The 8th World Philanthropy Forum concludes successfully in Geneva

On August 28-29, the 8th World Philanthropy Forum was held at the Maison de la Paix Conference Center, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

The forum was hosted by Tsinghua University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, co-hosted by the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, with technical support from the International Labour Organization. It was co-organized by the Centre for Finance and Development at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Geneva, the Center for Chinese Entrepreneur Studies of Tsinghua University, the Department of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, and the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University.

Under the theme “Original Aspiration, Ambition, and Workplace Foresight: Achieving Decent Work and Social Justice for the Sustainable Development Goals”, the forum focused on key topics including health workers for all, gender equality and child well-being, technology enabling the Sustainable Development Goals, and intergenerational wealth transfer and next-generation philanthropists.

From the opening session, “Towards the UN Centenary: Future Trends and Actions in Philanthropy,” to the closing session, “The Potential and Prospects of China-Europe Philanthropic Cooperation,” the forum featured in-depth exchanges across five core topics, exploring how philanthropy can drive sustainable development and advancing strategic thinking on the future of global philanthropy.

Regarding health workers for all, gender equality, and child well-being, experts shared best practices on how philanthropic can promote universal health coverage, advance gender equality, and improve child well-being.

On technology enabling sustainable development goals, the forum discussed how new technologies such as artificial intelligence can enhance the transparency and efficiency of philanthropy, as well as the potential of technology in addressing social issues.

Regarding intergenerational wealth transfer and next-generation philanthropists, participants explored how to channel the growth of philanthropic resources resulting from intergenerational wealth transfer, and how next-generation philanthropists can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

On alternative financial instruments and public services, the forum explored the application of innovative financial tools in the philanthropic field and the future direction of public services.

The forum also identified three key directions for the future development of the World Philanthropy Forum: towards the UN Centenary, towards Asia-Europe philanthropic cooperation, and towards global philanthropic partnerships.

These three directions will guide the forum’s future work and activities, promote collaboration among global philanthropic partners, and jointly advance human civilization and well-being.

The forum announced its plans for the next two years: the 9th forum will be held in Beijing in 2026, and the 10th will be held in Hong Kong in 2027.

The organizers noted that holding the World Philanthropy Forum in Geneva, the European headquarters of the United Nations, carries particular historical and practical significance. Geneva is a hub for international organizations; it is not only the birthplace of the Geneva Conventions, but has also witnessed a century of collaboration between international organizations and civil society. In addition, 2025 marks multiple anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland.

More than 130 government representatives, philanthropic leaders, scholars, and frontline practitioners attended the forum, including Song Changqing, Minister-Counselor of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland; Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies; and Stéphane Berthet, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the University of Geneva.

The forum brought together leading experts, practitioners, and scholars in global philanthropy, including specialists from UN system organizations such as the International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Children’s Fund. Invited guests included Fabrizio Hochschild-Drummond, former UN Under-Secretary-General; Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross; Ivan Pictet, President of the Pictet Group Foundation; Daniel Bertossa, General Secretary of Public Services International; Milos Maricic, founder and CEO of the Altruist League; and Eric Berseth, CEO of Philanthropy Advisors, among other leaders of international organizations. Also present were Peter Koon, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, and Wen Qingyun, President of the Beijing Charity Association, as well as scholars including Professor Long Denggao, Director of the Center for Chinese Entrepreneur Studies, Tsinghua University; Ni Xiqin, Professor of the Department of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Professor Nicolas Duvoux, Head of the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Geneva; Professor Nathan Sussman, Director of the Centre for Finance and Development at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies; Professor Li Ying, Vice President of China Women’s University and Dean of the International Education College; and Professor Xu Jialiang, Dean of the China Institute for Philanthropy Development at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

A 24-member Chinese delegation participated in the forum. During the event, the delegation held meetings with five departments or research institutes from two universities in Geneva and four departments of the International Labour Organization, demonstrating the broad consensus and academic collaboration potential for China-Europe philanthropic cooperation.

Since its inception, the World Philanthropy Forum has become an important platform for global sharing of experience in philanthropy and social services, for academic exchange, and for practice-led advancement.

Since its launch in 2016, the forum has aimed to bring together actors from around the world, strengthen ties among civilizations, promote the global development of philanthropy, and facilitate global cooperation in philanthropy and social services.