Back to NewsSupport sustainable innovation in opera and dance
Outdated browser
Be Philanthropy Opening speech by Her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians i
Reinventing Philanthropy in Times of Change: Insights from “Be Philanthropy” in Brussels
Details
02 April 2026
Brussels / Belgium
Industry News
On Thursday, 2 April, 2026, “Be Philanthropy” took place in Brussels, a major gathering dedicated to the future of the philanthropic sector, organised by the King Baudouin Foundation, one of our long-term partners, and opened by Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Honorary President of the Foundation.
Our Director Edilia Gänz and Corporate Philanthropy Coordinator Aneta Klímová took part in the event, alongside philanthropists, policymakers, foundations, wealth advisors, and civil-society actors from across Europe to reflect on how philanthropy must evolve to meet today’s social, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
About the event
The day opened with a video message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, followed by sharp insights from Pierre Wunsch, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the King Baudouin Foundation, who addressed the challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy in 2026. A keynote speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Pensions Jan Jambon highlighted the importance of public–private collaboration, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege delivered a moving reflection on philanthropy as an act of justice and courage in the face of inequality and violence.
A rich programme of sessions throughout the day invited participants to explore the evolving role of philanthropy in society. From the growing influence of digital creators and community-led initiatives, to governance models for philanthropic enterprise foundations, public–philanthropic cooperation, and the importance of local engagement, the discussions emphasized new ways of mobilising resources and strengthening trust with communities. Sessions on navigating a polarised global environment, on the ethical use of AI for social impact, on family philanthropy, and on the links between impact investing and mission-driven capital further showcased the diversity of approaches shaping the philanthropic landscape today.
Throughout the sessions, one message resonated strongly: philanthropy is entering a new era. Discussions highlighted the need for more agile, creative, and impactful approaches, as well as new tools and models to better respond to complex realities. Many speakers emphasised the importance of trust-based relationships, flexible support mechanisms, and meaningful collaboration across sectors.
We were particularly inspired by the call for closer cooperation between philanthropic actors and public institutions, recognising that systemic and long-term impact can only be achieved when these worlds work together. It was also energising to reconnect with our international partners from Swiss Philanthropy Foundation and Giving Europe, reinforcing the strength of cross-border dialogue.
Why philanthropy matters for the performing arts
Moments like these remind us how much our own work is shaped by philanthropy. In times of uncertainty, the performing arts play a vital role in helping societies understand change, offering a universal language that connects people across borders. The generosity, commitment, and creativity of donors make it possible for us to support artists and cultural organisations who are pushing the performing arts forward.
At the heart of our mission is a belief that the performing arts are essential to Europe’s cultural and social fabric. Through our prizes, funding opportunities, and community-building initiatives, we help emerging artists, and forward-thinking organisations realise new artistic work and reach wider audiences. Thanks to philanthropic support, we can accompany them at every stage, from early experimentation to full-scale production, while fostering a more sustainable and inclusive performing arts ecosystem. This shared commitment enables us to nurture the next generation of talent and ensure that creativity continues to thrive across Europe.
Looking ahead
We left Be Philanthropy 2026 inspired by the dedication of so many individuals and institutions committed to forging a more equitable, resilient, and imaginative future. The conversations throughout the day reaffirmed the importance of working together across sectors to build systems that enable creativity and cultural expression to flourish.
As we continue our work supporting the next generation of creators, we look forward to contributing to the collective effort of shaping a future where philanthropy and the performing arts have an even greater positive impact on society.
Be Philanthropy
In a global context marked by growing social, economic, and geopolitical tensions, philanthropy is being called to reinvent itself.
With an international scope, Be Philanthropy is the crossroads where all the energies shaping the future of this field converge. Philanthropists, notaries, policymakers, wealth advisors, and representatives of companies and foundations—Belgian, European, and international—come together to decode trends, discover inspiring initiatives, and jointly set tomorrow’s priorities.
