Microfinance Focus, August 9, 2011: The Rockefeller Foundation together with the Institute of Development Studies and the Resource Alliance has launched a global dialogue to foster innovative partnerships between philanthropists and development experts.

Over the coming months, the Bellagio initiative will bring together innovative thinkers to consider the key issues that are likely to shape the future wellbeing of humanity and identify new opportunities for joint action by philanthropic and development organisations.

Throughout the second half of 2011, the Bellagio Initiative will convene global consultations on topics such as climate change, emerging markets, sustainability, migration and rights which, together with specially commissioned papers and commentary, will feed into debate at a high-level summit being held at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Centre, Italy, 8-22 November 20011. The summit will be open for online participation as well.

The initiative will produce a ‘Timeline of Philanthropy’, providing insights into the phenomenal growth of private giving, ‘Mapping of the Philanthropic Sector’, revealing who the big private donors are today, what they spend their money on and which countries benefit most from their giving and ‘Framework for Action’, focusing on building partnerships, across regions and sectors, for the promotion of human wellbeing.