Overview


This Solutions Session side event explores inclusive innovation as a practical tool for reaching the most vulnerable and eradicating poverty, focusing on how locally-driven, participatory approaches can enhance the quality and impact of development interventions. Designed as an interactive and participatory experience, the session will give participants firsthand exposure to how inclusive innovation operates in real-world contexts.

 


The side event emphasizes actionable solutions by showcasing compelling case studies where diverse stakeholder groups have co-created innovative solutions that are transforming the lives of vulnerable communities and addressing poverty. These illustrative real-world examples will highlight specific tools, tested models and practical approaches for promoting social inclusion throughout the innovation process, and will present evidence demonstrating how designing with, not for, people experiencing poverty leads to more sustainable, effective, and context-sensitive solutions. The session will feature voices from diverse sectors, participating live and through video presentations, whose stories will demonstrate the feasibility, adaptability and impact of inclusive innovation within and across diverse contexts.
 

Throughout the side event, participants will: Engage in small group discussions and hands-on activities to co-develop ideas, explore key challenges, and envision opportunities to integrate inclusive innovation approaches within their own context. This participatory approach will foster knowledge exchange and encourage deeper understanding of the systemic barriers that hinder social inclusion in innovation processes.

Ultimately, this session aims to equip participants with practical insights and adaptable tools for designing and implementing inclusive innovations targeting particularly vulnerable populations. By centering the voices and agency of those most affected by poverty, the session underscores the transformative potential of inclusive innovation as a core strategy for social inclusion.

OBJECTIVES
 

This 75-minute side event will enable participants to gain exposure to diverse evidence, best practices, and key recommendations for applying inclusive innovation approaches for poverty eradication. The session pursues three primary objectives:

  1.  Articulate a robust framework for addressing and eradicating poverty through inclusive innovation
  2. Foster knowledge exchange and co-learning on best practices for inclusive innovation, which can be adapted and explored across diverse context
  3. Establish a community of practice on inclusive innovation, facilitated by an online co-innovation platform, that can enable sustained dialogue and co-creation amongst session participants


     

AGENDA

SessionDetailsIn Charge
Welcome, Framing & InspirationOverview Presentation: Defining inclusive innovation, its promise for poverty eradication, gender equality, and climate resilience; set expectations for participation and outcomes.

Inspiration Video Addresses:
- Dr Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, GAIN
- Bernhard Kowatsch, Director Global Accelerator and Ventures, WFP
Moderators: Anthony Wenndt (GAIN)
Ishank Gorla (WFP Innovation Accelerator)

Speakers: Dr Lawrence Haddad
Bernhard Kowatsch
Lightning Case Study PresentationsFour champions deliver short presentations describing their inclusive innovation case study.

Thematic Areas:
- Nutrition
- Social Protection
- Food Systems
- Supply Chains

Each highlights:
- The Challenge
- The Innovation
- The Impact
Four champions of inclusive innovation (presenters)
Interactive Co-Creation LabParticipants split into groups by case study.

Goals:
- Explore toolbox of practical approaches
- Identify enablers/barriers
- Co-develop a concrete solution

Each group reports back (~2 minutes).
Group facilitators & participants
Q&A & CommitmentsModerators and panellists address questions.

Audience participants share one-sentence reflections, commitments, or ideas on applying learnings.
Moderators & Panellists
Audience participants
Closing & Call to ActionSession closes with a summary of key insights (inclusive innovation principles, scaling strategies, key tools/resources).

Call to Action:
- Engage through a Community of Practice (GAIN + WFP Innovation Accelerator)
- Partner with GAIN & WFP Innovation Accelerator to scale proven solutions
Session moderators
GAIN & WFP Innovation Accelerator

Co-hosted By: