“Moments of Connection”: Snapshots from RILx25
We hosted the 2025 edition of our annual event RILx in Istanbul from October 15-17, this year under the theme “Humanitarian Innovation at the Crossroads: New Solutions for Ecosystems in Crisis,” with a dual focus on localization and climate adaptation.
Three days of open conversations, cross-sector learning, and genuine connections in Istanbul brought together over 130 participants from around the world, spanning international and local NGOs, social enterprises, institutional donors, foundations, academia, entrepreneurship support organisations, public institutes, and impact networks.
From interactive panels to "Innovation Gallery", innovation center tour, "networking bingo", fishbowl-style story-sharing, and even poem-provoked reflections, RILx25 was designed to spark exchange and inspiration: not just speeches, but shared learning in motion.
It was also the first year RILx opened its doors to a wider ecosystem, welcoming unconventional voices from philanthropy, impact investing, and beyond. Guided by a spirit of "curation with intention", we aimed for diversity across geography, gender, seniority, and perspectives — bringing together the Global North and the Global South, and making space for younger changemakers to share the stage alongside seasoned professionals.
Some moments of genuine connection were captured through the camera lens, but what cannot be captured is how these connections will continue to grow beyond the event. We hope RILx25 has sparked learning, inspiration, and collaboration for a greater impact tomorrow.
