Realdania is a modern philanthropic organization based in Denmark. We are a member-based association created in autumn 2000 after the sale of a bank and a mortgage institute. We address complex societal challenges related to the built environment, by working with problem-driven and agenda-setting philanthropy. As philanthropists, I believe that we can play the role of a convener. We bring together the right partners -- business, politicians, government institutions, associations and citizens -- around the table. At the table, we try to work as a catalyst, an enzyme that releases and joins together the power of individual parties.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of everyone in Denmark through the built environment. As a self-endowed civil society actor, we are independent from party politics and free from corporate interests. This gives us the freedom to fulfill our mission in many ways. But we also recognize our own limitations: we have neither the reach of government nor the ability to scale the best solutions that the business sector has.
All three sectors undoubtedly create enormous value for society, but each has its own freedoms and limitations, strengths and weaknesses. That is why it makes sense to work together so that the strengths of one can negate the limitations of another. Business can solve several difficult problems at once but it will be more effective if it lets civil society shoulder some of the development risks. Government can deliver better, more cost effective services together with businesses, and civil society can ensure that its solutions achieve scale if it draws on the prowess of industry and the reach of government.
Realdania's work is based upon this belief and other such ideas, for example shared value and catalytic philanthropy. We believe that by facilitating cross-sector understanding between the individual sectors and by mobilizing shared interests to address common opportunities and challenges, we can forge a pathway to a more inclusive capitalism.
Our society is based on capitalism -- the egalitarian Scandinavian way. The model is in itself inclusive. My belief is that co-creation built across actors and sectors -- done in a responsible way -- will create a fairer and more inclusive society. Our role as a member-based philanthropic association is to help identify the path and contribute to the effort with good practice and practical examples. This is something that we strive to do every day.