A global conversation on social impact

In this episode, we travel to Riyadh for the inaugural Beyond Profit Forum, held on 3–4 December 2025. Hosted by the National Center for Non-Profit, the forum gathered more than 3,300 leaders, innovators, and philanthropists from 93 countries. Together, they explored the future of social impact, philanthropy, and nonprofit innovation in a time of global uncertainty.

A moment of change for philanthropy

This episode features insights from the opening keynote panel, When Belts Buckle, States Retreat: A Moment of Choice and Innovation for New Philanthropy. The discussion focused on a major question: what happens when public budgets shrink and global politics shift?

As a result, the nonprofit sector and the world of philanthropy are being pushed to evolve. At the same time, social needs continue to grow. Therefore, new approaches are becoming more urgent.

New models for collaboration

The panellists explored several emerging models. For example, they discussed impact-linked funding, corporate and nonprofit co-creation, and the growing role of private capital in social impact.

However, the conversation was not about replacing the state. Instead, speakers reflected on how philanthropy, business, and civil society can help strengthen public priorities. In addition, they spoke about the importance of accountability, collaboration, and systems-level change.

Voices from across the sector

The panel brought together leading voices in philanthropy and social innovation, including H.H. Princess Nouf Al Saud (CEO, King Khalid Foundation), H.H. Prince Mansour bin Saad bin Farhan Al Saud (Assistant Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation), Alvaro Rodriguez Arregui (Co-founder & Managing Partner, IGNIA), Asif Saleh (Executive Director, BRAC), and Fredrik Galtung (Chief Facilitator, Catalyst Now).

The conversation was moderated by Matthew Bishop, Founder of Social Progress Imperative.

Why this episode matters

Overall, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and social impact innovation. More importantly, it highlights the kinds of collaboration needed to respond to today’s global challenges.

Learn more

Beyond Profit Forum: https://beyondprofitforum.org/en
National Center for Non-Profit: https://my.gov.sa/en/agencies/18020
King Faisal Foundation: https://www.kff.com
King Khalid Foundation: https://www.kkf.org.sa/en
IGNIA: https://www.ignia.vc
BRAC: https://www.bracinternational.org
Social Progress Imperative: https://www.socialprogress.org
Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net
Fredrik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrik-galtung-7084954
AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my
Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my
Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz

Creating positive change, one episode at a time.
This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org