Sunday Pick: Matt Damon on solving one of the planet’s biggest problems, in partnership with Gary White | from ReThinking with Adam Grant - TED Talks Daily Recap

Podcast: TED Talks Daily

Published: 2026-03-01

Duration: 30 min

Summary

In this episode, Matt Damon and Gary White discuss their mission to provide access to clean water globally through their organization, Water.org. They highlight the importance of innovative solutions and partnerships in tackling significant global issues.

What Happened

Lise Hugh introduces the episode, emphasizing Matt Damon's dedication to ensuring access to clean, safe water worldwide, a passion he shares with social entrepreneur Gary White. Their collaboration began in 2008, leading to the formation of Water.org, which focuses on providing microloans to those in need, allowing them to gain ownership of their water sources. The conversation takes place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Damon and White share insights on their innovative problem-solving approach and the importance of handling rejection in high-stakes environments.

During the discussion, Damon reflects on his strength in partner selection, noting that his most fulfilling endeavors stem from collaborations. He views his partnership with White as pivotal in maximizing his philanthropic impact. White, in turn, appreciates Damon’s passion for the water crisis and his curiosity about their methodologies. They both emphasize the alignment of their values and the innovative nature of their work, particularly the concept of water credit, which allows those in impoverished communities to afford clean water through microloans. This model not only addresses the immediate need for water but also empowers communities and helps improve educational outcomes for girls, who are often tasked with water collection.

Key Insights