The IKEA Foundation has announced a bold new strategy, committing nearly €2 billion to accelerate global climate action. The foundation will now focus exclusively on transforming high‑emitting systems — energy, land, food, buildings, and transport — to help reduce carbon emissions and drive sustainable change.
This shift, unveiled during a Devex event on May 28, 2026, marks the foundation’s most ambitious move yet. Having already invested billions in humanitarian and development initiatives, the foundation is now channeling its resources toward systemic climate solutions in emerging and developing economies.
According to Marilia Bezerra, Chief Programs Officer, the new approach emphasizes collaboration with governments, private sectors, and civil society to scale proven climate interventions. The goal is to create measurable impact by embedding sustainability into national and regional systems rather than funding isolated projects.
The foundation’s decision reflects growing urgency in the global climate landscape, where philanthropic funding remains far below what’s needed to meet international targets. By concentrating on high‑impact sectors, the IKEA Foundation aims to catalyze innovation, influence policy, and inspire other donors to adopt evidence‑based climate strategies.
With this pivot, the foundation redefines its role in global philanthropy — moving from broad social investment to targeted climate transformation that supports both people and the planet.
