Side event to the WEF Annual Meeting

Reimagining the Third Sector - Making Space for a Fourth Sector

Davos, 20th January 2026.

The University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva Canton co-hosted a luncheon on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos with the support of the Fondation Lombard Odier and the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy. The focus of this high-level dialogue was on the future of the third sector — and why the emergence of a fourth sector is becoming not just desirable, but necessary.

The audience explored how mission-first organizations, combining public utility with economic viability, can help rebalance this reality. Reimagining growth, promoting social innovation and public value, are essential if we are serious about sustaining the SDGs and placing societal well-being at the centre of our economic systems.

Switzerland has a critical role to play — not only in safeguarding its tradition of international cooperation, but also in positioning itself as a hub for purposeful business and a leader in shaping the future of global solidarity. To learn more about the research carried out by the geneva Centre on Philanthropy: https://www.unige.ch/philanthropie/en/research-publication/research/philanthropie-et-entrepreneuriat-social

Madame Fontanet, Conseillère d'état; Professeure Leuba, Rectrice; Ambassadeur Frutiger, chef de la division Coopération thématique, DDC

Dr. Anne Monier, Dr. Beatrice Ferrari, Prof. Giulia Neri-Castracane, Prof. Audrey Leuba, Mme Delphine Bachmann, Mme Nathalie Fontanet, Dr. Maximilian Martin, M. Alfonso Gomez, Prof. Nicolas Duvoux, M. Jonas Pasquier