By Paula Jancso Fabiani, CEO of IDIS, and Felipe Insunza Groba, project manager at IDIS
The 2025 Global Philanthropy Leaders Summit, themed “Embracing Risk: Adaptive Philanthropy in the Age of Complexity,” has just taken place at San Francisco, California, from March 12 to 14, 2025. The gathering has brought together over 200 senior leaders, decision-makers from the philanthropic sector, and key stakeholders from various initiaves, to explore innovative approaches to philanthropy in an increasingly unpredictable world.
At a time of profound global challenges – ranging from rapid technological transformations to mounting threats against democracy and freedom — the summit highlights the critical need for bold, strategic risk-taking. The opening sessions encouraged attendees to reflect on philanthropy’s evolving role and the necessity for reinvention. More than ever, the sector is being called upon to step up and rethink approaches.
Brazilian delegation at GPF
The Brazilian delegation is notable at this year’s summit, with four panelists and 32 participants actively contributing diverse perspectives from their country’s philanthropic landscape. In that sense, many Global South participants – from India, Pakistan, Latin American and African countries – brought messages of optimism about the development of multistakeholder partnerships in their countries, in which uncertainty and adaptation have been present in daily life from decades.
A recurring theme across many discussions has been the urgent need to rebuild trust – a fundamental pillar for effective philanthropy. Participants also explored ways to improve the existing aid system and the orchestration role philanthropy could assume in bridging gaps between sectors. The significance of remittances was another focal point, reinforcing the importance of giving and collaborative action in addressing modern challenges.
Throughout the sessions, participants have been challenged to rethink their approaches to today’s pressing problems. Strategic empathy, reciprocity, and mutuality emerged as principles for fostering stronger, more resilient societies. How can these values be incorporated into philanthropy and governance?
While humanity has an innate ability to adapt, the effectiveness of different philanthropic models and strategies remains uncertain in an era of unprecedented challenges. Despite some hopeful narratives and success stories, there is a palpable sense of caution among attendees – a collective feeling of “holding our breath” as we navigate an unpredictable future. However, even amid deep uncertainty worldwide, investors and social leaders pointed to the need for action and social mobilization, by using tools like storytelling and a deeper connection to communities.
The Global Philanthropy Leaders Summit 2025 continues to push the boundaries of traditional giving, urging leaders to embrace risks, foster collaboration, and rethink their roles in shaping a more equitable world. As the techtonic plates of climate change, AI and global governance move towards unknown directions, the philanthropic sector was called to bring the stabilizer tectonic plates of hope and bold action to this shaky World.
