Unlocking Capital for Refugee Lens Investing: Myth or Reality? An interactive discussion.

This session will explore the evolving landscape of Refugee Lens Investing (RLI) through an interactive and dynamic discussion. By leveraging live polls, audience input, and breakout group discussions, participants will engage in a critical examination of the opportunities and challenges inherent to refugee-focused investments. Attendees will have the chance to share insights, debate key questions, and collaborate on actionable solutions to advance RLI as a mainstream investment approach. This session will bring together leading organizations — the Hilton Foundation (as a funder), the International Rescue Committee’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), the Refugee Investment Facility, and Kiva Capital — to discuss the sticky topics and real-world challenges faced by leading RLI investors.
The session will provide actionable insights for investors, foundations, and impact-driven organizations looking to integrate a refugee lens into their portfolios. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the difficulties, challenges, and potential for impact from different RLI models.

Key Discussion Topics:
-Is a refugee lens investing framework beneficial or harmful?
-What are the lessons learned from existing RLI facilities (product development, segmentation (or lack thereof), etc.) both nationally and internationally?
-What structures are most appropriate for investing in refugees or other fragile communities? Will blended finance / subsidies always be needed?
-What are the fundraising challenges and strategies for these models?
-What parallels exist between lessons learned from RLI and investing in other underserved communities? Or between domestic and international RLI initiatives?
Insights from Hilton Foundation, IRC CEO, Refugee Investment Facility, and Kiva