The Seriti Institute explores participation, economic inclusion and livelihoods at its 4th Annual Partner Networking Event (PNE), taking place on 1 July 2026 under the theme Journeys to Possibility.
This year’s conversation comes at an important moment for South Africa. Across the country, development programmes continue to provide critical relief, skills, opportunities, and support to individuals and communities.
The Partner Networking Event will bring together voices from government, the private sector, civil society, philanthropy, and communities for an honest and practical conversation about what is working, what is not, and what needs to change.
From Opportunity to Possibility
For many South Africans, development programmes create important entry points to opportunity. Whether through skills development, public employment, enterprise support, community development initiatives, or other interventions, these programmes play a vital role in addressing immediate challenges and creating pathways for participation.
As South Africa closes Youth Month, the conversation is especially relevant for young people who continue to face significant barriers to employment and economic participation. While many development programmes provide important entry points to skills, work experience, and entrepreneurship opportunities, there is an increasing need to strengthen the pathways that help young people transition into sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic inclusion.
“As we commemorate Youth Month, it is also an opportunity to consider how we create stronger pathways for young people to move from participation to meaningful livelihoods, economic inclusion, and sustainable futures. Together, we will explore what it takes to build stronger communities and create opportunities that last.“, says Juanita Pardesi.
However, creating opportunities is only part of the journey.
The conversation is increasingly shifting towards how individuals and communities can be supported to translate these opportunities into sustainable livelihoods, economic participation, and long-term resilience.
Under the theme Journeys to Possibility, Seriti’s Network event will explore what it takes to strengthen these pathways and how partnerships can help create lasting impact beyond programme participation.
A Platform for Learning and Collaboration
Now in its fourth year, the Partner Networking Event has become an important platform for bringing together diverse stakeholders to share experiences, learn from one another, and identify practical solutions to some of South Africa’s most pressing development challenges.
The event will feature thought-provoking discussions and insights from practitioners, policymakers, funders, community leaders, and development partners who are working to create meaningful change across the country.
For Seriti Institute CEO Juanita Pardesi, the conversation is about more than opportunity alone:
“This year’s Partner Networking Event is an opportunity to reflect on the journeys that people navigate every day, the opportunities that move them forward, the barriers that pull them back, and what stronger partnerships can do to turn opportunity into lasting possibility.”
