We regret to inform you that on Friday, 18 July, 2025, Percy Barnevik, co-founder of the Hand in Hand Global Network, passed away. His passing marks a profound loss not only for those who knew and worked with him but also for the countless communities whose lives were transformed by his vision and dedication.
Mr. Barnevik was the originator of the idea and theory that poverty can be reduced through job creation and empowering individuals, especially women, to take control of their economic futures. This powerful belief shaped the foundation of Hand in Hand’s global work and continues to inspire development efforts across the world. In 2008, he visited Afghanistan with the aim of supporting Hand in Hand Afghanistan and bringing this mission to one of the countries most in need of economic empowerment. His advocacy helped align development efforts with sustainable economic empowerment, planting the seeds for what would become Hand in Hand Afghanistan.
Percy Barnevik had the unique combination of a focused and strong leadership and a passionate, empathetic heart. After a career unparalleled in Sweden, he gave all his burning commitment to improving the lives of the world’s poor. Mr Barnevik’s importance to the development of Hand in Hand cannot be overstated. His efforts for the organization, which have been going on since the end of the 90s, were to a great extent both personal and financial. Mr Barnevik had a strong belief in the individual’s own ability and therefore the Hand in Hands working model was developed according to his life principles – people are able, and want to, improve their living conditions and take responsibility for their lives themselves. His starting point was to bring the mindset from the corporate world into the development aid sector. Efficiency, results and follow-up were obvious parameters for him when Hand in Hand scaled up the operations with a great sense of purpose.
But Mr Barnevik did more than that. He highlighted the power of entrepreneurship as an effective way to fight poverty and build local economies and spread interest in philanthropy throughout the business communities and companies. He encouraged successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to get involved in supporting people in poverty. Early on, he emphasized what everyone knows today – the importance of women for sustainable development.
When the organization stood on its own two feet in recent years, Mr Barnevik continued to assist with his knowledge and time. Without Percy Barnevik, Hand in Hand would not have been the strong and significant organization it is today – and we know that he saw this work as his “last major mission in life”. We therefore see it as our important task to continue the work in Percy Barnevik’s spirit – to fight poverty with entrepreneurship!
