How do we move from a good idea to something that actually works and makes a difference?
This is the central question driving the UNCDF-SINTEF Webinar Series 2026, a five-part conversation exploring solutions through the lenses of finance, policy, cooperation, culture, and technology.
Each webinar will run for one hour on the first Wednesday of every month from February to June 2026, featuring two consistent hosts – one from SINTEF and one from UNCDF – who will guide the discussion.
Up to three expert guests will share insights before joining a panel conversation, followed by audience questions.
Episode 1: Innovating Together: New Models for Global Cooperation on Technology – 11 February
The first webinar tackles the technology implementation gap between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries.
This gap means that many nations in the Global South miss out on technologies that could address critical challenges in food production, climate resilience, biodiversity, and industrial processes.
Adapting and implementing relevant technologies can do more than solve crises – it can reduce poverty, create jobs, strengthen education systems, and boost local tax revenues.
Yet, mechanisms for cross-regional collaboration remain scarce. Too many siloed initiatives separate academia, civil society, and the private sector, limiting large-scale innovation.
Norway, with its credibility in development assistance and global geopolitics, can play a pivotal role in promoting new mechanisms and fostering collaboration.
This webinar will explore how a Technology Impact Fund could bridge these gaps, build local innovation capacity, and enable consortia that work across value chains and regulatory frameworks.
Episode 2: Rebuilding Ukraine – 4 March
Ukraine faces one of Europe’s most extensive reconstruction challenges since World War II.
Damage to housing alone was estimated at over $50 billion as early as February 2023, and by 2025, 13 percent of homes are damaged or destroyed, affecting 2.5 million households.
Reconstruction is not just about repairing what was lost – it’s about creating resilient, modern communities that Ukrainians want to return to. This requires new expertise, standards, and collaborative models.
The webinar will discuss how to approach emergency, medium-term, and long-term rebuilding phases while considering ongoing conflict, climate resilience, and social cohesion.
Episode 3: Climate adaptation and preparedness – 1 April
Climate adaptation and preparedness are critical to reducing vulnerability to escalating climate shocks.
Join us in this discussion exploring systemic impact through integrated solutions and multi-sector partnerships that build resilience, protect ecosystems, and safeguard livelihoods.
Episode 4: Food value chains – 6 May
Strong food value chains are essential for reducing waste and improving food security, but inefficiencies in storage and transport still cause major losses.
By scaling cold storage solutions through collaboration between research, business, and policy, we can build resilient systems that boost nutrition and create new economic opportunities.
Episode 5: From pilots to policy: How to scale up – 3 June
Turning successful pilots into national policies is one of development’s biggest challenges.
By aligning evidence-based results with financing, governance, and political priorities, we can transform isolated successes into scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact.
A unique opportunity
This series offers a unique opportunity to learn from global experts and explore practical solutions for some of today’s most pressing challenges. Join us every first Wednesday from February to June 2026!
