The IFC Impact Investing Challenge is a preeminent competition for graduate students worldwide.
Hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a leader in impact investing, this challenge offers an unparalleled chance to engage directly with IFC staff and present innovative solutions to the senior leadership team. This experience is as close as it gets to real-world impact investing. The Challenge has over 150 teams representing the best institutions globally, participating in its previous editions. These editions have focused on topics such as, "Just and Green Recovery" and "MSME Financing," among others.
Impact Investing Challenge 2019 Participants. Photo: IFC
The 2024 Edition: Gender-Climate Nexus
The IFC Impact Investing Challenge 2024 invites students globally to delve into the critical intersection of climate action and gender equity. This year’s challenge will focus on the challenge of climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and marginalized communities. Through this lens, we invite you to propose an innovative proposal in designing a debt or equity fund that not only addresses these disparities but also harnesses the potential of green economies to empower women in developing countries.
Why Focus on Gender-Climate Nexus?
The intricate link between climate change and gender equity presents both challenges and opportunities. Climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities, particularly for women in climate-vulnerable sectors, leading to increased risks and diminished opportunities. Conversely, the transition to greener economies offers unmet job opportunities and a chance for significant economic empowerment for women. As IFC focuses on catalyzing growth and innovation in emerging markets, integrating gender equity with climate action aligns perfectly with the World Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty on a livable planet.
Why Participate? Unmatched Opportunities Await
- Real-World Experience: Dive deep into the realm of impact investing, guided by the expertise of IFC, the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
- Global Platform: Showcase your innovative ideas on a global stage, with the chance to make a tangible difference in developing countries.
- Exclusive Training: Get exclusive access to master classes on impact investing and impact management from IFC professionals, along with soft skills training on drafting investment proposals and effective pitching.
- Meet IFC Senior Leadership: If you make it to the finals, you will get a chance to come to Washington, D.C. to pitch your ideas in front of IFC's senior leadership team, and an exclusive networking event with IFC management.
Challenge Timeline
- Proposal Submission Deadline: April 15, 2024
- Masterclass: Between May 10 and May 17, 2024
- Detailed Proposal Submission Deadline: May 19, 2024
- Announcement of Finalists: May 30, 2024
- Grand Finale: June 13, 2024