Some conferences fade quickly from memory. This year’s Confluence Gathering will not be one of them. Organizers set a collegial tone early, reminding everyone that impact is built on relationships, and challenged attendees to make “at least one new friend,” a task made even more meaningful by the energy of dozens of new members ready to learn and connect.
The conversations tackled some of the most pressing issues of our time—AI, gender investing, the role of diversity, food systems, and, of course, resilience. But the real challenge wasn’t just discussing these topics; it was about breaking down silos. How do we bring investors, foundations, nonprofits, and policymakers to work together? How do we move beyond traditional off the shelf investment thinking and move to customized solutions that address the deeply interconnected global challenges we face?
A recurring theme throughout the gathering was the power of language. Words shape movements. They can inspire action or reinforce despair. The challenge is to match our language to the moment—practical, urgent, and full of possibility.
One thought-provoking discussion centered on Just Transition. The term itself sparked a nuanced debate: To use a phrase that highlights injustice, or shift toward language that resonates more broadly, like “resilience”? Some argued for pragmatism— to meet the moment with accessible language. Others insisted that avoiding strong terms risks losing the moral clarity needed to drive action. Either way, the consensus was clear: engagement and education are essential to moving forward.
Raul Pomares captured this spirit in his remarks, reflecting on how far the impact investment ecosystem has come—and how much further it needs to go. “It feels like 1990s again,” he said, reminding participants that the work ahead requires the same three things the industry needed decades ago at the beginning: education, discipline, and courage. Education to empower asset owners. Discipline in the words we choose and the investments we make. And courage—the courage to reclaim ownership of capital, to resist despair, and to continue to push for real economic and social impact.
The takeaway? We can’t afford black box thinking. Collaboration, transparency, and action define this field. This year’s Confluence wasn’t just another gathering. It was a call to move forward—together.
