Bahamas 2022

Forum for Impact Americas

MAY 18-20, 2022

Inaugural “Dialogue in Nassau” Convened Leaders to Explore Impact Investment in the Americas

The beautiful setting of The Bahamas provided the backdrop for the inaugural “Dialogue in Nassau” from May 18th to 20th, 2022. This landmark event, the first of its kind hosted by Forum for Impact in the region, brought together an exclusive group of leading investors and business visionaries from across the Americas for an intimate and focused conversation. Co-hosted by the global private members’ network Forum, The Winterbotham Trust Company, The Bahamas Financial Services Board, and The Ministry of Tourism, the dialogue centered on the critical themes of impact, investment, and purpose.

The Growing Importance of Impact in the Region

The event occurred at a time of burgeoning interest in impact investing across Latin America and the Caribbean. This approach, which seeks to generate measurable social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns, is increasingly seen as a vital tool for addressing regional challenges. Investors are recognizing the potential to tackle issues like poverty alleviation, healthcare access, education quality, and climate change mitigation through targeted investments. The region’s rich biodiversity, significant role in global food production, and vast renewable energy potential present unique opportunities for investments that align financial goals with sustainable development and community well-being.

Fostering Connections and Purpose

“Dialogue in Nassau” aimed specifically to bridge the gap between seasoned impact practitioners and those exploring how to integrate purpose into their financial legacies. By assembling global leaders in a collaborative setting, the event sought to share knowledge, personal stories, and inspiring journeys to motivate positive global change. Guests attended by private invitation, ensuring a high level of engagement and peer-to-peer learning.

Deep Dives into Impact Themes:

The curated program facilitated deep discussions on key aspects of impact strategy:

Making it Personal: Finding Your Own Path in Impact Finance:

This session delved into the personal side of impact. Leaders from high-net-worth and family office backgrounds shared how they navigated the landscape to align their investments and philanthropic activities with their core values and desired outcomes. It highlighted that the path to impact is unique for each investor, involving self-reflection and strategic deployment of capital.

Listening for the Silence: Finding Impact in the Most Unlikely Places:

Moving beyond mainstream trends often associated with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, this dialogue explored how to uncover profound impact opportunities “away from the noise”. Participants discussed strategies for identifying underserved areas and innovative solutions that might be overlooked by conventional approaches, thereby generating potentially deeper and more unique positive change.

Going Direct: Building on Outcomes for Greater Impact:

The focus here shifted to the evolution of philanthropy and investment towards more direct, outcome-oriented models. Leading figures discussed how linking legacy planning explicitly to measurable impact is transforming traditional philanthropy. This involves innovative approaches and new models designed to ensure that capital creates meaningful, lasting positive change in the world.

A Confluence of Leaders

The event benefited from the presence of distinguished guests and hosts. The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, delivered welcoming remarks, underscoring the nation’s commitment to fostering impactful initiatives. The collaborative hosting by The Bahamas Financial Services Board, The Ministry of Tourism, The Winterbotham Trust Company, and Forum ensured a rich blend of local insight and global perspective.

Ultimately, the “Dialogue in Nassau” aimed to empower attendees, sending them forth ready to translate inspiration into action – deploying their financial and intellectual resources to address the world’s most pressing impact challenges.