Join us at the Dasra Philanthropy Forum 2024 on September 26 at MetLife Building, New York City. Keeping the theme "Thriving Through Equity" close, please find below an indicative agenda. The list of events, titles, and associated speakers are subject to changes, depending on evolving circumstances.
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8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
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Registration
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9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
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Welcome Address
Host | Parnasha Banerjee (Dasra) |
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
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Panel Session
Acting with Thought: Harnessing the Power of Family Philanthropy Speakers | Karen Ansara (Network of Engaged International Donors and Moving Millions), Donald Lobo (Chintu Gudiya Foundation), Bhagwan Thacker (Empowerment Foundation) and Sapphira Goradia Shaw (Vijay and Marie Goradia Foundation) In today’s dynamic philanthropic landscape, family foundations play a pivotal role. They strategically align resources, engage in collaborative partnerships, and leverage innovative approaches to create lasting impact for the most vulnerable. In this insightful session we will delve into the world of family foundations, and explore how philanthropists navigate intentional and informed giving, leveraging their resources to support revolutionary initiatives, foster collaboration and construct foundations. |
9:50 AM - 10:20 AM
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Panel Session
Ambitious Innovation and Collaboration: Driving SDGs' Impact at Scale Speakers | Nishant Pandey (America India Foundation), Shamina Singh (Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth), Dr. Vanita Sharma (Reliance Foundation) and Richard Hawkes (British Asian Trust) South Asia is emerging as a dynamic hub for philanthropic innovation and collaboration. As we look beyond the Sustainable Development Goals toward 2030, this session explores how organizations are strategically leveraging innovation to address critical development challenges. By pioneering new financing models, philanthropy is driving better outcomes, unlocking new forms of capital, and scaling impact. At the same time, multi-sectoral partnerships that challenge conventional dynamics are becoming central to transformative efforts, bringing together diverse stakeholders for collective progress. |
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10:25AM - 10:30AM
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TEDx Style Talk
Speaker | Sanjeev Joshipura (Indiaspora) |
10:30AM - 11:00AM
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Panel Session
Global Givers, Local Impact: How Indian Diaspora Leaders are Transforming Philanthropy Speakers | Ankur Vora (Bill Melinda Gates Foundation), Prithvi Trivedi (Packard Foundation), Yasmin Madan (Co-Impact) and Shivani Garg Patel (Skoll Foundation) Indian diaspora leaders are at the forefront of a philanthropic revolution. Their unique experiences bridge diverse cultures and fuel a more equitable giving landscape. These leaders are championing giving to underserved communities, sectors, and geographies within India. This session will tap into the wisdom of visionary leaders from the Indian diaspora. Join us in exploring why India deserves philanthropic focus and how supporting its development can create a global ripple effect in strengthening outcomes. |
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Panel Discussion
Thrive Through Equity: Dasra at 25 Speakers | Boris Siperstein (Dasra), Akruti Desai (Bill Melinda Gates Foundation), Deval Sanghavi (Dasra) and Anannya Chakrabarty (Dasra) Dasra's 25th year is a reflection on its journey of driving collective action between non-profits and philanthropy while envisioning a transformative future. Dasra’s pursuit of equity, while complex and long-term, remains central to accelerating social impact. This session reflects on Dasra’s impactful work with its long-standing partners and envision a future where equity drives progress. This gathering will feature Dasra’s leadership and early partners, offering insights into how the philanthropic ecosystem has grown in the last 25 years and how a collective commitment to equity enables us to thrive. |
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11:35 AM - 11:50 AM
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Networking Break
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11:50 AM - 11:55 AM
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TEDx Style Talk
Speaker | Perry Hewitt (data.org) |
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM
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Fireside Chat
AI & Accessibility: Bridging Gaps in Inclusion Speakers | Manu Chopra (Karya), Dr. Uyi Stewart (data.org), Sanjay Purohit (Centre for Exponential Change) and Parnasha Banerjee (Dasra) As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to shape every aspect of life, it is crucial to ensure that these technologies drive inclusive economic growth, foster inclusion, and address inequalities affecting individuals and communities. Join us for a transformative dialogue on how AI can harness its incredible potential to contribute to dignity for all, and a more responsible and equitable future. |
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12:30PM - 12:35PM
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TEDx Style Talk
Speaker | Kuldeep Dantewadia (Reap Benefit) |
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12:35PM - 12:40PM
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Keynote Address
Speaker | Dr. Anurabha Ghosh (CEEW) |
12:40 PM - 1:05 PM
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Panel Discussion
Harnessing the Power of Locally Led Climate Solutions Speakers | Jayesh Joshi (Vaagdhara), Uthara Narayanan (Buzz Women), Tarun Garg (RMI Energy Solutions India Foundation) and Anshu Gupta (Goonj) Locally-led climate action is essential, emphasizing solutions rooted in local knowledge, needs, and capabilities. This session will explore how to build a cohesive and impactful approach to support local efforts in addressing climate challenges and fostering sustainable development. Leaders at the forefront of community development in India will share their expertise and experiences in strengthening resilience within communities. |
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1:05 PM - 1:50 PM
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Lunch Break
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1:50 PM - 1:55 PM
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TEDx Style Talk
Speaker | Jackie Jones (Bill Melinda Gates Foundation) |
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
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Panel Discussion
Rooted Power: Investing in Women Leaders at the Grassroots Speakers | Hechin Haokip (Centre for Women and Girls), Manohari Doss (Institute for Self Management), Farida Kathawalla (Circle of Hope) and Maya Patel (Tarsadia Foundation) This panel will highlight the need to invest in women leaders, especially at the grassroots level who often build and run organizations across lesser-known, remote and socio-economically vulnerable geographies. By exploring the complexities and milestones that shape these leaders and their work and featuring insights from both grassroots voices and philanthropists, we'll examine why these women — and their impact — deserve our urgent attention. |
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2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
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TEDx Style Talk
Speaker | Divya Varma (Aajeevika Bureau) |
2:35 PM - 3:05 PM
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Panel Discussion
Scaling for the Majority World: How Indian Non-Profits are Going Places Speakers | Paul Simpson (Industree Foundation), Dr. Shahed Alam (Noora Health), Manushi Yadav (Pratham USA) and Vedika Bhandarkar (Water.Org) India's presence as a scaling lab for critical solutions to the world's complex issues signals a future where the Majority World is empowered to address its own challenges. Join us as we explore how homegrown solutions have scaled beyond Indian shores and are driving systemic change across diverse geographies. The session will highlight the pivotal role of philanthropy in amplifying the impact of these "Made in India" solutions, expanding their global reach, and advancing broader development goals, with India at the forefront of shaping a future of scalable, sustainable change. |
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM
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Panel Discussion
Technology & Data Enabling and Fueling Development Speakers | Vanessa D'souza (SNEHA), Suchetha Bhat (Dream-a-Dream), Rebecca Shibu (Social Compact) and Vinod Rajasekaran (Project Tech4Dev) In an era where evidence is crucial for understanding impact, building organizational structures, and operational resilience, learning and experimentation are key to deepening impact and scaling sustainability. This session will catalyse social impact by showcasing capabilities and learnings from experimental approaches, with or without data and technology, highlighting funding journeys and multi-lens perspectives. |
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3:40 PM - 3:55 PM
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Networking Break
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3:55 PM - 4:00 PM
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TEDx Style Talk
Speaker | Binoy Acharya (UNNATI) |
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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Panel Discussion
Real Stories, Real Change; Conversations with Social Impact Leaders Speakers | Aakash Sethi (Quest Alliance), Aarthi Sridhar (Dakshin Foundation), Chaitali Sheth (Aangan Trust), Indrani Bhattacharya (Child in Need Institute), Jayesh Joshi (Vaagdhara), Kuldeep Dantewadia (Reap Benefit), Mallika Tharakan (Karnataka Health Promotion Trust), Mannat Anand (Make a Difference), Priya Agarwal (Antarang Foundation), Sanchita Mitra (Sewa Bharat), Siddesh Sarma (Leadership for Equity), Susan Bhaktul (Industree Foundation), Uthara Narayanan (Buzz Women) and Vanessa D'souza (SNEHA) This 30-minute interactive session will spotlight some of India's most impactful changemakers whose work spans across diverse sectors such as education, gender, healthcare, youth leadership, community building, climate action, among others. These impact leaders are from leading organizations that have impacted 60+ million lives, working in 24 states and union territories across India, driving systems change, thought leadership and working with the most vulnerable communities. Drawing from their on-the-ground experiences and the work they lead, these leaders will share their unique insights and forward-looking visions, offering a window into the critical initiatives they champion and the lasting impact they aspire to achieve. |
4:35 PM - 5:05 PM
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Panel Discussion
Igniting the Spark: Investing in Youth Leadership Speakers | Mannat Anand (Make a Difference), Tshering D Bhutia (Salaam Bombay) and Riju Dhakal (ARROW) This session will highlight the importance of investing in youth leadership in South Asia, where young leaders are shaping local and global conversations. Through dialogue with NGO leaders and a youth champion, it will explore successes, challenges, and how collaboration and philanthropy can scale innovative solutions to empower youth in India, Nepal, and beyond, driving transformative change globally. |
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5:05 PM - 5:20 PM
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Closing Session
Closing Address Host | Ninad Ankleswaria (Dasra) |
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6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Cocktail Reception
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