News and Views

  • How to build an ‘impact city’: insights from a decade in the Hague

    As the Dutch city of the Hague celebrates 10 years as a self-appointed ‘impact city’ – supporting startups working to make a positive difference – Coos Santing tells us what’s working, what’s not, and why rivalry with other urban centres is softening.

  • UK’s new Office for the Impact Economy will ‘unlock billions’, promises government

    Government says new ‘central point of contact’ for impact economy recognises the ‘untapped potential’ of the country’s social impact sector, while the movement welcomes ‘joined up’ support. 

  • Aquaponics, stingless bees and edible flowers: Malaysian Indigenous communities share stories of innovation

    Small rural communities are discovering they can generate sustainable income without compromising their traditions and culture. Visitors from around the world discussed ideas at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025. 

  • Ukraine among top countries for climate blended finance deals for the first time

    Ukraine posts second highest number of climate-focused, blended finance transactions in the world in 2024 – and enters top 10 countries for first time – as blended finance identified as “form of crisis financing” – new Convergence research.

The Impact World this Week: 5 September 2024

The most interesting news snippets from the world of impact. This week: landmark report reveals sustainability standards don’t work for the Global South, Scotland aims to triple the size of its social enterprise sector, launch of a ‘think-do tank’, and more. 

The Impact World this Week: 1 August 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: FT recognises growing importance of impact investment, UK government names minister for social enterprise (among many other roles), Indian government notes development impact bond’s success, and more. ​​​​​​