TALKING PHILANTHROPY SYDNEY 2026
Orchestrating Change: Philanthropy’s Role in Advancing Health and Medical Research
Since 2016, Talking Philanthropy has created space for honest, rigorous dialogue about the forces reshaping global philanthropy.
Its strength lies in its community; philanthropists, advisers and leaders who are not simply funding change, but actively designing it.
In 2026, Talking Philanthropy enters a new chapter with a multi-city programme across key global markets, including Sydney and London, culminating in an annual summit in Geneva. These gatherings, alongside a series of regional conversations feeding into our biennial flagship forum, will explore the defining challenges of our time, from intergenerational wealth transfer, advancing health and medical research, and climate resilience to systems transformation and the strategic deployment of long-term capital.
This is a moment to reflect, reconnect and reimagine what philanthropy can achieve.
The Next Generation
Strategic Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth Transfer
An in-person and virtual experience, co-hosted for a global audience.
The format of Talking Philanthropy fosters thought leadership and encourages innovative ideas.
Speakers and attendees identify challenges and discuss solutions through talks, panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions.
An opportunity to think beyond the day-to-day of work, reflect on the sector, and how it impacts the world.
Talking Philanthropy 2026
Theme:
Orchestrating Change: The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Health & Medical Research
Hosted by Global Philanthropic in partnership with Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Sydney, 18th September
Our Audience Includes
Family Offices
High-net-worth Individuals (HNWI)
NGOs
Government Representatives
Academic Institutions
Testimonials
This forum gives us hope. Indeed, we are on the verge of witnessing the largest transfer of wealth in human history. This unprecedented shift presents a tremendous opportunity. If we can channel a portion of this wealth towards addressing the pressing challenges the world is facing now, then we can shape a better, more sustainable world for our future generations.
Ban Ki-Moon
8ᵗʰ UN Secretary General and Inaugural Speaker at Talking Philanthropy 2024 and 2021
Our Future Agenda and the Coalition will help young leaders — especially those from underserved communities — make the most of this opportunity, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling them to direct assets toward causes that make a difference.
United Nations Foundation
Talking Philanthropy 2021 & 2024 Partners
A unique event that covered great breadth and depth of topics with unparalleled thought leadership.
Gates Foundation
Talking Philanthropy 2021 & 2024 Partners
Younger donors are more interested in blending philanthropy with impact investing. Women donors are opening the door for all girls to unleash their boundless potential and to make a positive lasting impact wherever they go.
Jean Sung
Head of the Philanthropy Centre, Asia. J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Speaker, Talking Philanthropy 2021
Our Talking Philanthropy London Speakers from May 2026
Martin Griffiths
Former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
Lady Edwina Grosvenor
Criminologist, philanthropist and leading advocate for women’s prison reform
Jean Sung
Global Philanthropic board member and philanthropic leader
Dr Alfred Hannig
Chief Executive Officer,
Alliance for Financial Inclusion
Candice Defontaine
Head of Philanthropy from UK For UNHCR
Chris Jochnick
President and CEO, Landesa
Jay Longworth
Director of Fundraising and Communications
Barts Charity
Dr Martyn Colebrook
Prospect Research Manager,
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Ben Morton Wright
Founder, President & Group CEO of Global Philanthropic
Expected Outcomes
Strength in Participation
Talking Philanthropy strives to be the leading forum for strategic philanthropy with thousands of global attendees both online and in-person
Digital Presence
We extensively utilise digital distribution channels to expand Talking Philanthropy’s reach well beyond the event itself.
Building Awareness
Shining a spotlight on best practices, aligning stakeholders, and mobilising awareness among family offices that advance the philanthropic agenda.
Masterclasses Approach
Introducing never-before-done masterclasses facilitated by influential figures, these sessions transcend boundaries, enriching practices and fostering growth.
Our Partners
We are very grateful to have received invaluable support from our Talking Philanthropy Partners.
