Copenhagen hosted the Philea Forum 2026 from 18 to 21 May, the leading European gathering of the philanthropic sector, bringing together nearly 900 professionals and foundation representatives from across Europe and other continents under the theme “Philanthropy for People and Planet”. Organised by the European network Philea with the support of a group of Danish foundations, the event became a space for reflection and debate on the role of philanthropy in addressing some of today’s major challenges, including climate change, rising inequalities and the erosion of social cohesion.
Over the course of four days, representatives of foundations, philanthropy support organisations, civil society organisations, European institutions, think tanks and international experts examined how the sector can help drive fair and sustainable transitions. Participants emphasised that the challenges affecting both people and the planet are deeply interconnected and require equally integrated responses based on cooperation, innovation and collective action.
The opening session featured economist Mariana Mazzucato, Gapminder Foundation President Ola Rosling, Danish politician Margrethe Vestager and climate activist Joshua Amponsem. All agreed that philanthropy must go beyond funding individual projects and contribute to transforming the economic and social systems that generate inequality and vulnerability. They also highlighted the importance of grounding decisions in evidence and reliable data, as well as incorporating the experiences of affected communities into the design of solutions.
No organisation can remain indifferent to major challenges
During the event, discussions covered a wide range of topics, including a just ecological transition, sustainable food systems, health and well-being, scientific innovation, citizen participation, the inclusion of vulnerable groups and the role of culture in shaping new narratives about the future.
The sessions made clear that no organisation, regardless of its size or mission, can remain indifferent to the major challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. Nor can they ignore the growing need to strengthen trust between institutions and citizens.
Participants advocated for more flexible funding models based on long-term relationships, as well as greater transparency in decision-making and in the use of resources.
Thinking about future generations
The conference concluded with the reading of a “Letter to Future Generations”, drafted from contributions made by participants during the Forum. The document conveyed a message of shared responsibility and hope, calling for action today to build fairer, more resilient and more sustainable societies for future generations.
To achieve this, according to the conclusions shared during the closing session, philanthropy must embrace a bolder role, one that is willing to take risks, foster broad partnerships and support processes of structural transformation capable of generating lasting benefits for people and the planet.
The Philea Forum 2026 thus confirmed the growing prominence of organised philanthropy in debates about the future. Beyond the ideas exchanged, the event highlighted the ability of foundations to connect stakeholders, advance knowledge, build trust and promote all kinds of solutions to increasingly complex global challenges.
More information about the Forum:
https://philea.eu/event/philea-forum/philea-forum-2026/
Letter:
https://philea.eu/opinions/dear-generations-of-the-future/
