Reflections from OC Impact 2025

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Over the course of three days, we attended OC Impact 2025 in Albufeira, Portugal. The event brought together over 450 social leaders from 48 countries to unite efforts in closing global social gaps.

Here are our key takeaways:

1. Moving forward through collective work

Social change is built when we work together. The event inspired us with the philosophy of Ubuntu: "I am because you are." It’s about extending a hand and working together toward a common goal.

Collective work is about learning and progressing as a community. Instead of starting new projects from scratch, we can replicate what is already working and collaborate with other actors: nonprofits, governments, donors, and businesses. When we join forces, impact is multiplied.

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2. Reinventing the sector from what is already in motion

The Berkana Two Loops model explains how social systems evolve: when one becomes rigid, another strengthens in parallel. Crisis is a sign that something new is ready to be born.

During the event, we discussed the global USAID cuts and how the social sector is reinventing itself. Rather than seeking quick solutions, we are designing more resilient funding models, building the future from what is already in motion.

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3. Innovation isn’t about creating from scratch, but adapting

Not every organization needs to create its own software. Leveraging existing tools is more efficient and sustainable. The challenge lies in transforming the way we work from an operational model.

Social innovation is about integrating technology with a human and adaptive focus. It empowers those on the "front lines", listening to your communities and users to adapt solutions to their realities.

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These spaces connect us, reaffirm the power of collaboration, and moving together with the tech wave collectively. Change happens when we see the whole system and work together to transform it, not just from one organization, but from the community.

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