Dennis, I really want to celebrate this and to be pleased that we are using words like revolution and radical transformation in terms of the financial sector, however, there is a glaring omission in this manifesto. GIIN is silent on revolutionizing power relations and diversity within the financial sector.

Is the impact investment community that tone deaf? Do portfolio managers and the ecosystem builders in the impact world truly believe that they can tackle the SDGs on a global scale, and have any success if the composition, culture and perspectives of those who sit at the table do not change? SMH.

Looking forward to your response and hope to actually generate discussion and engagement on this.

And let me say who am I, an African heritage mature women with an incredible pedigree in international development coupled with serious finance experience and skill. I am a blended finance pioneer, before that term even existed. I need to be convinced that this revolution is for real. Show me and then let’s develop an action plan for tackling structures and cultures of power and privilege in the financial sector, so that the intended beneficiaries of impact investment are included as genuine partners.

Lets be the change we wish to see in the world.

Gillian Marcelle PhD