This is a free event.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking event designed to stimulate dialogue, learning, and knowledge exchange on innovative private sector practices driving sustainable development in Canada and around the world. This dynamic gathering will bring together leaders and changemakers from across sectors to explore how the private sector can play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable solutions that have a global impact.

The event will feature a keynote address by Mike Bowles, Regional Co-Director, Programs & Partnerships, North America at AKF. He will discuss Accelerate Prosperity, a transformative initiative supporting start-ups and small and growing businesses in Central and South Asia. Mike will share insights on how Accelerate Prosperity unlocks economic potential and fosters sustainable growth in emerging markets, highlighting practical lessons and insights for Canadians looking to amplify their impact both locally and globally. The keynote will be followed by an engaging panel discussion: Driving Sustainable Development Through Innovative Finance, Green Business Models, and Corporate Action. This session will bring together experts to explore how businesses can lead in creating sustainable solutions, unlock new opportunities through innovative financing, and champion green practices for long-term impact.

The event will be conducted in English, with a bilingual question period.

Light refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

Our conversation will explore critical questions, including:

• How can Canadian businesses and investors take a leadership role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
• What innovative financing models and entrepreneurial approaches are driving sustainable growth globally?
• What types of support are needed to spur startups and unlock the growth of more innovative and sustainable enterprises?
• How can collaboration between private sector actors, foundations, and international partners amplify social and economic impact?

Why Attend?

• Learn from leaders who are breaking new ground in sustainable development, social finance, and responsible business practices.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue about how Canadian private sector actors can drive impact through strategic investments and partnerships.
• Connect with a diverse audience of foundation stakeholders, private sector leaders, and changemakers committed to building a sustainable future.

Whether you are personally invested in sustainable development, or you represent a corporation or foundation seeking to amplify your impact, this event offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights.

Let’s build a future where we all thrive together.

Meet Our Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Mike Bowles, Co-Director of Programs and Partnerships, North America, Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

Since joining AKF in 2005, Mike has held senior roles in programs and partnerships based in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland and Canada. For 13 years, Mike was a member of AKF’s Global Program Team co-leading AKF’s work and enterprise portfolio in Asia, East Africa and the Middle East. In that capacity, Mike worked with the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) on various initiatives that blended for-profit and not-for-profit expertise and resources.

Panel Moderator: Dr. Samim Hasham, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with Honors, Master of Management, Doctor of Pharmacy

Dr. Samim is a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto, and has held prominent leadership roles at the Aga Khan University, including Associate Director for East Africa and Chief Operations Officer Global at the Brain and Mind Institute. Dr. Samim’s commitment to underserved communities is reflected in her work with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and her role as chair of the Scarborough Human Services Justice Coordinating Committee.

Panelists:

Devon Fernandes, Senior Sustainability Integration Manager, Definity Financial Corporation.

Devon work catalyzes social and environmental initiatives within organizations. While completing his Master’s in Community Psychology, he Co-Founded the KW Library of Things – a space where community members borrow infrequently used items, such as tools, that also provides inclusive employment opportunities. Devon currently serves as the Chair of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s Board of Directors and completed AKFC’s Global Leadership Program.

Narinder Dhami, President of The Sonor Foundation and Founder of New Power Labs.

Narinder is a trailblazer in social finance and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 honouree. With a career spanning North America and the Global South, Narinder brings expertise in gender and social equity investing, microfinance, and venture philanthropy, showcasing how investments in overlooked founders can unlock sustainable impact.

Steve Hubbard, Director of Sales & Business Development and a Founding Partner of Lightenco & Chargenco.

Steve was a recipient of the Ottawa 40 Under 40 Award, and his company is one of Canada & North America’s fastest growing companies. Lightenco & Chargenco, a fully turnkey lighting, electric vehicle charging & solar photovoltaic solutions company operating across Canada since 2011. Lightenco is well known in the entrepreneurial space and has been featured on panels and articles by major news media including a Globe and Mail panel on bootstrapping your business.

Register today!