Credit: Ievgenii Karanov, Chronicle.lu
On Monday 20 April 2026, Luxembourgish non-governmental organisation ADA - Appui au Développement Autonome presented its new 2026-2030 strategy entitled “Impact Finance for Vulnerable Populations in the Global South” at the Auditorium of the Banque de Luxembourg in Luxembourg City.
The event brought together more than 200 guests, including Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs.
The strategy is centred on strengthening the economic autonomy of 1.5 million vulnerable people in the Global South by 2030, notably through support for more than 400 local actors, including inclusive finance institutions and business support structures, building on three decades of Luxembourg’s engagement in inclusive and impact finance.
In her opening speech, Laura Foschi, Executive Director of ADA, stated: “The renewal of confidence by Luxembourg Cooperation, combined with the opening to new collaborations, marks ADA’s entry into a phase of ambitious action resolutely focused on impact for vulnerable populations.”
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Bénédicte Godefroid, Director of Programmes at ADA, bringing together speakers from both Luxembourg and international partners. Participants included Georges Ternes, Director of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, as well as Guatemala-based representatives Edgardo Perez, Chief Executive Officer of Fundación Génesis Empresarial, and Ana Gabriela Chinchilla, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Alterna and Partner at Devela Capital.
The discussion focused on the role of impact finance in supporting local economic development, strengthening resilience and improving living conditions in vulnerable communities, particularly through long-term partnerships and locally driven solutions.
Within this framework, ADA’s strategy places a strong emphasis on supporting local economic actors, including inclusive finance institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and training organisations, with the aim of strengthening more resilient and inclusive local economies. It also promotes an integrated approach based on local dynamics, combining financial services, access to basic resources such as water and energy, and capacity-building programmes to support sustainable income generation.
Against this backdrop, Xavier Bettel highlighted the importance of cooperation between public institutions and organisations active in the field. “The support of Luxembourg Cooperation for ADA fully reflects a logic of partnership and synergies. By supporting an organisation that operates on the ground and works with impact investors, while mobilising Luxembourg’s financial expertise, we strengthen the leverage effect of public funds and contribute to the development of impact finance for vulnerable populations,” he said.
The event concluded with remarks from Nicole Dochen, Vice-President of ADA and member of the Executive Committee of Banque de Luxembourg, who delivered a call to action, encouraging stronger collaboration with ADA and its field partners.
The formal programme was followed by a networking lunch, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange views and explore potential partnerships in the field of impact finance.
