Momentum continues to build for business' role in development.? The venerable Global Philanthropy Forum will hold its annual, invitation-only conference from April 11 to 13 of this year.? The conference's title?? Financing Social Change: Leveraging Markets and Entrepreneurship.? Previous years' topics have focused more on philanthropy; this year the Forum has caught on to the growing trend of 'philanthropreneurship' (apologies to The New York Times for that one), a blended approach to giving that focuses on building profitable, sustainable businesses.

The agenda looks great; so does the speaker list.? Climate change, health, and poverty are primary breakout topics; the Forum obviously understands the cross-sectoral impacts at play.? These sessions are complemented by keynotes and plenaries by notable leaders in each field, giving attendees a blend of high-level thought and detailed action planning.? Confirmed speakers include NextBillion allies Kurt Hoffman (Shell Foundation), Mary Ellen Iskendarian (Women's World Banking), Tim Wirth (U.N. Foundation), and other notables.Check it out ? and hope for an invitation soon.? If not, be sure to browse previous years' content, including a speech by Bill Clinton at last year's Forum.