[Geneva, 12 December, 2024]

On the sidelines of Building Bridges and in partnership with de Pury Pictet Turrettini, One Earth Future Foundation and Heartland Initiative, TrustWorks hosted a closed-door workshop at our offices in the heart of old town Geneva entitled, ‘Rights, Risks and Returns: Advancing responsible and effective investments in conflict-affected areas’.

At a time of rising instability, investors – including DFIs, private/ institutional and impact investors – are exposed to increasing risks associated with their investments in fragile and conflict-affected settings. This half day workshop was an opportunity to discuss practical approaches to investing responsibly and to managing these risks; it brings together leading experts on the subject, with a curated group of public and private financial institutions.

Intended for Swiss financial institutions and the close partners supporting them, the workshop was split into two main sessions:

1) The saliency-materiality nexus: Portfolio management & engagement with MNCs on responsible business in conflict-affected areas

2) Impact investing where it matters most: The risks and opportunities of investing in SMEs in conflict-affected areas

The event ended up being over-subscribed with 25 participants squeezed into TrustWorks’ small but historical offices, which led to a rich, highly practical and pragmatic discussion. The informal setting fostered a frank, open and honest expert-led conversation on the challenges associated with investing in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCS). Participants were also able to raise the visibility of the steps that are required on the part of investors from different asset classes if their portfolios, investments and/or funds are in conflict-affected areas. The workshop successfully conveyed meaningful, practical steps towards more responsible and effective investments on the part of the participants in the room.

We plan to organise another event at the sidelines of Building Bridges in 2026.