How can trusts and foundations accelerate systems change? Building collaboration for sustainable cities
If trusts and foundations are to have impact in changing the status quo, addressing deep-seated problems like poverty, inequality, food insecurity and climate change, then we must focus more on systemic issues like finance, which underpin the way the world is organised. But no one individual or organisation can tackle the scale of the challenges we face. Systemic issues present a complex set of interconnected problems that need fresh insights and a collective response. If we bring different people together, collectively we can be empowered to do something extraordinary. And with our convening power, independence, and ambition to foster beneficial change, trusts and foundations are well placed to lead this process
Join the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Finance Innovation Lab and 10:10 for a lively, participative workshop in which we will use systems mapping to identify root causes and build collaborative strategies for systems change. We will consider briefly why a systems approach is important and strategies for cultivating change. We will present a case study – how the East London Green Jobs Alliance is trying to catalyse change – and introduce the process of systems mapping. At the heart of the session will be a series of collaborative world café style conversations, using the case study, issues discussed throughout the conference so far, or an issue identified at the table: firstly, to identify some of the root problems that trusts and foundations are working with; and secondly, with the help of Lego, to build some collaborative solutions together.
The workshop is for anyone interested in how trusts and foundations can catalyse systemic impact and work together to achieve significant change. It will be a focused and fun experience, leaving participants with practical knowledge of a strategic mapping tool and some next step solutions for collaborative action.
The Finance Innovation Lab was established by WWF-UK and ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) with the aim of inspiring profound change in the financial system, incubating and accelerating new ideas by connecting people, illuminating their work, and exemplifying the kind of financial system we want for the future – a system that supports people and the planet in a sustainable way.
10:10 was founded in the UK in 2009, and quickly transformed into a global initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 10% a year. It appeals to individuals, the private, public and third sectors to join forces for sustainable environmental change, providing useful information and accompanying the implementation of green schemes.
You can find out more about the workshop at the website of the European Foundation Centre.