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 philanthropy for 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, "Philanthropy for People and Planet." “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, ensuring the continued prominence of philanthropy that serves people and the planet.

Àngel Font, outgoing President of Philea, said in a speech to delegates about philanthropy that serves people and the planet: “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.”

Read the full article about the Philea Forum 2026 at Philea.