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The Centre for Social Impact at ����������(CSI �����Ʊ) recently hosted Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta during his visit to Australia, leading a panel discussion with CSI students and experts on economic empowerment and gender equality.

Emphasising the urgency of collaboration to tackle gender inequality and drive sustainable economic progress, the Nobel laureate discussed his establishment of a new unit in his office, the Economic Empowerment of Women Unit.

During the panel, �����Ʊ Centre for Social Impact  shared insights on how to drive social change at scale.

Dafna Dar, a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact scholarship recipient and Program Manager at social enterprise , explained how her work creates pathways for women to achieve financial independence.

“Two Good uses food as a canvas; it’s a pathway to getting women employed. We’re able to scale this program by .

Michael Kunz, CSI �����Ʊ scholarship recipient, with experiences across humanitarian work including as Head of Programs Strategy, Policy, and Research at the Australian Red Cross, highlighted the power of collaboration across sectors.

“We need to be curious about what others can bring, we can’t do it on our own. We need to invest in partnerships. The diversity of strengths gives us wider access to resources. When we do cross-sector partnerships well, we see more comprehensive, holistic, and sustainable solutions for the long run,” Michael explained.

Also joining the panel was Rangan Srikathan, Research & Development Manager of CSI, reflecting on his experience of scaling a national social enterprise, and Carlos Brennan, Industry Engagement Director of the �����Ʊ First Nations Business Student Society, reflecting on the importance of self-determination.

CSI Lecturer Lee Cooper reflected at the conclusion of the event. “President, I’ve been inspired by your quote… an individual can only fully realise himself through the true commitment to his neighbour. You have been described as a peacebuilder, but you have also helped put the pieces of people back together, and the country.”

The event was part of the first stage of a collaboration between the President’s Economic Empowerment Unit and CSI �����Ʊ, with , Director of CSI �����Ʊ, stating that this is “underscored by a shared commitment to gender equality, economic inclusion, and sustainable development”.