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Capitalism, as we know it, has evolved to focus on a one dimensional view of human nature – the pursuit of profit and self preservation. The emergence of the industrial revolution capitalized on this one dimensional theory, where humanity has been persuaded that the best way to attain happiness is to enthusiastically embrace this theory and subsequently transform ourselves into a profit driven generation. In the later part of the 20th century, a powerful movement called globalization swept across the world and the evolution of capitalism was solidified globally. The world now trended towards a ‘global’ economic system which resulted in the widening gap between the rich and poor and between developed and developing countries.

Today, the majority of the world is so entranced with the success of capitalism and the wake of globalization that we have forgotten the true line between what is reality and theory. We  have forgotten that at the end of the day, people are multi-dimensional beings and we are slowly coming to an awakening to what has been deeply intertwined in humanity all this time: the need for meaning. Thus, the emergence of the non-profit sector. A section on the other end of the capitalist spectrum to fulfil humanity’s search for meaning.

However, this purely double ended spectrum with purely charitable capital at one end and for-profit capital at the other is breaking down. Instead, a continuum is slowly taking its place. As SOCAP’s website states, “A new form of capitalism is arising that recognizes our ability to direct the power and efficiency of market systems toward social impact.” We are moving beyond the myopia of pure financial returns with the understanding that not every business or market is bound to serve the single objective of profit maximization and that not every non-profit is bound to serve the single objective of service.

On May 30th to June 1st, progressive impact driven investors, social entrepreneurs and innovators are gathering in Amsterdam at the historic site of the first stock exchange, to discover what it means to be at the intersection of money and meaning. The conference, Social Capital Markets Europe, is a collaboration of co-creation and vigorous due diligence to produce an output of over 70 panels and workshops tracking 7 key themes including: impact investing, investing in fragile states and the middle east, infrastructure and innovation, social funding, stories of social enterprise and technology for social change.

SOCAP Europe aims to create a platform at which “investors gather to collaborate and learn from others who are finding a way to invest their money for financial return as well as for the benefit of people and the planet; where entrepreneurs come to find out who has made a break through and who their next partner or next investor could be” – Kevin Jones, Co-founder of SOCAP . Much of the discussion at SOCAP Europe is expected to focus on the social-capital continuum and to discover, for any given social goal, which sort of social capital, or mix of different sorts of it, is most likely to succeed.

“Triodos Bank, Doen Foundation, Voxtra, Root Capital, Unltd, Blue Orchard Finance, Kiva.org, and OPIC are among the pioneering organizations that will be present at SOCAP/Europe. The gathering’s collaborative format will include problem-solving discussions, game-changing funding model exploration, and opportunities to delve into world-class case studies in entrepreneurial innovation” – SOCAP Europe

The notion of social capital markets can seen idealistic, because it is a disruptive idea to capitalism as we know it. There is a compelling case for exploring this continuum. I think there is also a compelling case in our self-interest to do so. We have already waited for far too long. The time to start this social capital movement is now. Let the discovery begin.

I read her book, Dead Aid, when it first came out and it opened my eyes to a very different perspective of aid, development and the financial world. Her views are a challenge and a strong vision on how to address the global poverty issue. Spread the word (and read the book!)

“Evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that aid to Africa has made the poor poorer, and the growth slower. ” Dambisa Moyo

“Unless there is recognition that women are most vulnerable… and you do something about social and cultural equality for women, you’re never going to defeat this pandemic.” Stephen Lewis

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I absolutely love the concept of bringing together ideas, as I think it is one of the most vital platforms in which we can learn and grow from one another. Consider The Munk Debates, a remarkable debate series that I followed/am following that brings together prominent leaders to debate about major issues concerning the world and Canada.  It is one of the few platforms that brings together the opinions of prominent people and places them head to head against each other and see how they fare. The model of this debate also works around the fact that the debate is subject to public scrutiny and opinion.

In terms of organisation, they have been wise in their selection of debaters. ie. Stephen Lewis — pretty much a Canadian icon, or controversial writers like Dambisa Moyo that would really draw the audience to participate and consider the topic of choice. The chosen topics are also well timed, the first one set just before the US presidential elections in November 2008, urging the public to consider global security in light of the elections.

So, if you haven’t been following the debates (There is one every 6 months), here are three reasons why (aside from the usual exposure to new ideas):

1) It’s FREE

The organisers have done an amazing job making the debates accessible online. The debates are streamed live, can be re-watched, audio, mp3, read the debate transcript, etc. Did I mention that its all free? Enough said. Watch!

2) SAVES you time

There are few places online that you are able to find Stephen Lewis, Paul Collier, Dambisa Moyo, Mia Farrow, John Bolton’s, etc. opinions all in one place. All of them are extremely influential and respected individuals in their respective fields and it’s a one stop/click/video for amazing insights into different topics. It also enables you to see their positions on certain topics, which would help you greatly in terms of referring/researching on a topic/individual should you want to investigate in more depth their publications and opinions.

3) COMMENT on your position

For a certain period after the debates, an online poling station (open to a random selct group of Canadian panelist) and mediated forum (open to the general public) is set up. You get to see and comment on an ‘opinions forum’, and sometimes you find some of the most amazing ideas and positions that the public has taken on it. A data analysis is also run based on the online poling station and you can see the breakdown of opinion on the debate topic as well as the key points that are brought up during the debate.

In other words, you watch the debates, comment, and view stats. Love it.

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Past debate topics:

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Some future debate topic lineups:

Religion is a force of good in the world

More Free market and less government regulation is the answer to our economic woes

Final thoughts: Ranked: 9/10. Improvement: Better advertising. I only found this after navigating heavily through the Globe and Mail.

Note: All pictures are taken from http://www.munkdebates.com