MEDIA RELEASE PHIL FORUM 2022 03 31

March 31, 2022—VERBIER (Switzerland)—The Verbier Festival and Swiss Philanthropy Foundation have joined forces for the fourth year to present the Verbier Festival Philanthropy Forum: a forum for reflection, sharing knowledge across generations and for engaging and fostering philanthropic initiatives.

Each year, the Forum’s public debate encourages discussion and exchange on current issues and challenges in philanthropy. The magnificent setting of Verbier, together with the Festival’s global standing and exceptional concerts, provide an ideal environment to reflect on generosity and the commitment that it requires. In, 2021 this debate explored ways in which the power of philanthropy can be harnessed for the planet. For the 2022 edition, the discussion centres on ‘How can philanthropy be more impactful in an age of disruption?’. The event will take place on Saturday July 23, from 3 to 4:30 pm at the Verbier Cinema. Admission is free with reservation.

Description of public debate

How can philanthropy be more impactful in an age of disruption?

What is philanthropy’s role in a society where incredible challenges—the pandemic, climate change, a war at Europe’s doorstep, to name just a few—force us to question the fundamentals of our living together? Disruptive effects on vital ecosystems—nature, social, health, economy—are poised to be inevitable and irreversible. Despite the collective awareness of the urgency to act, concrete action and real change is slow to be implemented, notwithstanding a number of remarkable initiatives here and there. The 2022 Verbier Philanthropy Forum brings into focus this important topic and explores ways to make philanthropy more impactful in a world of disruption.

Speakers

This year’s Forum features four speakers whose unique profiles and commitments are sure to lead to a lively and deep discussion: Maria Cattaui, Global Board Member of the Open Society Foundations; Yves Daccord, former Director of the ICRC and President of the Edgelands Institute; Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust; and Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The panel will be moderated by Etienne Eichenberger, Chairman of the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.

This edition of the Verbier Festival Philanthropy Forum will be conducted in English. Audience participation and questions are welcome in both English and French. Advance registration at verbierfestival.com/philanthropy-forum is recommended. For the first time, the Forum will be streamed live, allowing audiences from around the world to be inspired and define ideas for action together. Details of how to watch the livestream will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

The Verbier Festival is a classical music festival that encourages sharing between great musicians and young aspiring artists from around the world. It is committed to excellence in music performance and education through its highly respected artistic programme, Academy and community engagement programmes. The next edition of the Verbier Festival, with Principal Sponsorship of Bank Julius Baer and SICPA, will place July 15 to 31, 2022 in Verbier (Switzerland).