We are living through what commentators are increasingly describing as the 'polycrisis' – a convergence of climate and technological disruption, geopolitical instability, economic inequality and democratic fragility.
Humanity has never before faced such a confluence of challenges that are amplifying one another and creating an era of unprecedented complexity and risk.
So, what kind of leadership do we need in these times?
Peak body Philanthropy Australia is bringing together 450 leaders from the philanthropic, for-purpose and government sectors in Canberra to discuss this.
Speakers at the sold-out Philanthropy Leadership Summit 2025 will challenge them to reconsider what leadership demands in this moment – from governments, civil society, philanthropy and ourselves. As Australia steps into a new era of social and political possibility, this summit invites us to lead not just with strategy, but with vision, courage and a commitment to transformative change.
Globally renowned complex systems expert, Canadian Professor Thomas Homer-Dixon, will kick off the main event by unpacking the polycrisis – and arguing that humanity must stop deluding itself with "false hope" about the extent of the challenges we face.
"Good leaders help their constituents be more comfortable with the uncertainty of our world and understand that this uncertainty can be emancipating – that it creates possibilities for novel breakthroughs that we can find and exploit if we keep searching for them," he said.
Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey said the summit, with the theme Leadership for Our Times, was a unique opportunity at a pivotal crossroads.
"We are living through a period of unprecedented disruption," she said.
"Old norms and systems are being constantly challenged, and the stakes for our communities have never been higher.
"Philanthropy comes to this moment with resources, independence and resolve. There has never been a better time to focus our unique capability.
"Leadership for Our Times is more than just a theme: it's a call to action. It acknowledges that philanthropy is an enabling and supporting mechanism.
"To truly drive impact, we need courageous, collaborative leadership from all corners, including philanthropy, the not-for-profit sector, government and communities."
The three-day program will commence with a Pre-Summit Dinner at the National Press Club, featuring a keynote address by the Hon Julia Gillard AC. The Leadership Summit will be held on Wednesday, 6 August and Thursday, 7 August.
Now in its tenth year, Philanthropy Australia's biennial Canberra Summit continues to be a major thought-leadership event building stronger relationships between philanthropy and policymakers.
Speakers and panellists at this year's gathering include Professor Thomas Homer-Dixon (Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University, Canada), Georgina Byron AM (Snow Foundation), Carol Schwartz AO (Trawalla Foundation), Dr Rebecca Huntley (89DegreesEast), Dr Cassandra Goldie (ACOSS), Hugh de Kretser (Australian Human Rights) and Dr Bhiamie Williamson (Monash University).
