Is it still possible for us to change the future of our planet?
Our world is facing a lot of challenges: the climate is in crisis, millions of people are forced to flee their homes, and far too many live in extreme poverty. Sometimes it makes you question: Is it still possible for us to change the future of our planet?
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to combat our world’s greatest problems for people and planet. Changemakers around the world are working to meet these goals by 2030.
But we are not there yet. We need to stay focused and collaborate in new radical ways to accelerate our efforts towards achieving the goals by 2030. Together, we’re changing the story of our planet for good.
Let’s change the story of our planet for good
The IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation is a strategic philanthropy that focuses its grant making efforts on tackling poverty and climate change. We see these as the two biggest threats to the future of children living in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world.
Together with more than 140 partners, we work to improve family incomes and protect the planet. IKEA Foundation has paid out more than €1.8 billion to our partners and now grants approximately €200 million each year. In 2021 our board of directors decided to make an additional €1 billion available over the next five years to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
IKEA Foundation week
Each year the IKEA Foundation provides valuable funding to improve the lives of vulnerable children by enabling families to create sustainable livelihoods and fight and cope with climate change. In celebration of IKEA Foundation Week from 23-27 October, try answering these four quiz questions to test your knowledge and upgrade your world view.
Congratulations for completing the quiz
Thanks for taking the time to test your knowledge and upgrade your world view with these four quiz questions.
Below you can find more information about the work IKEA Foundation is doing to create a better everyday life for the many people.
Together, we’re changing the story of our planet for good.
In 1980, roughly 40% of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty, with less than $2 per day. What is the share today?
You are right
You are right! Extreme poverty declined faster than ever in the past 40 years. The IKEA Foundation is proud to be part of the change and supports vulnerable communities by helping families earn a stable income and funding programmes in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green enterprises. The Foundation also assists refugees in building livelihoods, working to create solutions that benefit both refugees and host communities.
That's not right
Wrong! But you are not alone, 92% of people don’t get it right. Extreme poverty declined faster than ever in the past 40 years. The IKEA Foundation is proud to be part of the change and supports vulnerable communities by helping families earn a stable income and funding programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green enterprises. The Foundation also assists refugees in building livelihoods, working to create solutions that benefit both refugees and host communities.
Almost right
Wrong! But you are not alone, 92% of people don’t get it right. Extreme poverty declined faster than ever in the past 40 years. The IKEA Foundation is proud to be part of the change and supports vulnerable communities by helping families earn a stable income and funding programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green enterprises. The Foundation also assists refugees in building livelihoods, working to create solutions that benefit both refugees and host communities.
10%
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Extreme poverty has been declining worldwide since the 1980s—a remarkable success that has lifted millions out of hardship. Over the past 40 years, the share of people living on less than $2.15 a day has steadily dropped, as countries like China, India, and Nigeria moved toward middle-income status.
Though this gradual progress often escapes media headlines (that’s why 92% of people get this question wrong!), it means that more people are meeting their basic needs, such as food, water, and healthcare, than ever before.
So why are we not ready to celebrate? Because millions of people around the world are still struggling. Today, half of those still living in extreme poverty are in Africa, and half are in Asia, and efforts to improve living conditions continue. You can follow the journey of countries moving out of poverty here https://t.qr.ikea.com/nSefAx
How much of the food eaten by people in Africa is produced in Africa?
You are right
Yay, that's correct! More than 80% of the food eaten by people in Africa is produced in Africa. In Africa, just like everywhere else, most of the food eaten is locally produced. Some food is imported because farmers are unable to grow crops, but most is imported because diets have changed as people have gotten richer. The IKEA Foundation supports the World Vegetable Center to enable women and young people in Kenya and Ethiopia to grow and sell traditional African vegetables. Doing this creates jobs, improves people’s health and protects the environment.
That's not right
Wrong! More than 80% of the food eaten by people in Africa is produced in Africa. In Africa, just like everywhere else, most of the food eaten is locally produced. Some food is imported because farmers are unable to grow crops, but most is imported because diets have changed as people have gotten richer. The IKEA Foundation supports the World Vegetable Center to enable women and young people in Kenya and Ethiopia to grow and sell traditional African vegetables. Doing this creates jobs, improves people’s health and protects the environment.
Almost right
Argh, almost! More than 80% of the food eaten by people in Africa is produced in Africa. In Africa, just like everywhere else, most of the food eaten is locally produced. Some food is imported because farmers are unable to grow crops, but most is imported because diets have changed as people have gotten richer. The IKEA Foundation supports the World Vegetable Center to enable women and young people in Kenya and Ethiopia to grow and sell traditional African vegetables. Doing this creates jobs, improves people’s health and protects the environment.
More than 80%
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Africa is a diverse continent, yet it is often stereotyped as unable to feed itself, discouraging investment in its agriculture. While food insecurity exists, it is not representative of all Africans. Many countries produce their own crops, though climate change poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity.
Images of extreme poverty and hunger are real but don’t reflect the billion people living on the continent. Food aid supports some, but much of Africa’s food imports stem from consumer choices rather than necessity. In North Africa, for instance, Egypt imports wheat to maintain subsidized bread prices, while maize and barley are brought in for livestock feed and brewing industries. Across Africa, changing diets—favouring rice, noodles, and fried chicken over traditional staples—drive food imports, especially in urban areas. This complexity highlights the need to rethink perceptions of African agriculture and recognize its potential for growth amidst challenges.
Of all the babies born in India, how many are born in a health facility?
You are right
You are right! In 2021, more than 85% of babies in India were born in a health facility. And this huge progress happened in a very short time. The share of babies born in health facilities in India increased from about 52% in 2008 to around 89% by 2021! The IKEA Foundation is supporting SELCO Foundation to improve public health facilities in India through solar energy solutions. It’s helping reduce carbon emissions, improve working conditions and deliver sustainable healthcare to millions of people.
That's not right
That’s wrong! Just like 90% of people who answer this question. In reality, in 2021, more than 85% of babies in India were born in a health facility. And this huge progress happened in a very short time. The share of babies born in health facilities in India increased from about 52% in 2008 to around 89% by 2021! The IKEA Foundation is supporting SELCO Foundation to improve public health facilities in India through solar energy solutions. It’s helping reduce carbon emissions, improve working conditions and deliver sustainable healthcare to millions of people.
Almost right
That’s wrong! Just like 90% of people who answer this question. In reality, in 2021, more than 85% of babies in India were born in a health facility. And this huge progress happened in a very short time. The share of babies born in health facilities in India increased from about 52% in 2008 to around 89% by 2021! The IKEA Foundation is supporting SELCO Foundation to improve public health facilities in India through solar energy solutions. It’s helping reduce carbon emissions, improve working conditions and deliver sustainable healthcare to millions of people.
More than 85%
Want to learn more?
Giving birth in a health facility helps prevent serious illness and deaths from complications, for mothers and babies alike, if there is the right equipment and trained medical staff. The share of babies born in health facilities in India increased from about 52% in 2008 to around 89% by 2021.
This is progress, but the training of staff and the quality of facilities and equipment needs to improve even more if there is going to be continuing decreases in maternal mortality.
What share of Nigeria’s electricity comes from renewable sources?
You are right
You are right! Around 25% of Nigeria's electricity comes from renewable sources. The IKEA Foundation supports the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, which is working to lower the cost of renewable and reliable energy. In Nigeria, they are doing this by installing solar mini-grids. This helps reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of millions of people.
That's not right
Argh, that's incorrect! Don’t underestimate the power of the sun! Around 25% of Nigeria’s electricity comes from renewable sources. Many people mistakenly underestimate how clean electricity production in Nigeria is, where a quarter comes from non-fossil sources. The IKEA Foundation supports the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, which is working to lower the cost of renewable and reliable energy. In Nigeria, they are doing this by installing solar mini-grids. This helps reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of millions of people.
Almost right
Argh, that's incorrect! Don’t underestimate the power of the sun! Around 25% of Nigeria’s electricity comes from renewable sources. Many people mistakenly underestimate how clean electricity production in Nigeria is, where a quarter comes from non-fossil sources. The IKEA Foundation supports the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, which is working to lower the cost of renewable and reliable energy. In Nigeria, they are doing this by installing solar mini-grids. This helps reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of millions of people.
Around 25%
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Renewable energy from sources like solar, wind, and hydro power made up a quarter of the electricity production in Nigeria in 2022. This share has been increasing over the last eight years, with just 17% of Nigeria’s electricity coming from non-fossil fuels in 2014. Nigeria is historically one of the most fossil fuel dependent countries, but its progress in producing cleaner electricity put them just below the global average of 30% in 2022.
Want to learn more?
Take the full quiz designed by our partner Gapminder to test your knowledge on more topics and even further upgrade your world view.
A cash donation enabled Mohamed to lift himself out of poverty
Mohamed is a shop owner and former refugee from Sudan now living in Uganda. Thanks to a cash donation from our partner GiveDirectly, he can make smart investments for his future.
The IKEA Foundation is supporting GiveDirectly because we believe that giving refugees cash grants will empower them to make the right investments, provide for their children and become self-reliant, active members of their communities.
Watch the video to learn more about Mohamed and his story.
Rosalyn delivered her baby safely thanks to a solar powered health facility
If it wasn’t for this health facility in northeast India, powered by renewable energy, it would have been very difficult for Rosalyn to deliver her baby safely. Our partner, SELCO Foundation, is working to change that by providing solar power to communities in rural areas.
The IKEA Foundation is supporting SELCO Foundation to power healthcare facilities with reliable, affordable and efficient solar energy because we believe caring for the health of people and our planet must go hand in hand.
Watch the video to learn more about Rosalyn and her story.
Fahinde and her community now have access to renewable energy
Fahinde, Nigeria
Fahinde Esther is a shop keeper in rural Bolorunduro Igbara-Odo, Oke, in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Thanks to renewable energy enabled by our partner the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), her community is running on renewable energy. This has improved people’s quality of life.
The IKEA Foundation is an anchor partner of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet because we believe that tackling climate change and energy poverty go hand in hand. The new frontiers of energy technology allow us to achieve an inclusive energy transition that powers job creation and livelihoods, enabling all families to thrive on a healthy planet.
Watch the video to learn more about Fahinde and her story.
Mildred can grow and sell nutritious vegetables using regenerative agriculture
Mildred, Kenya
Mildred works in West Kabras in Kenya. Thanks to our partner the World Vegetable Center, Mildred and many others now grow and sell nutritious vegetables, using innovative regenerative agriculture techniques.
The IKEA Foundation’s partnership with the World Vegetable Center will help improve agriculture and nutrition in East Africa by promoting healthy diets. At the same time, it will make it possible for people to earn a decent income through farming by methods that regenerate the environment and the soil.
Watch the video to learn more about Mildred and her story.
Creating a better home for displaced people
In 2022, there were over 100 million people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes. These people deserve a home and something better than just a tent when they are displaced.
A flat pack shelter was developed by Better Shelter in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IKEA Foundation to help hundreds of thousands of displaced people around the world feel safe and have dignity.
The IKEA Foundation’s partners with Better Shelter because shelter is a basic human need and a fundamental right. In 2023, the IKEA Foundation supported Better Shelter to provide shelters to people displaced by fighting in Sudan and by the devasting earthquake in Turkïye and Syria.
Watch the video to learn more about this innovative flatpack shelter.
