PHILEA FORUM
From 27-29 May, 756 participants from Europe and around the world convened in Ghent for the Philea Forum 2024 to dive into the theme of “Trust and Philanthropy”.
The annual Philea Forum gives our members the chance to meet with professionals and representatives from philanthropy, corporates, (I)NGOs, EU and multilateral institutions, think tanks and the media. It's about sharing, learning and exploring new ideas and approaches to tackling the urgent challenges of our times, forging connections that last well beyond the event itself.
Attendees
Countries
Organisations
Trust and Philanthropy
In an era marked by the ongoing erosion of public trust in established institutions and growing demands for democracy, equality, climate action and social justice, the conference offered a space for philanthropy practitioners to share practical strategies and explore innovative ways to strengthen philanthropy’s role in building trust in democracy, in institutions, and between generations.
Keynote speaker Rutger Bregman, historian, author and founder of the School for Moral Ambition, urged philanthropic organisations to prioritise action over awareness-raising by embracing the mindset of “moral ambition”, which he defines as “the ambition of an entrepreneur combined with the passion of an activist”. He stressed the need for philanthropy to focus on important, tractable and neglected problems as these are the areas where philanthropy can have the most impact now. He pointed to our unsustainable food systems as a prime example of this kind of issue.
“Like the butterfly effect. Just one flap of a wing could’ve changed whether we’re here today or seeking refuge in a land far away.
The luxury we have, to only just discuss what others are living. To turn off the screen, to swipe left and right until we feel okay.”
Emee, musician & poet Opening Plenary
Did the Forum create opportunities for meaningful encounters to help you in your work?
Youth empowerment
Mental health
Sustainable cities
Bridging philanthropy and business
Combatting hate and disinformation, anti-gender funding
Organisational development
Food systems
European elections
Next Gen Programme
The Next Gen programme provided a key opportunity for emerging leaders in the philanthropic sector to connect with one another, develop networks and gain the confidence to take on leadership roles. Being part of the Next Gen group helped new professionals navigate the 2024 Philea Forum and build relationships with more experienced colleagues. This initiative not only supported participants in overcoming the challenges of attending a large conference but also encouraged the development of long-term professional connections that will support their growth in the sector.
Agora
To complement the many interactive sessions and networking events, in 2024 we launched the Agora, a platform enabling our members to engage with peers, offering an open space for storytelling, conversations and the sharing of experiences from the sector of success, failure and everything in between.
“Philanthropy has tremendous potential to contribute to restoring trust. It can bring solutions in so many forms – from systemic change approaches to targeted, innovative interventions that can have real impact on the crises we are facing today.”
Delphine Moralis, Philea
