Among leaders, impact leaders stand apart.
There is no other group with the same power to drive positive change for people and planet with their contribution.
No other group that is considering the relevance of all stakeholders and is focused on the long-term wellbeing for all.
No other group that puts purpose at the center of the conversation, while also targeting superior financial returns and limiting risks.
This September in the heart of Venice, we will connect with the first and the next generations of impact leaders to consider the starkest challenges for people and the planet from new angles.
While this two-day event is invite-only organized by Impact Europe, it is important to provide wide visibility on the program and outcomes, which will be the base of Impact Week [in Bilbao in November this year].
The Venice event is not a conference, but an action retreat. Throughout a variety of workshops, we will explore how to ensure a narrative that accelerates positive outcomes for people and planet, and how to catalyze investments where they can maximize impact and returns, and minimize risks.
Is the existing narrative of just transition hindering or accelerating collective action? It is a question we will investigate, along with potential forms and structures for effective collective action to address just transition challenges.
Together, we will also look for new ways to put impact at the center of policy instruments for just transition. Planting the seeds for generational impact, special attention will go to illustrating the power of narratives to create culture and systems change.
If it sounds ambitious, it is... we need bold aspiration and competent impact investors to go beyond the current negative discourse orchestrated by Oil, Gas and Coal lobbies, and supported by media and financial institutions that do not know how to invest in Impact and in Private assets.
Many thanks to Impact Europe and to Laudes Foundation for leading this conversation and orchestrating this action retreat. And thank you for inviting Una Terra Venture Capital Fund and myself to contribute.
See you in Venice, a city that definitely knows how much climate change and biodiversity loss are negatively impacting people and planet. We know how to address both, and involve all generations, as well as all genders and all capable investors and stakeholders.
Roberta Bosurgi Leslie Johnston, M.Sc.
Picture credit: Italy Climate Venice (LaPresse)