Philanthropy conference to address big challenges

A stellar lineup of more than 130 presenters and keynote speakers will outline the key challenges confronting philanthropy at the Philanthropy Australia national conference in September. 

The key challenges confronting philanthropy in a decade of tumult and change are set to be debated, interrogated, and reflected on during the Philanthropy Australia national conference in Sydney next month. 

A stellar line-up of more than 130 presenters and keynote speakers including leading international figures from philanthropy, such as Dr Beth Breeze, Lourdes Inga and Kevin Starr, will be joined by ABC journalist Stan Grant and social researcher Dr Rebecca Huntley to provide compelling context to the broader discussion.

The conference, entitled For The Love of Humanity – People, Place and Planet, will bring together a range of philanthropists, sector leaders, academics, and policy specialists in what is a highly anticipated event that will provide a rare recent opportunity for the sector to convene in person.

The conference theme underlines many of the pressing dilemmas confronting philanthropy in the wake of seismic social change, an international pandemic, an environmental imperative, and declining trust in our institutions. Central to the conference deliberations are the questions about how philanthropy decides on its priorities in this radically different world. Who receives that philanthropic support? And for what purpose? 

The program features a diverse range of international and Australian speakers. UK academic and author of In Defence of Philanthropy Dr Beth Breeze will be joined by Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation in the USA. Lourdes Inga, Executive Director, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), will be a special guest at the centrepiece discussion on the role of First Nations’ philanthropy. In addition, there will be a range of Australian sector leaders, including a special conversation with Craig and Di Winkler, who will discuss their philanthropic journey.

The first day of the conference also features a range of stimulating break-out sessions that provide the opportunity for panellists to come to grips with a breadth of topics, including future directions in philanthropy, reputational risks, intergenerational transfer of wealth, how philanthropy can best support financial advisors, and leadership in the NFP sector.

The second day provides further opportunities to engage with issues around the environment, with a Climate and Environment Funder Showcase, how to drive change and impact through catalytic philanthropy and exploring how corporate can catalyse change by harnessing all their resources and collaboration, building frameworks to support First Nations’ aspirations, and an analysis of advocacy for impact through the case study of the Public Interest Journalism Initiative.

Keynote speakers on the second day include the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, who will address how to double structured giving by 2030 and Chancellor Professor Peter Shergold AC, chair, AMP Foundation on philanthropy and democratic governance.

Philanthropy Australia National Conference 6-8 September 2022, Sydney International Convention Centre.

Register today at: https://conference.philanthropy.org.au/2022/