Jonah Wittkamper from Amazon Investor Coalition joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at the Super Bowl. Jonah shared his insight into philanthropy, social impact, and the power of collaborative networks in addressing global challenges, highlighting strategies for leveraging sports as a force for positive change.
Jonah Wittkamper
Jonah Wittkamper is a global leader in philanthropy and social innovation, with a strong track record of building networks that drive systemic change. He has co-founded and led multiple initiatives that bring together leaders, policymakers, and organizations to address pressing global challenges. His work spans various sectors, including environmental sustainability, civic engagement, and economic development, reflecting his deep commitment to creating a more just and interconnected world.
Throughout his career, Jonah has focused on fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to amplify the impact of social change efforts. He has played a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and facilitating dialogue between influential figures in business, government, and civil society. His expertise in network-building and strategic partnerships has helped create platforms that empower leaders to develop innovative solutions for complex social and environmental issues.
Jonah’s leadership extends beyond his organizational roles, as he frequently engages in thought leadership and advocacy to promote effective philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. He is passionate about harnessing the power of technology, policy, and grassroots movements to create sustainable change. His dedication to impact-driven initiatives continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers committed to shaping a better future.
Amazon Investor Coalition
The Amazon Investor Coalition is a global platform that brings together philanthropists, private investors, corporate buyers, governments, nonprofits, and allies to promote sustainable economic development in the Amazon region. Launched on September 16, 2020, during the United Nations 75 Global Governance Forum, the coalition aims to reduce deforestation, advance forest-positive economies, and uphold the rule of law across the Amazon.
The coalition operates by mobilizing patient, risk-tolerant capital and blended finance to strengthen the bioeconomy. It facilitates deal flow by matching investors with tailored sustainable impact investment opportunities and connects buyers with sustainable producers to establish long-term purchase agreements. Through these efforts, the Amazon Investor Coalition seeks to ensure that the Amazon rainforest is more valuable alive and standing than cut and burned.
In addition to its core activities, the coalition offers various programs to engage stakeholders. These include a membership program that unites investors, donors, and corporate buyers with producers, startups, service providers, and market enablers. The coalition also runs an ambassador program, encouraging individuals to host events worldwide to connect investors, donors, and buyers with Amazonian initiatives that promote forest protection and restoration.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – 0:07 – Live from Radio Row at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Roy Kessel introduces guest Jonah Wittkamper, who discusses his philanthropic work.
0:24 – 0:46 – Jonah shares his early career milestones, including co-founding a global association of youth organizations at the United Nations in 2000 and organizing the first Global Young Philanthropy Summit in 2011.
0:49 – 1:17 – Discusses the critical tipping point of the Amazon rainforest and how, since 2020, his organization has facilitated over 300 investor-project connections, leading to $50 million in investments aimed at sustainable economic shifts in the region.
2:02 – 2:33 – Describes how the Amazon acts as a “Central Pump” in the global water cycle, affecting weather patterns worldwide, including in Tibet and the western U.S.
2:47 – 2:56 – Cites a study revealing that unless 5% of the Amazon is reforested, the region will dry out and burn away, leading to biodiversity loss, new pandemics, droughts, and desertification.
4:00 – 4:45 – Emphasizes how eco-tourism can provide alternative economic incentives for local communities, reducing deforestation by making the forest more valuable alive than destroyed.
5:19 – 6:18 – Jonah explains his role in connecting indigenous communities to global markets, helping them navigate supply chain traceability, food safety standards, and entrepreneurship to support forest-friendly economies.
6:38 – 7:40 – Describes his work with young heirs of philanthropic families, ensuring they engage in impact investing and wealth management to support sustainability, rather than losing family fortunes across generations.
9:00 – 9:45 – He shares an example of a wealthy family using philanthropy to shift internal dynamics, transforming Thanksgiving dinner conversations from business disputes to discussions on preventing AIDS in Africa.
10:12 – 10:27 – Jonah is invited to Sports Philanthropy World in Chicago (June 26-27, 2025) to explore collaborations in sustainable philanthropy.
