build bridges falter because of the asymmetries of power in partnering, the obsolete world views, and the multilateral, legal and regulatory systems that support them. The result is a continuing impasse in “communications” with a flurry of grand statements failing to achieve progress to overcome inequalities and misalignments or achieve anything approaching levels of financing to overcome the many disadvantages faced by entrepreneurs proposing and proving the effectiveness of different kinds of solutions.
Our response
Our starting premise is that, without immediate mobilisation of substantial financing in and for more than half of the world’s population, access to known solutions in and for the richest 10% will not achieve any of the Sustainable Development or Climate Goals or reduce the imminent and present danger of the collapse of economic and environmental systems that support all life on the planet.
During these events, we will consolidate proven or emergent models for financing and implementation at scale, sharing a collectively branded syntheses of critical success factors and solutions and a call for action on the following topics:
- re-thinking finance – identifying the critical success factors for a more equitable and more sustainable economy
- re-calibrating risk and success indicators for sustainable and more equitable capitalism – a coherent and comprehensive cross-sectoral approach
- consolidation of known and aligned organisational and business models to break down sector and disciplinary silos and the related and scalable financing modalities using case studies
- scaling of known or promising methodologies to deliver on the unfulfilled promise of digitisation underpinning conventional and crypto currencies, reducing transaction costs for the clustering or aggregation of many small activities, and increasing confidence via re-aligned and re-configured accountability reporting.
- overcoming communication and competency challenges on both sides of the bridge – a brokered dialogue between impact investing NGOs and international agencies and aligned funders and investors.
Re-framing Economics and Rethinking Finance
On 18 November 2024, hybrid, invitation-only roundtable, convened by the GRFC in collaboration with the Club of Rome, exemplifies our proactive approach. This pivotal event, a crucial step towards Building Bridges Week 2024, focused on “Redefining Purpose, Re-framing Economics” and “From Financing Change to Changing Finance.” We didn’t just discuss these themes; we dissected them, identifying practical, actionable steps to drive transformative financial systems.
Redefining Purpose, Re-framing Economics
The morning session was a testament to our commitment to “showing by doing.” We harnessed ambition, invention, and resources to accelerate action towards a redistributive, regenerative, and restorative economy. Through targeted discussions, expert responses, and dynamic breakout groups, we identified critical success factors and actionable strategies. Our live social media updates captured the key takeaways, demonstrating our transparency and commitment to sharing knowledge.
The Need for Systemic Change: Participants emphasized that achieving a sustainable and equitable economy requires a fundamental shift in thinking and action, moving beyond incremental changes.
The Role of the Mutual Economy: Bruno Roche, the founder and leader of the Economics of Mutuality platform, highlighted the potential of the mutual economy as a crucial component of this shift, while acknowledging the entrenched nature of the status quo and the need for multi-pronged systems change involving education, local government, and other levers.
Regenerative Economics: Andrew Fanning, the Data Analysis & Research Lead at the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, stressed the necessity of transforming economies from degenerative to regenerative, prioritizing the well-being of both people and the planet.
Economy Serving People and Planet: Anna Coote, Principal Fellow at the New Economics Foundation, articulated the principle that the economy should serve people and the planet, not the other way around, emphasizing the need for a shift towards sufficiency in consumption patterns.
Human Rights as a Foundation: Caroline Dommen, Managing Director of the International Association for Feminist Economics (IAFFE), underscored the importance of integrating human rights into the core of economic system change.
Fair Taxation: Susana Ruiz of Oxfam highlighted the worsening taxation situation, with the wealthiest not paying their fair share and the most vulnerable bearing an excessive burden. The extreme disparity in carbon emissions between the rich and poor was also raised.
Cooperatives as Agents of Change: Professor Raymond Saner from CSEND emphasized the role of cooperatives as a foundation for economic change, driven by collective action and ethical value chains.
Financial Systems Serving Wellbeing: Carlos Alvarez Pereira of the Club of Rome concluded the morning session by reiterating the need for financial systems to prioritize human well-being within planetary boundaries.
From Financing Change to Changing Finance
The afternoon session shifted focus to the fundamental question of “Money and monetary systems – ‘means’ or ‘end’?” Building on the Club of Rome’s 2023 call for a shift from “financing change” to “changing finance,” participants explored how monetary systems can be redesigned to serve as a prerequisite for a sustainable and equitable economy.
Financial Reform: Thierry Malleret of the Club of Rome initiated the afternoon discussion, advocating for financial reform that transitions from extractive practices to those supportive of people and the planet.
Microtax and Base of the Pyramid: François Rossier of Senbumo explored the potential of a microtax on financial transactions to transform business models at the base of the pyramid, better serving local communities.
Stakeholder Capitalism and SDG Impact: Amit Achameesing of the National Advisory Board of Impact Investing discussed stakeholder capitalism and the development of new business models that more effectively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Climate Adaptation and Sustainability: Heather Pace-Clark of Axa Insurance’s Climate highlighted the company’s efforts to support clients in adapting to climate change through training and sustainability-focused services.
Systemic Change Investment: Yves Carnazzola of AXESS Impact emphasized the need for a new investment approach that embraces systemic change and prioritizes ecological and social resilience, incorporating natural and social capital as essential assets.
These roundtable discussions showcased a proactive approach to addressing critical economic and financial challenges. The event successfully brought together experts and stakeholders to dissect complex issues, identify actionable strategies, and foster collaboration.
The emphasis on systemic change, regenerative economics, and the importance of aligning economic systems with human rights and planetary well-being resonated throughout the discussions. The recognition of the mutual economy’s potential, the need for fair taxation, and the role of cooperatives as agents of change further highlighted the diverse perspectives and innovative solutions explored.
Ultimately, these roundtables served as a crucial step towards Building Bridges Week 2024, demonstrating a commitment to driving transformative financial systems and building a more sustainable and equitable future. The actionable insights and strategies generated from these events will contribute to shaping the discourse and driving concrete actions in the pursuit of a more just and prosperous world.
Presentations
Individual or Common Wealth?
Reimagining Sustainability Through Cooperative Approaches
The global imperative for a paradigm shift in development economics is undeniable. Decades of prioritizing individual wealth maximization and shareholder returns have resulted in stark inequalities and accelerated environmental degradation. The GRFC held a workshop, “Individual or Common Wealth?”, on 21 November 2024, as a preparatory event for Building Bridges Week.
The workshop aimed to explore whether current policies and practices adequately support the necessary reinvigoration of cooperative approaches and investment in “social capital” to achieve genuine sustainability. The urgency of climate change mitigation and adaptation has compelled a critical re-evaluation of existing institutions and a search for transformative blueprints.
The Need for Systemic Sustainability
The workshop commenced with a recognition of the limitations of conventional economic models. The contemporary global economy, built on centuries of capital accumulation and profit maximization, has consistently widened the gap between the affluent and the marginalized. This reality, coupled with mounting environmental pressures, demands a fundamental shift in our understanding of sustainability. Leaders must grasp the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental systems to drive meaningful change.
Methods and Metrics: Re-evaluating Investment and Performance
The morning session focused on methods and metrics for assessing and fostering sustainable development.
Panellists engaged in “speed dating” presentations and discussions, highlighting opportunities for large-scale investment in agro-ecology.
Experts like Peter Bucher emphasized the importance of innovation systems, complex frameworks that integrate various actors and conditions from local to global levels, and landscape planning as a critical strategic approach.
Matt Purkis and Greg Jones showcased the Agro-Ecology Framework as a tool for food system transformation and regenerative, climate-resilient practices.
Rafal Serafin stressed the importance of building enabling environment for food, water, waste and energy communities, through authentic multi-stakeholder partnering.
Kim Russel challenged assumptions about absorptive capacity and highlighted the role of Agri-Hubs and Centres of Excellence.
Discussions underscored the necessity of balancing nature and society/economy in a socially equitable manner.
Re-calibrating Risk Assessment and Performance Metrics
Dr. Marlene Laeubli addressed the challenges of implementing the transformational agenda.
Presentations by Dr. Christian Kingombe, Professor Chris Roche/Dr. Linda Kelly, Dag Messelt, and John Ashcroft explored diverse approaches to sustainability reporting and relational metrics.
John Ashcroft presented the benefits of relational metrics, like early risk identification, diagnosis of relational weaknesses, and supporting professional development.
The session concluded with an online poll to gauge participant perspectives on next steps.
Models and Modalities: Towards a Redistributive and Regenerative Economy
The afternoon session delved into models and modalities for achieving transformative change.
Proven and Prospective (Business) Models
Panelists presented best-practice examples of multi-impact initiatives using an integrative agro-ecology approach.
Wietse Hermanns showcased initiatives in Europe, focusing on water and waste management, sustainable food systems, and sustainable construction.
Matt Purkis highlighted projects in Southern Africa and the African continent, including rewilding, regeneration, and clean tech innovations.
Kim Russell and Mehmet Bozkurt discussed opportunities in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on nature-based solutions and sustainable energy.
Lawrence Kirton presented the usage of Special Purpose Vehicles for regeneration.
Plenary discussions centered on identifying critical success factors for scalable business models.
(Financing) Modalities
Karen Fawcett provided institutional and private sector perspectives on overcoming barriers to financing sustainable development.
She highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions, and the need to fix the current financial system.
She also noted the current immaturity of the nature-based solution market, and the need for more clear communication, and better carbon standards.
Panel contributions from Zander van der Walt, Patricia Chikukwa, Rafal Serafin, and Wietse Hermanns explored various financing mechanisms, including patient capital, lessons from the African banking experience, community foundations, and financing for peacebuilding.
Professor Tony Wong’s recorded presentation on public financing in Small Island States provided valuable insights.
The workshop concluded with key messages and calls for action for Building Bridges Week and beyond. Participants emphasized the need to prioritize investment in “social capital” and cooperative approaches, re-evaluate existing policies and practices to support sustainable development, adopt integrative methods and metrics for assessing and fostering sustainability, develop and scale proven and prospective business models that prioritize multi-impact initiatives, implement innovative financing modalities that support a redistributive, regenerative, and restorative economy, enhance communication, improve carbon standards for nature based solutions, merge voluntary and compliance carbon markets, and increase funding for inception of large scale projects. The workshop served as a crucial step towards fostering a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities in building a more sustainable and equitable future.
Presentations
Financial Sustainable Futures
Accelerating Investment at Scale
The urgency to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and sustainable development demands a radical shift in how we finance our future. Despite increasing private investment in these areas, the current scale remains insufficient to meet the global goals. This chapter details a high-level event, “Building Better Bridges to Finance Sustainable Futures,” hosted by the Centre for Finance and Development at the Graduate Institute, in collaboration with the Geneva Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC) and the Club of Rome. This event, held on 2 December 2024, aimed to galvanize action and accelerate investment at scale, particularly for the most marginalized populations, as a critical precursor to Building Bridges Week 2024.
The Challenge: Bridging the Investment Gap
The global community faces a critical financing gap in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate targets. Traditional financial approaches have proven inadequate, and innovative solutions are urgently needed to mobilize the trillions of dollars required for transformative change. The event emphasized that without immediate and substantial financing for over half of the world’s population, the collapse of critical economic and environmental systems becomes increasingly likely, threatening the well-being of all.
The GRFC Response: Fostering Dialogue and Action
The GRFC, through a series of technical workshops, seeks to dismantle barriers to impact investing by showcasing proven and emerging solutions. This event aimed to provide a platform for sharing critical success factors and actionable strategies, inspiring stakeholders to drive transformative change. The focus was on moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical solutions that can be implemented at scale.
Event Highlights: Towards a Sustainable Financial Ecosystem
The event, moderated by Beris Gwynne, Founder and Director of Incitāre, featured a dynamic program designed to stimulate dialogue and generate actionable insights.
Nathan Sussman, Professor of International Economics and Director of the Centre for Finance and Development, opened the event, emphasizing the critical need for collaborative action.
Beris Gwynne introduced the event’s objectives, highlighting the importance of bridging the investment gap for sustainable futures.
International Debt & Climate Finance
Christopher Mbanefo, Member of the Executive Committee of the Club of Rome and Founder of The OXÏ-ZEN Program, delivered a keynote address focusing on a new perspective on international debt and climate finance through carbon balance. This presentation provided a fresh view on debt and climate finance, inspiring thought and discussion.
Innovative Financing Solutions
Leveraging the Agro-Ecology Multiplier: Matt Purkis, Head of Operations at the South African Organic Sector Organisation and Ecosystem Architect at Project Biome, and Zach Bush, Founder and Chairman of Farmer’s Footprint and CEO of Resource Dynamics, discussed the potential of agro-ecology to drive sustainable development and generate multiple benefits.
Managing the Transition – Principled Pragmatism: Karen Fawcett, Senior Accredited Director at the Singapore Institute of Directors and Member of the Foundation Board at LGT – Private Banking and Asset Management, addressed the need for a pragmatic and principled approach to managing the transition to a sustainable economy.
SPVs for Sector Financing: Catchments, Landscapes, Bio-Regions: Wietse Hermanns, Owner and Director of Climate Valley Consulting B.V, and Paul Chatterton, Lead and Founder of the Landscape Finance Lab, explored the use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for sector-specific financing, focusing on catchments, landscapes, and bioregions.
The “Building Better Bridges to Finance Sustainable Futures” event in Geneva highlighted the urgent need for action across several fronts to achieve a sustainable and equitable future. Participants emphasized the necessity of significantly increased investment in sustainable development and climate action, particularly focusing on marginalized populations. To achieve this, innovative financing solutions beyond traditional approaches are crucial. The event also underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to accelerate progress. Furthermore, a pragmatic and principled approach to managing the transition to a sustainable economy is essential. Specific strategies like utilizing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to target specific sectors and geographical locations were discussed. Finally, the event highlighted agroecology as a critical solution for addressing global challenges. The discussions served as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and generating actionable solutions, aiming to build a more sustainable future for all.
Futures Fair for Business and Finance: Digital Dividends and Ecological Realities
The “Futures Fair for Business and Finance” convened by the Geneva Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC) on 19 December 2024, aimed to illuminate the transformative potential of digitalization and address the critical behavioural challenges hindering sustainable development. This chapter encapsulates the key discussions and insights from this dynamic event, focusing on bridging digital divides, unlocking digital dividends, and confronting the ecological overshoot driven by human behaviour.
Digitalization: Greed on Steroids? Unlocking Impact Through Responsible Technology
The event commenced with a keynote address by Grant Lenaarts, Founder/CEO of Multilateral Group, on “Digitalisation – Greed on Steroids (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly).” Lenaarts challenged the audience to consider the dual nature of digitalization, acknowledging its potential for both immense progress and significant harm. He emphasized that the defining opportunity for investors in digital infrastructure lies in aligning technology with the triple or quadruple bottom line, focusing on impact.
- Digitalization, when responsibly managed, can be a powerful enabler for accelerated action at scale, benefiting communities, villages, cities, and towns.
- Bridging digital divides and increasing digital dividends are crucial for ensuring sustainable livelihoods, particularly for young people.
- There is a pressing need for more transparent management of digitalization globally, with public funding and blended finance directed towards achieving the SDGs and climate goals.
- The science and technology dividend must be extended to lower-income and “least developed” economies and societies.
Digital Dividends: Exemplars of Integrative Approaches
The “Digital Dividends” panel explored practical examples of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be leveraged for sustainable development.
- Dr. Kryzsztof Gorlich of IQSell presented APPETiT, a multi-purpose platform designed to democratize access and ownership.
- Kim Russell from the Stump Jump Foundation emphasized the importance of “local capacity” and “accountability” in ICT4D initiatives.
- Michiele Patierno from AXESS IMPACT shared insights on their work in leveraging digital solutions for positive social impact.
- Lawrence Kirton discussed the potential of “digital twinning” for infrastructure development and sustainable resource management.
- Gilles Bach highlighted the continued problems of digital divides.
- The online portion of the event included presentations on Biocharro by Kathleen Draper and Philip Owen.
- Wietse, along with Paul Chatterton and other colleagues, convened a session on regenerative, restorative, and redistributive models spanning the African hemisphere.
- Rafal Serafin, with other colleagues, explored local economy solutions in food/sustainable food chains, water/waste, and energy communities.
The Human Factor: Cognition, Conscience, Consequences
The GRFC roundtable underscored the critical role of human behaviour in addressing the ecological crisis.
The roundtable acknowledged the reality of human demands exceeding Earth’s regenerative capacity. Despite decades of warnings, humanity has failed to address ecological overshoot due to a lack of behavioural change. The root cause of ecological overshoot lies in maladaptive human behaviours, driven by factors like excessive consumption, resource acquisition, and the pursuit of wealth and status. Focusing on incremental solutions like renewable energy without addressing the underlying need for growth is a flawed approach.
A radical shift in human behaviour is necessary to avoid ecological collapse. This requires understanding and addressing the behavioural drivers of overshoot. our modern human behaviour is causing us to consume our natural resources at rates faster than they can be replenished, while also creating waste in excess of what the Earth can assimilate. The authors name and frame this existential threat the “Human Behavioural Crisis” and propose that the crisis, which stems from maladaptive human behaviours, be recognised globally as a critical intervention point for tackling ecological overshoot (and its symptoms like climate change).
Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the marketing/media industries is crucial to reorient human behaviour towards sustainability.
A Call for Responsible Digitalization and Behavioural Transformation
The “Futures Fair for Business and Finance” highlighted the urgent need for a paradigm shift in both technology and human behaviour. Digitalization, when guided by principles of sustainability and equity, can be a powerful force for positive change. However, addressing the ecological crisis requires a fundamental transformation in human consciousness and consumption patterns. The GRFC’s commitment to fostering dialogue and action on these critical issues remains paramount.
A Regenerative Future is Taking Root
A future where rivers run free, farms heal the land, and technology empowers communities — sustainably and equitably — came vividly to life in Geneva this February. From February 15–20, 2025, Project Biome Global and the SAOSO Foundation brought their bold vision for ecological and social regeneration to the heart of Europe.
Building Bridges for Global Regeneration
During the visit, Project Biome Global, a US-based nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, shared how it’s serving as a global connector and catalyst — amplifying the work of frontline organizations focused on climate resilience, food sovereignty, and community empowerment.
Their mission centers on Southern Africa, where they’re developing and scaling regenerative projects through the Biome Constellation, Solutioning Hive, and Biome Fellows programs. Their unique Living Systems approach is helping to align and energize diverse efforts for greater collective impact.
Voices of Regeneration: Stella Horgan & Matthew Purkis
The Geneva delegation included Stella Horgan, Executive Director of Project Biome Global. A dynamic leader in community-led ecological regeneration, Stella shared lessons from her extensive work in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa, with a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment and grassroots innovation.
Joining her was Matthew Purkis, representing both Project Biome and the SAOSO Foundation — a key force behind South Africa’s organic and agroecological movement. Matthew highlighted SAOSO’s role in uniting the sector through policy advocacy, farmer training, certification, and consumer education. Their recent merger with Participatory Guarantee System South Africa (PGS SA) positions them to accelerate the growth of resilient, local food systems.
A Movement Gaining Momentum
The Geneva visit sparked meaningful conversations with policymakers, funders, and fellow changemakers — opening new pathways for collaboration and scaling regenerative solutions globally.
Project Biome and SAOSO’s presence in Geneva wasn’t just a presentation — it was a call to action. Their work continues to inspire a growing community committed to restoring the planet and transforming how we live, grow, and connect.
10th European Congress of Local Governments
At the most recent European Congress of Local Governments (ECLG), under the theme “Global Challenges – Local Solutions,” is one of Europe’s largest local government conferences, gathering more than 2,500 participants, including local and central government officials, business leaders, NGOs, academics, and experts from across Europe.
Key Themes
Beris Gwynne attended the Congress on behalf of the GRFC. It featured more than 250 events across six thematic areas:
- Economy and Finance;
- Investments and Innovations;
- Culture and Tourism;
- Politics and Security;
- Society and Health; and
- Sustainable Development
There is enormous potential that exists in “The Majority Tercile” of the demographic pyramid (currently 4.9 billion of the just over 8 billion under 40 but growing exponentially) and local governments can help people who are missed in decision making, including the young. One of the foci of this conference was to get “more participatory, more representative politics,” leveraging the voting power of younger generations who will inherit the consequences of decisions made (however well-intended) by the over 50s and taking “volunteerism and “social activities and social activism” so that inter-generational citizen action can flourish.
The ECLG shows a way that South-East Europe can mobilise to lead with legitimacy, with a version of capitalism that counts people and nature ahead of profit and new, more inclusive and more sustainable ways of doing business and incentivising at scale and futures-fit investing.
“When a complex system is far from equilibrium, small islands of coherence in a sea of chaos have the capacity to shift the entire system to a higher order.” — Ilya Prigogine, Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Acceleration and Transformation
GRFC Joins UNECE Regional Forum 2025
On 3 April 2025, the Global Regeneration and Finance Collaborative (GRFC) took part in the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, contributing to a powerful dialogue on advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the ECE region.
Held under the timely theme, “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs in the ECE region, Leaving No One Behind,” the Forum brought together thought leaders, institutions, and innovators committed to accelerating systems-level change across Europe and Central Asia.
A Spotlight on Public-Private Innovation and Regenerative Approaches
The GRFC co-hosted a dynamic round table side event, alongside long-standing collaborators, that explored the future of regenerative development and resilient reconstruction through the lens of next-generation Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Rooted in years of cross-sector collaboration, the panel featured experts with deep experience navigating the complexities of multi-stakeholder, multi-sector, and multi-disciplinary partnerships. With insights drawn from global governance, development finance, and digital transformation, the session highlighted how sustainable innovation must balance rapid technological change with the ‘human factor’ — the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions that drive real-world impact.
Ukraine in Focus: Systems-Based Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
A core focus of the discussion was the urgent need for financially viable PPP models to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The panel emphasized a systems-based approach that integrates economic recovery with environmental restoration and social cohesion.
Speakers presented compelling case studies and field-tested examples from across Europe and beyond, showcasing how nature-based solutions can be harmonized with infrastructure and community development. From landscape restoration to climate-smart agriculture and decentralized governance models, these strategies serve as foundational tools for long-term peacebuilding and equitable economic growth.
Building Forward with Collaboration
The side event underscored a clear message: to meet the challenges of our time — from conflict recovery to climate instability — we need regenerative models that are inclusive, science-based, and financially scalable. The GRFC’s participation reflected its continued commitment to bridging finance and regeneration through practical, scalable partnerships that can catalyze lasting impact across the UNECE region and beyond.
