Episode Introduction Alexander Betts, Professor of Forced Migration and International Affairs at the University of Oxford, and Ola Rosling, CEO of Gapminder, discuss what (almost) everybody gets wrong about refugees in this episode hosted by IKEA Foundation CEO Per Heggenes. There are a lot of misconceptions about refugees, especially around their intentions and why they leave their homes, belongings and loved ones to venture into the unknown. Do you think you know your facts ...

Episode Introduction In this episode, Barri Shorey from International Rescue Committee, discusses not only the current challenges refugees face around the world, but the often overlooked long-term economic impacts of how the COVID-19 pandemic affects refugees differently with IKEA Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Per Heggenes. The question we will discuss will be: What’s life like for a refugee caught in the global COVID pandemic – now, and in the future? Guests Bio Barri ...

Episode IntroductionWomen farmers in rural communities are responsible for feeding much of the world, but they often don’t get enough to eat themselves. They struggle to access financial support that would help them earn a decent income—and the pandemic is making this situation even worse. In this episode, we discuss how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting women in rural communities and how we can support them to become the leaders and food producers our world needs. Willy Foote and Katie Naeve ...

Sarah Klassen from Start Network and Jon Stone from the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership Secretariat (REAP), discuss how early action could help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities, in this interview with Patricia Atkinson, IKEA Foundation Chief Programme Officer. You’ll hear more about preparedness and examples from the field. Sarah and Jon explain how local actors are leading the way in responding to the pandemic and look at how climate change is severely impactin...

Episode Introduction Everyone has the right to breathe clean air. Yet, every year, the health of millions of people is threatened by air pollution. So what needs to happen to ensure all people enjoy clean air, blue skies and better health? Jane Burston, Executive Director of the Clean Air Fund, speaks with Liz McKeon, our Climate Action Portfolio Lead, about the economic impact of air pollution and clean air solutions. Guest Bio Jane Burston runs the Clean Air Fund, a global r...

Episode Introduction In this episode, Founder and CEO of SELCO Foundation, Harish Hande is in conversation with Renewable Energy Portfolio Lead, Jeffrey Prins on how renewable energy can help communities survive and recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Guest Bio Harish Hande is a renewable energy entrepreneur with over 24 years of grassroots experience in understanding, developing and deploying renewable energy solutions for underserved communities. Born in rural Karnataka, Hari...

Episode Introduction Engaging with other people has radically changed this year due to lockdowns and other measures that limit social interactions. But how can we continue to build a climate movement when people can’t meet in person? Are there things we will want to keep doing after the pandemic ends? We will try to answer these questions in a conversation hosted by our own Liz McKeon with Jessy Tolkan from Purpose Climate Lab and Jessie MacNeil-Brown from Ingka Group/IKEA. Gu...

Episode Introduction In this episode, Founder and CEO of Acumen, Jacqueline Novogratz discusses leadership practices in times of uncertainty with IKEA Foundation CEO, Per Heggenes. You’ll get practical insights into how anyone can stand up and make positive social change on some of the big issues of our times. Guest Bio Jacqueline Novogratz is the New York Times best-selling author of The Blue Sweater and Manifesto for a Moral Revolution. She founded Acumen ...

The IKEA Foundation podcast is back with a new season. Over the last few months, we have been having series of thought-provoking conversations with leaders from the development world who deeply care about the state of our planet in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk to them about the impact of the pandemic and look beyond to imagine what a better, post-COVID-19 world could look like. We know there are problems. That’s why we’re talking to people working on solutions.  ...

This is a special edition of our podcast recorded at our 10th anniversary event in Amsterdam on 6 June, where IKEA Foundation partners and thought-leaders from around the globe shared their vision for how to make the world a better place. In this podcast, we’ve created a montage of our guests’ ‘What IF?’ questions, expressing their hopes for a brighter future.We have a special bonus at the end of the podcast – a ‘what if’ poem written and performed by Benjamin Fro, a singer/song-rapper based ...

In the third episode of our ‘What If?’ podcast series we talk to Per Heggenes, IKEA Foundation CEO. Per shares his vision on climate change and renewable energy, talks about what inspires him and offers a unique insight into the Foundation’s first 10 years. He also spotlights our new grantmaking strategy as we look forward to the future. This podcast is hosted by Altaf Makhiawala, Strategic Communicator at the IKEA Foundation. The podcast features audio clips from Sustainable Energy for ...

In the second episode of our ‘What If?’ podcast series, Rachel Kyte, CEO at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), paints a picture of world that has successfully transitioned to renewable energy in all aspects of our lives. As Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Rachel has a unique perspective on how to empower leaders to broker partnerships and unlock finance to achieve universal access to sustainable energy. Find out what inspires her and what...

Show notesWhat needs to happen right now to keep our planet healthy? In our very first episode of the ‘What If?’ podcast series, campaigner and business leader Steve Howard talks about his vision for climate action. As Co-Chair of We Mean Business and former Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Group, Steve has a unique perspective on the role of business and philanthropy in tackling climate change. Find out what inspires him and what his hopes and dreams are for the global climate movement.T...