Arquivo da tag: collaboration

Philea 2025: Equality in Focus, Justice on the Horizon

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By Luisa Lima, Communications and Knowledge Manager at IDIS and organizer of the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum.

The opening plenary of the annual meeting of the Philanthropy Europe Association brought together nearly one thousand individuals, including foundation members and representatives of intermediary organizations, predominantly from across Europe, but also from other parts of the world, like myself. These were people united by a shared belief that the world can improve, that innovative approaches are possible, and that our actions have the power to create positive impacts and drive transformation. It was fitting that the starting point for the event was the global challenges we face today — issues that demand urgent action. Despite the growth in wealth, we continue to witness deepening inequalities, the rise of racism and intolerance, disengagement from public life, climate change, wars, and genocides. Such daunting realities, may be paralyzing, but we were almost one thousand people who refused to do so, and the event was the place to exchange experiences, learn, connect and reaffirm the notion that we are not alone in striving for change.

This marked my first attendance at the Philea Forum, and I was pleased to see debates revolving around questions similar to those we grapple with in Brazil—yet approached from different perspectives and yielding diverse answers. The guiding theme of this edition, “Power and Equality: A Balancing Act”, framed discussions on funding models, democratic governance, power dynamics, enterprise foundations, impact investment, intersectoral collaboration, and impact evaluation, among others. All of these topics were infused with the idea that philanthropy infrastructure has the potential to drive meaningful change. Unfortunately, attending all the sessions was not possible, as many ran simultaneously.

One discussion that particularly resonated with me was about the significance of funding communities and grassroots organizations. There appears to be a prevailing sense of urgency—a call to “think and act simultaneously,” as articulated by Bruno Maçães, Senior Advisor at Flint Global, and “go where it matters”. This underscores the importance of supporting those on the ground—community foundations, social movements, and leaders striving to transform systems. In multiple sessions, I heard about the necessity of fostering trust and embracing risks, acknowledging that less control comes with these approaches. Flexible funding, long-term commitments, and contributions beyond financial resources were recurring themes. Philanthropists possess connections, networks, knowledge, influence, and more—valuable assets that can be leveraged for greater impact. Collaboration emerged as a compelling strategy to accelerate progress, with inspiring examples of successful initiatives shared throughout the event. At IDIS, in partnership with the Mott Foundation, we have been leading the Transforming Territories program since 2021, a network that now comprises 15 community foundations and institutes operating with a geographic focus. Initially, the concept had to be introduced in Brazil, and it has since undergone significant maturation.

Philanthropy, as Adama Sanneh, co-founder and CEO of the Moleskine Foundation, aptly stated, “is a means, and we should aim to do something useful.” It is neither static nor evolving in a straight path. Philanthropy must have direction, yet remain adaptable and responsive to the challenges faced by societies. As discussions highlighted, no problem is ever definitively resolved. Issues like gender equality or the strengthening of democracy, though advancing, illustrate that progress cannot be taken for granted.

I often leave such gatherings feeling reenergized. Beyond the insights and inspirations, they offer reassurance in the existence of a committed community, ready to collaborate and united by shared goals and ideals. Interestingly, I also appreciate encountering more questions than answers — they are rarely straightforward or obvious. Thoughtful questions are invaluable, serving as catalysts to explore localized solutions upon returning home.

A few quotes that stayed with me:

“To change the world we must take risks and be dreamers.” Mall Hellam, Executive Director, CEO of the Open Estonia Foundation

“Most of the models have been invented; they must now be applied. Walk the talk and accelerate localization.” Alejandro Álvarez von Gustedt, Vice President, Europe of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

“Trust is the air we breathe, and if we don’t have it, we are socially dead.” António M. Feijó, President of the Board of Trustees of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

“To be conscious is to be uncomfortable all the time. It is the start of a learning journey.” Adama Sanneh, Co-founder & CEO of the Moleskine Foundation

Global crises and the power of youth: highlights from the Philea Forum 2023

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The Philea Forum 2023, one of the most important events in the European philanthropic ecosystem, took place between May 22nd and 25th in the city of Šibenik, Croatia. IDIS was present, represented by Guilherme Sylos, Director of Prospecting and Partnerships.

Under the theme “A new compass for Europe: Forged in crisis, Forward in hope”, the lectures addressed the various crises that have accumulated in recent years, both in Europe and worldwide. The discussions covered significant challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as a keen focus on climate change, socioeconomic inequality, and growing tensions between countries.

In the midst of this context, the Philea Forum 2023 brought together over 700 people at the heart of the Euro-Mediterranean region to discuss what they call “European values” and how philanthropy can use them as a compass to face current challenges.

The opening plenary of the event addressed the landscape of European philanthropy and the importance of collaboration within the sector itself. Among the speakers was Nada Al-Nashif from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration to promote change:

“Equality, dignity, and justice are what unite us. We are calling on the philanthropic community to commit and, through vibrant partnerships, promote human rights”, she declared.

A research study was also presented, conducted with the participants of the event, about their perceptions regarding the performance of civil society organizations, donors, and the European philanthropic sector. The majority of respondents indicated that EU organizations should prioritize tackling climate change, followed by inequality.

Another highly debated topic during the meeting was the role of youth, their contributions, and obstacles in the fight against climate change, with a focus on the session ‘Building infrastructure to support resilient youth movements on climate: lessons from all over Europe’.

Katie Hodgetts shared her story as a climate activist, a process that earned her admiration from her peers and a sense of personal fulfillment, but also led her to face a difficult phase of burnout and emotional exhaustion. Inspired by her own story and that of thousands of other activists who also deal with the mental strain of their work, she created ‘The Resilience Project‘, an initiative that offers emotional support to climate activists.

The session also highlighted the current role of young people, who, through risky and disruptive ideas, can be some of the most powerful voices and agents in the fight against climate change. “Why are young climate activists effective? They are agile and outraged”, says Christian Vanizette, co-founder of makesense.

Several conversations focused on philanthropy, including reflections on its real impacts amid so many demands and its ultimate goals, which tend to be forgotten along the way.

In the debate session ‘Lessons learned over more than 30 years of philanthropy by a closing foundation’, Lynda Mansson from the MAVA Foundation shared the story of her organization’s closure, which, after 12 years of operation with a focus on biodiversity conservation, concluded that its goal had been achieved, and there was no longer a need to exist.

The closing session summarized the themes highlighted throughout the three days, with an even greater emphasis on youth and the potential for change that exists in movements formed and led by this group. The stage was reserved for representatives of the ‘new generation’ of young people who dedicate their days to seeking changes and positive impacts in the world.

“You wake up every day with anxiety, expecting bad news, and yet you brush your teeth and start your day. You maintain resilience. Young people are resilient and don’t realize that, often, what they are doing is democracy”, declares Anna Bondarenko, founder and director of the Ukrainian Volunteer Service.

The participants concluded with a simple but powerful message: ‘do good’. They also emphasized the importance of starting by looking at what is around us before any large-scale movement:

“How can we change the world, how can we change Europe, if we cannot change our local community, our family, our friends, our neighborhood? It’s simply impossible”, says 16-year-old Aleksej Leon Gajica, Junior Ambassador for the EU and for Children’s and Youth Rights at UNICEF.

The event highlighted the global similarities of problems and needs to be discussed and worked on by the private social investment sector, regardless of the region you are in.

“The issues are quite similar to ours in Brazil: trust, democracy, and freedom of expression. Furthermore, it is clear that combating climate change is a priority in Europe, another recurring and extremely important cause for the Brazilian and Latin American context,” comments Guilherme Sylos, Director of Prospecting and Partnerships at IDIS.