Our previous Talking Philanthropy Events: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2026
Talking Philanthropy started with humble beginnings. The first-ever Talking Philanthropy in 2016, was hosted at the Founder of Global Philanthropic, Ben Morton Wright’s home, in the Suffolk countryside in England.
Talking Philanthropy has since grown into an international thought leadership event, attracting the participation of world-leading philanthropists, non-profit leaders, academics and policymakers.
Talking Philanthropy Sydney 2026
On 18th September 2026 we hosted Talking Philanthropy Sydney 2026 at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
Under the theme Orchestrating Change: The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Health & Medical Research, the forum brought together philanthropists, researchers and sector leaders to explore how strategic giving can accelerate health and medical research. The event was hosted by Global Philanthropic.
Talking Philanthropy London 2026
On 7th May 2026 we hosted Talking Philanthropy London 2026 at the Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London.
The London forum continued the Talking Philanthropy series, convening philanthropists, advisers and sector leaders for a morning of discussion on the future of strategic giving.
Talking Philanthropy 2021
On 14th May 2021 we hosted Talking Philanthropy 2021
The format fostered problem-solving and encouraged innovation and creative ideas.
Speakers and attendees identified challenges and discussed solutions through research sharing, interviews, talks, and panels. Talking Philanthropy provided an opportunity for participants to take time to think beyond the day-to-day of their work, reflect on the sector, and how it impacted the world.
Talking Philanthropy 2018
Talking Philanthropy 2018 was hosted in partnership with Kleinwort Hambros.
Attendees gathered at the Royal Automobile Club in London, for a day of discussion on Women in Philanthropy and Wealth Transition.
The Talking Philanthropy 2018 special guest speakers were Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, IT entrepreneur turned philanthropist and The Honourable Ronnie Chan GBM, real estate businessman and philanthropist.
Geoff Holt MBE, the winner of the 2017 Philanthropy Award, made his return to present the 2018 Award to joint winners Dame Stephanie Shirley CH and Yann Borgstedt.
See The Honourable Ronnie Chan GBM speaking at Talking Philanthropy in 2018:
Dame Stephanie Shirley CH speaking at Talking Philanthropy in 2018:
Talking Philanthropy 2017
Talking Philanthropy 2017 was hosted in partnership with Kleinwort Hambros, the Société Générale private banking and wealth management division.
Around 200 attendees gathered at the Sofitel hotel in London, to discuss Mission & Impact.
The special guest speaker for Talking Philanthropy 2017 was British entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Lloyd Dorfman.
A letter from Ted Turner, media entrepreneur, philanthropist and Founder of the United Nations Foundation, was read out to the audience. The day was moderated, by BBC Radio 4 Front Row presenter and journalist, Kirsty Lang.
Dame Darcey Bussell also attended and presented the first Global Philanthropic Philanthropy Award.
Talking Philanthropy 2016
The first Talking Philanthropy was an intimate, invite-only gathering of around 60 guests.
Guests at the so-called “Home-Posium” discussed issues surrounding Leadership in Philanthropy.
Special guest speakers included Sir Howard Davies, the current Chairman of NatWest Group and the former Director of the London School of Economics, and Geoff Holt, British quadriplegic yachtsman and Founder of the Wet Wheels foundation.
Click here to find out more about past and forthcoming Talking Philanthropy speakers
