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How the IKEA Foundation fights poverty and climate change

Can you spot the link between solar panels and pottery? Or a fly and a tomato?  

The IKEA Foundation works with more than 150 partners whose unexpected solutions connect to transformational impact helping to combat two of the biggest threats to humanity: poverty and climate change. Working independently from the IKEA retail business, the IKEA Foundation has already provided more than €2 billion in grants, supporting millions of children and families around the world. 

Learn more about the work IKEA Foundation’s partners do and discover some of the surprising solutions that already exist to create a better everyday life for the many people. 

Global problems, local solutions

The IKEA Foundation works in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities where the needs – and the opportunities – are greatest. During IKEA Foundation week, we shine a spotlight on some of the incredible partners working in their local communities to develop solutions that can be used all over the world. There are big challenges facing these communities – but fortunately even simple changes can create big transformations. Curious to know how? Watch the videos below to discover the surprising links between IKEA Foundation’s partners’ solutions and their transformational impact.

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Can you spot the link between solar panels and pottery?
We challenged IKEA customers to find the connection between solar panels and pottery.
An individual working on a pottery wheel, shaping a tall clay pot. The person is wearing a red and white striped shirt and is seated on a chair, leaning over the pottery piece in concentration. The background shows a rustic setting with corrugated metal walls, indicating this may be an artisan’s workshop.
Transforming the food system to benefit people and planet
Learn how the IKEA Foundation works with partners to produce and use food in ways that promote people’s well-being while respecting planetary boundaries.
A person holding a large basket full of brown round objects, likely nuts or fruits, above their head. The basket is woven with patterns on the rim. The individual is wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt and a hat with black and red patterns on the brim. The background features a hazy green landscape, suggesting an outdoor setting in a rural or natural environment.
Can you spot the link between an old t-shirt and an auditorium?
We headed in-store to ask IKEA customers if they could spot the link between an old t-shirt and an auditorium.
A person stands in a container filled with large bags and piles of various fabrics. The person is wearing a green top and a patterned skirt, and appears to be working or sorting through the materials.
Transforming the energy system to benefit people and planet
Discover how the IKEA Foundation works with partners to give more people access to solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
An aerial view of a solar power installation with several rows of large solar panels arranged neatly on a cleared patch of land. In the background, there is lush greenery with numerous trees, and a small blue building with a white roof is situated near the solar panels.
Can you spot the link between a fly and a tomato?
See how many of the IKEA customers we spoke to were able to find the link between a fly and a tomato.
An person sitting outdoors holding a small plant with green leaves. The person is wearing a pink hoodie and patterned pants. In the background, there are more green plants and trees.
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Curious about more unexpected links?

Sometimes even small changes can create big transformations. Click below to discover the surprising links between the IKEA Foundation’s partners’ solutions and their transformational impact.

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A person standing in front of a building with a flat facade. The person is wearing a green t-shirt with a circular logo on the left chest area and has their head covered with a patterned cloth. In the background, there are several yellow containers, suggesting water collection or storage, and another individual who is also facing away from the camera.

Since the IKEA Foundation was established, it’s paid out more than €2 billion in funding.

Food System Transformation

Our food systems aren’t working – for people or for the planet. There are nearly 800 million people facing chronic hunger, and hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers living in poverty. Meanwhile, up to one-third of global emissions come from the food system. 

By adopting circular, regenerative and agroecological practices, we can transition to a food systems approach that respects the limits of our planet and ensures the well-being of people, now and in the future. [NL1]Changed the order to keep the people points together first

Energy System Transformation

Around 3.5 billion people lack reliable access to energy, making it difficult for them to earn an income. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are damaging the climate and the natural resources people depend on for their livelihoods.

By accelerating the shift to renewable energy, we can enable people to boost their incomes so they can afford a better life – all while reducing emissions to combat climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

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Together, we can change the story of our planet for good

Discover how the IKEA Foundation is working together with its partners to rewrite the story[NL1] .Please visit our website to find out more about our ongoing work together [NL1]Suggest giving this a twist to avoid repeating the header

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