Work4Progress India Conference 2025 Focuses on Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Leaders convened at the Work4Progress India Annual Conference 2025 to share strategies for scaling inclusive entrepreneurship and building resilient livelihoods through collaborative, systems-change approaches.
More than 100 leaders and professionals from different fields came together in New Delhi for the Work4Progress India Annual Conference 2025. The event, currently in its eighth year, aimed at enhancing collaborative initiatives to create robust and inclusive livelihoods nationwide. The ”la Caixa” Foundation's Work4Progress (W4P) programme spearheaded the conference, with Arthan acting as the ecosystem partner.
A notable speech was given by Her Royal Highness the Infanta Cristina, Director of the International Area at the ”la Caixa” Foundation, who restated the Foundation's dedication to fostering equal opportunities. The Foundation has carried out over 780 initiatives in 70 nations. The conference united stakeholders from civil society, finance, research, and the public sector to exchange innovations and outline strategies for enhancing inclusive entrepreneurship through systems thinking.
The W4P platform in India functions through four collaborative networks: Development Alternatives (DA), ActionAid Association, ACCESS Development Services, and Rang De. The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) serves as the governance partner for the platform. Together, these networks have aided over 27,500 businesses, channeled €2.5 million in funding, and collaborated with over 50 entities to integrate social innovation techniques.
A senior official from the ”la Caixa” Foundation emphasized the program's worldwide perspective, stating that W4P promotes teamwork and co-creation to facilitate systemic change. The Virtual Lab of the program, a digital platform linking networks in India, Mozambique, Peru, and Colombia, enables sharing of knowledge across borders. It was observed that 74% of currently active project prototypes incorporate measures for climate adaptation and resilience
The Scientific Director of the Work4Progress program highlighted that effective collaborations, collective insights, and coordinated strategies are crucial for facilitating systemic transformation. The gathering also included perspectives from network leaders, who emphasized that genuine systems change necessitates an alternative method for developing entrepreneurship. A leader characterized social innovation not merely as a tool, but rather as an alternative mindset and approach to leadership that emphasizes profound listening and ongoing learning.
A different leader within a financial services network shared that deliberate listening has been key to their strategy, aiding the transition from initial prototypes to solutions that are truly embraced by communities. Another contributor highlighted the significance of moving from isolated efforts to collective impact, asserting that extensive, ongoing collaboration is essential for achieving sustainable and resilient livelihoods on a large scale.
A discussion panel on "Accelerating Green and Inclusive Livelihoods" examined ways in which businesses, investors, and support organizations can collaborate to establish ecosystems that assist women and youth entrepreneurs in tackling climate issues and overcoming market obstacles. The conference wrapped up with a united pledge from partners to keep developing local ecosystems that support women and youth, foster social innovation, and enhance avenues to dignified livelihoods throughout India
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