The upcoming Global Inclusive Growth Summit is scheduled for April 18, 2024, marking a return to both in-person and virtual gatherings. Reflecting on the success of the 2023 event, jointly hosted by Mastercard and the Aspen Institute, we highlight its pivotal moments. The summit convened influential figures from the private sector, social impact sector, and government, fostering discussions on methods to enhance economic equity. 

Set to be hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the 2024 summit aims to propel tangible solutions to contemporary challenges through collaborative exchanges among entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and emerging leaders. Since its inception in 2019, the summit has brought together a diverse array of leaders spanning various sectors. Together, they tackle crucial topics such as financial inclusion, leveraging data science for social good, exploring cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, addressing climate concerns, promoting women's economic empowerment, and advocating for community-centric development. 

As we enter its second decade, we eagerly anticipate continuing the impactful conversations and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth worldwide. 

Click here , to know more about the 2024 Global Inclusive Growth Summit. 

It's widely acknowledged that women typically earn less than men, a fact underscored by statistics showing that in the U.S. in 2022, women earned only 82% of what their male counterparts earned. This disparity is even more pronounced when comparing Latina women to non-Hispanic men, with Latina women earning just 54% of what non-Hispanic men earn. Beyond the ethical concerns of such inequality, this wage gap also poses significant drawbacks for businesses. Undervaluing women leads to a loss of talent, higher turnover rates, and increased levels of poverty. 

Conversely, an economy that recognizes and values the contributions of both women and men stands to benefit from a broader spectrum of ideas, expertise, and experience. In envisioning a society where everyone can contribute and thrive, comedian, writer, producer, and political commentator Trevor Noah joins forces with Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist and co-founder of the Gates Foundation, alongside María Teresa Kumar, an Emmy-nominated MSNBC contributor. Together, they advocate for a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality that benefits society as a whole. 

Click here to learn more.

1. “Engage in the circular economy, a system that endeavors to protect resources by using less, wasting less, and recycling more. Luxury companies can:

• Adopt regenerative sourcing practices and invest in the restoration of important ecosystems to ensure the availability of precious raw materials derived from nature such as wool, leather, exotic wood, cashmere, and rare essential oils.
• Expand product life cycles by sourcing recycled and upcycled materials for products and by designing new business models that enhance the value of luxury products through giving them many lifetimes.
• Build on existing collaborative relationships with key suppliers to identify, catalyze, and support innovation in materials and processes.

2. “Contribute a positive impact on society, using both core business strategies and philanthropic agendas. Luxury companies can:

• Further support social and environmental progress by assessing how products and services affect society and the planet, and by using complementary business and philanthropic strategies to address the issues.
• Use the power of their brands to promote cultural change towards gender equality and thereby contribute to women’s empowerment; focus on empowering women in luxury supply chains.
• Help ensure that people working in their value chains receive a fair wage and provide training for workers to give them the skills they will need for future jobs.

3. “Articulate value to all stakeholders by preparing for transparency and better engaging investors and consumers on environmental and social progress. Luxury companies can:

• Set a new standard for transparency by providing more details on how their business practices affect the environment and local communities.
• Capture the attention of shareholders who are interested in sustainability and looking to invest in companies that create long-term value.
• Engage consumers more deeply on a new value proposition for luxury that fully integrates sustainability”.