People and planet on the agenda of largest annual European gathering of philanthropy professionals
05.21.2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – This week nearly 900 participants from Europe and around the world convened in Copenhagen for the Philea Forum 2026, “Philanthropy for People and Planet”, hosted by a group of Danish foundations.
The theme of people and planet bridges every area of philanthropic work, regardless of place or population. The Forum explored how philanthropic organisations, no matter their missions, have a role to play in supporting equitable and just transitions; and how philanthropy can help achieve greater adaptability, resilience, sustainability and shared prosperity while remaining courageous in the face of ongoing setbacks.
“The pressure on both people and planet is increasing as climate breakdown fuels instability, triggers displacement, and aggravates inequality,” said Philea CEO Delphine Moralis in a plenary session at the Forum. “Many of us undoubtedly struggle, as I personally do, to answer the questions our children ask about the world they will inherit from us. Yet, we as the European philanthropy sector are not here at this conference to dwell on the status quo. We are here because, amid it all, we choose to lean into possibility.”
Through a range of sessions, discussions and networking activities, participants explored how the sector’s behaviour is critical, not only in terms of what philanthropy does but how it does it, particularly given the tensions inherent in our current economic structure between maximising financial returns and minimising harm to people and planet.
Àngel Font, outgoing President of Philea, said in a speech to delegates: “My six years as president, which began during a global pandemic, end with a set of planetary challenges both old and new, both perennial and evergreen, and which require our sector to be at our most creative, adaptable and efficient best.”
Philea’s new president, Liisa Suvikumpu of the Finnish Association of Foundations, also addressed the conference: “Wisdom and hope do not only live in our history or in our great institutions; they live in the new voices and the new generations – the very people we are here to serve. Let’s create that hope together.”
The Forum included screenings of several climate and environment documentaries, including “Fire, Water, Earth, Air”, directed by award-winning Danish filmmaker Phie Ambo, in collaboration with Ewa Cederstam, Janne Lindgren and Rógvi Rasmussen. Forum participants were also treated to musical performances by the Bilal Irshed Trio, Vianne Cathérine Sali, and the Camille Jones Jazz Trio; as well as an immersive experience combining music and images created and performed by August Rosenbaum, pianist and composer.
The event closed with the announcement that Turin would be the backdrop of the 2027 Philea Forum, which will focus on democracy and be hosted by Fondazione CRT.
Notes to the editor:
New board appointments:
During the week, Philea also held its Annual General Assembly, where members announced the organisation’s new Board, including the appointment of a new President and Vice President. Details in this press release.
2026 Philea Forum Plenary speakers:
- Joshua Amponsem, Co-Executive Director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund
- Nadejda Dermendjieva, Co-Director of the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW)
- Àngel Font, Associate General Director of Research and Fellowships, “la Caixa” Foundation
- Douglas Griffiths, President of Oak Foundation
- Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL), Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose
- Delphine Moralis, Chief Executive Officer, Philea
- Ola Rosling, President of the Gapminder Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Anna, and his father, Hans
- Liisa Suvikumpu, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Finnish Foundations
- Sergio Urbani General Manager and CEO of Fondazione Cariplo
- Margrethe Vestager, Danish politician, Chair of the Board of Governors at the Technical University of Denmark
2026 Philea Forum hosts:
Knowledge Centre for Danish Foundations, Bikuben Foundation, Carlsberg Foundation, Hempel Foundation, Lego Foundation, Leo Foundation, The Lundbeck Foundation, Nordea Foundation, The Nordic Culture Fund, The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Ramboll Foundation, Realdania (Chair), Trygfonden, The Velliv Association, Velux Foundation, Villum Foundation.
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