UBS Optimus Foundation

Nalini Tarakeshwar, our Head of Programs and Impact Transparency, and Marissa Leffler, one of our Health Program Directors, were on the ground last week in New York for #UNGA and #NewYorkClimateWeek. Their key takeaway from the week? We need to break down silos, from how we fund to how we measure impact and everything in between. Swipe through the carousel below to learn more⬇️   #shareUBS

Our Global Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy, Tom Hall, had the opportunity to talk to one of our UBS Optimus Foundation partners about a powerful nature-based solution for preventing biodiversity loss – regenerative farming. Interested in learning more? Tune in to the first episode of Season 2 of #TomTalks below. #shareUBS 

Children who attend quality early learning programs are more likely to have a good start at school and achieve better learning outcomes. But only 1 in 3 children in South Africa has access to a high-quality early learning center. At UBS Optimus Foundation, we aim to drive transformative, scalable impact for marginalized communities across the globe and are proud to support Earlybird Educare@Work as they double the size of their footprint in South Africa. We look forward to seeing the impact of this continued partnership in the years ahead! #shareUBS

In January 2024, GAEA launched a Corporate Philanthropy Challenge for People and Planet to mobilize $1 billion of smart, catalytic funding towards climate and nature interventions by 2030. We were more than willing to join this challenge along with partners like Z Zurich Foundation and Temasek Trust to lead the global push to increase funding for nature-based solutions. For #NewYorkClimateWeek, World Economic Forum published a white paper diving into the current state of play, showcasing early success and highlighting where effective impact can be made over the next six years. Do their key findings reflect your experience or are you surprised by them? ✅ Less than 5% of corporate philanthropy is deployed to climate and nature. ✅ Corporate philanthropic funding towards climate and nature is small but growing. ✅ Corporate philanthropy can harness a unique combination of funding and non-funding tools to maximize impact. ✅ Non-funding tools play a significant role in building and maintaining climate and nature programs. ✅ Improved data on corporate philanthropy could help organizations refine their strategies and increase impact. #shareUBS

Two of our team members are on the ground in New York for #UNGA to talk about these very issues. What do you think? #shareUBS

Today, we're launching in Jakarta a new report by Earth Security outlining the business case for mangrove conservation and restoration in Indonesia. This report, 'The Business Case for Mangroves in Indonesia: A Natural Asset for Net-Zero and Coastal Resilience', outlines the value of mangroves to Indonesian companies through a series of case studies based on Earth Security's work, portfolio of projects and development of an ambitious funding platform in the region. In it, we explore through our pilots how this natural asset can be leveraged by Indonesian companies. We chart its future relevance in the emergence of Indonesia's carbon market, and outline the role that the Indonesian private sector can play in contributing to the Indonesian government's climate goals. Read the guide here: https://lnkd.in/e2fuDYNM We are grateful for the partnership and support from UBS Optimus Foundation, Djarum Foundation, and Good Energies Foundation. #Indonesia #bluecarbon #naturebasedsolutions #mangroves

We’re backing solutions that show the potential to go big and drive systemic, catalytic impact for marginalized communities, especially those that improve the lives of children. This means identifying and supporting incredible organizations who are working day in and day out on innovative solutions across health, education and the environment, like Kreedo Early Childhood Solutions. Our rigorous selection process ensures that the programs we fund have—at their core—the potential to deliver long-term, sustainable impact. Learn more about how we approach our work >> https://from.ubs/6041mTyfl. #shareUBS

Do you want your philanthropic giving to be strategic – focused on outcomes? Being effective in philanthropy takes time and resources. So, let’s join forces to create lasting changes to ensure that all children can grow up healthy, safe and educated. Learn more about how we drive better giving for better results >> https://from.ubs/6046m3o3I. #shareUBS

🎤 Speaker Announcement | Prabhav 2024 Gayatri Suri, Social Finance Program Manager, UBS Optimus Foundation, shall be speaking at Prabhav 2024, the fifth edition of the Impact Investors Council (IIC)'s biennial flagship conference, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12th and 13th. This gathering is dedicated to synergizing impact investing with sustainable development under the theme 'Impact Beyond Returns: The India Story'. The event will explore six crucial themes: Equity Impact Investing, Blended Finance, Financial Inclusion, Debt Impact Investing, Climate Finance, and Niche Sectors. Through insightful dialogues, the conclave aims to bridge the financing gap for impactful initiatives, unlocking India's potential for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future. Join Gayatri at Prabhav 2024 to explore how impact investing can drive meaningful outcomes and contribute to a brighter future for India. Visit https://prabhav2024.in/ to register and block your seat. -- About Prabhav: Prabhav, India's premier biennial impact investing conference, serves as a pivotal platform for Impact LPs, Asset Managers, Government Officials, and ecosystem stakeholders to convene, deliberate, and advance the India impact sector. #Impactinvesting #Prabhav2024

Over 27 million Ukrainians had fled their homes by November 2023, per Statista data, facing acute grief, abuse risks, and an uncertain future. Meet Amna Refugee Healing Network, one of our partners with a creative and unique model addressing these issues head on to support local communities. Their approach? Establishing safe therapeutic spaces, offering evidence-based trauma and identity informed psychosocial care to nurture joy and belonging in families and children. Learn more about how philanthropy is supporting their work⬇️ #shareUBS #WorldHumanitarianDay