A reflection on the conference

As I journeyed back to Sydney/Gadigal from the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2024, held for the first time in Adelaide/Kaurna, my mind buzzed with the rich insights and conversations that unfolded over the event. With over 1,000 attendees, the conference marked a pivotal moment in discussing how “Shifting Perspectives, Shifting Practice” can fundamentally reshape the philanthropic landscape.

The conference commenced with a profound Welcome to Country by Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner, setting a respectful tone and emphasising the importance of authentic engagement with Indigenous communities. This was aptly followed by an address from The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, who highlighted Adelaide’s architectural beauty—a testament to philanthropy’s tangible impact on community and culture. He spoke about the role philanthropy plays in bridging the divides in an increasingly fragmented society, and this was just in the first hour!

Over the next couple of days, the sessions painted a vibrant tapestry of modern philanthropy’s potential:

• Leadership Insights: Dr. Kirstin Ferguson challenged us to redefine leadership as a series of impactful moments that require curiosity and engagement. Her blend of humor and insight, particularly her references to social media algorithms that favour dog reels resonated.
  
• Empowering Women and Girls: Safeena Husain from Educate Girls put a spotlight on the 120 million girls worldwide who are deprived of education, linking this gap to broader social vulnerabilities, especially under the shadows of climate change. Her call for targeted philanthropic efforts to empower these young women was a clarion call to action.
  
• Innovative Financial Strategies: A panel moderated by Simon Lewis from Goodwolf delved into how philanthropy can activate dormant assets within charities to create societal impact. This session highlighted the untapped potential residing within the sector.
  
• Visionary Philanthropy: James Chen’s discussion on ‘moonshot’ philanthropy encapsulated the ambitious spirit needed to tackle global issues. His focus on solving poor vision worldwide underscored the need for transformative solutions that require patience and persistence.
  
• Climate Urgency: Tim Jarvis AM’s poignant dinner address on the urgent challenges posed by climate change served as a wake-up call. He urged the philanthropic community to prioritise sustainable investments, warning of the irreversible damage looming over our ecosystems.
  
• Clean Energy Initiatives: Danny Kennedy illustrated an optimistic approach to creating a clean energy economy. Highlighting the pivotal role the audience can play in this transition with the opportunity to invest financial capital into renewables was particularly impactful.
  
• Truth-Telling and Reconciliation: Stacey Thomas from The Wyatt Trust spoke eloquently about the necessity of truth-telling in reconciliation processes, emphasising that it involves everyone in society, not just Indigenous communities. Her speech received a standing ovation, reflecting its powerful impact on everyone in the room.

At Australian Ethical, we are acutely aware of the investment needs that align with the goals of the for-purpose sector. Our commitment to addressing the challenges discussed at the conference, particularly those related to climate risks, is unwavering. We offer investment solutions that not only meet organisational missions but also contribute to a sustainable and equitable world.

The sheer volume of insights and high calibre of discussions at #PAConference2024 was not just enriching—it was transformative. Each conversation and panel reinforced the need for adaptability, collaboration, and trust as we navigate both local and global complexities in philanthropy.

As we reflect on the next steps we can take, both personally and organisationally, it’s clear that the path forward involves deep engagement and continuous dialogue. I am grateful to Maree Sidey and the entire PA team for organising such a stimulating conference, and proud that Australian Ethical could support this event. Let’s keep the channels of communication and collaboration wide open as we act on the rich insights gained.