IKEA Foundation Week 2023
Reaching goals, together
This year’s annual IKEA Foundation Week, from 23-27 October, focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. What do you know about global poverty, food production in Africa, or healthcare in India? It’s time to upgrade your world view.
Every year the IKEA Foundation supports causes dedicated to people and planet. Although there is still much work to be done, around the world changemakers like the IKEA Foundation are working toward the same goals – to improve lives and fight climate change in some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to combat some of the greatest global challenges of our time. By working together we can increase our chances of reaching these goals by 2030. Meet some of the initiatives supported by the IKEA Foundation and learn how together, we are changing the story of our planet for good.
Can you guess?
In 1980, roughly 40% of the world's population lived in extreme poverty, with less than $2 per day. What is the share today?
Incorrect
A world record, ignored
During the past 40 years, the drop in the extreme poverty rate was the fastest ever. Very few noticed. Probably because global inequality became wider than ever.
One way the IKEA Foundation helps people lift themselves out of extreme poverty is through its partnership with GiveDirectly, who provide refugees in Uganda with cash transfers. This helps them make smart investments and build sustainable livelihoods.
GiveDirectly
The power of giving
The non-profit organisation enables donors to send money directly to the poorest households around the world. Since 2009 GiveDirectly has distributed over $700 million in cash to more than 1.5 million people living in poverty. Rather than relying on aid organisations and choices made by donors thousands of miles away, an unconditional direct cash transfer gives recipients the dignity and ability to spend the money as they wish and lift themselves out of poverty. This cash gift from our partner enables them to invest in ways to improve their own lives, from buying medicine and livestock to starting businesses and education.
Can you guess?
Of all the babies born in India, how many are born in a health facility?
Incorrect
85% of babies in India take their first breath in a health facility. Most babies in the world are born in hospitals and health clinics; it's the same in India.
The IKEA Foundation is supporting SELCO Foundation to improve public health facilities in India through solar energy solutions. It’s helping reduce carbon emissions, improve working conditions and deliver sustainable healthcare to millions of people.
SELCO Foundation
Healthcare powered by nature
With energy comes power. The SELCO Foundation is a pioneer in delivering sustainable energy and creating last-mile energy solutions for the poor in India. In remote regions, where access to energy can be unreliable and unaffordable, healthcare can be impacted to the detriment of the local community. Working with the IKEA Foundation, SELCO aims to bring solar energy to 25,000 healthcare facilities in 12 states across India by 2026.
Can you guess?
How much of the food eaten by people in Africa is produced in Africa?
Incorrect
More than 80% of the food eaten by people in Africa is produced in Africa.
Africa can feed Africa. Just like everywhere else, most of the food eaten is locally produced. Some food is imported because farmers are unable to grow crops, but most is imported because diets have changed as people have gotten richer.
The IKEA Foundation supports the World Vegetable Center to enable women and young people in Kenya and Ethiopia to grow and sell traditional African vegetables. Doing this creates jobs, improves people’s health and protects the environment.
World Vegetable Center
Growing health and wealth
Parts of Africa lack access to food and proper nutrition, but also people with the skills and knowledge to produce it. By growing vegetables, communities can alleviate poverty and hunger. The World Vegetable Center is a philanthropic, non-profit agricultural research and development institute that conducts research, builds networks and carries out training and activities to raise awareness of the importance of vegetables. Working together with the IKEA Foundation, the World Vegetable Center can help communities to grow crops for better health, employment and the economy.
Can you guess?
What share of Nigeria's electricity comes from renewable sources?
Incorrect
Don’t underestimate the power of the sun! Around 25% of Nigeria’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
Many people mistakenly underestimate how clean electricity production in Nigeria is, where a quarter comes from non-fossil sources.
The IKEA Foundation supports the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, which is working to lower the cost of renewable and reliable energy. In Nigeria, they are doing this by installing solar mini-grids. This helps reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of millions of people.
GEAPP
Committed to a net zero Nigeria
Nearly half of humanity – that’s 3.6 billion people – lack access to abundant, reliable energy. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) aims to accelerate investment in the transition to renewable energy solutions.
With support from the IKEA Foundation, GEAPP is working closely with the government of Nigeria to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. Supporting developing countries to shift to clean energy has the potential to deliver economic growth to local communities, while meeting critical climate goals.
Learn more about the journey to 2030
To find out more about its work and partnerships, visit the IKEA Foundation website.