From work and inequality to climate, health and leadership, more than 2,000 delegates will gather at the Eden Project to take part in one of the UK’s most ambitious cross-sector conversations – focused on building a stronger, fairer and more sustainable future for generations to come.
More than 2,000 leaders from across business, government, civil society and culture will come together from 25–27 March 2026 for Anthropy’s fourth national gathering. Hosted by Anthropy, the three-day event will feature over 600 speakers, 200+ sessions, and participants from more than 900 organisations, making it one of the UK’s most significant forums for cross-sector dialogue and long-term thinking.
Set within the Eden Project’s iconic biomes – celebrating its 25th anniversary – the event provides a rare space for leaders to step outside their usual environments and focus on the bigger picture: how to shape a better Britain.
TACKLING INTERCONNECTED CHALLENGES
While the future of work and economic opportunity will be central, Anthropy 2026 takes a broader view, recognising that Britain’s challenges are deeply interconnected. Key themes include:
- Economic prosperity and working lives – building a sustainable, innovative and regionally balanced economy while improving how people experience work
- Addressing inequality and fairness – advancing inclusion, social mobility and equitable access to opportunity
- Responsible leadership and governance – redefining leadership for a more ethical, accountable and long-term future
- Education, skills and future generations – equipping young people and emerging leaders for the challenges ahead
- Climate and natural places – accelerating the transition to a green economy and protecting the environment
- Health and wellbeing – tackling inequalities in health and exploring innovation across care systems
- Media, trust and communications – strengthening transparency and rebuilding public trust
- Political engagement and civic participation – supporting a more resilient, participatory democracy
- Vibrant places and communities – reimagining towns, cities and regions as inclusive places to live and work
- Global Britain – examining the UK’s role in a changing geopolitical landscape
- Innovation, technology and culture – harnessing creativity and innovation to drive long-term prosperity
Together, these themes reflect a shared understanding: that creating a fairer and more sustainable future requires coordinated action across every part of society.
DIFFERENT CONVERSATIONS WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE
Anthropy is founded on a simple but powerful principle: that no single sector can solve today’s complex challenges alone. The organisation was conceived in 2021, in the midst of the global pandemic, when business leader and campaigner John O’Brien MBE recognised the need for a new kind of national conversation – one that could help Britain emerge stronger and reimagine its role in a changing world.
His vision was to create a unique gathering where leaders from across business, government, civil society and culture could come together, step outside their usual echo chambers, and think collectively about the future of the UK. He chose the Eden Project in Cornwall as its home – an environment that reflects regeneration, imagination and long-term thinking.
Today, Anthropy has evolved into a year-round national membership network, where leaders convene, collaborate and drive action beyond the conference itself.
“Anthropy was created as a national leadership gathering where people from across business, government, civil society and culture can step outside their usual echo chambers and think together about the future of the United Kingdom,” explains O’Brien, Founder and Chair of Anthropy. “The challenges we face are too complex for any one institution to solve alone… what matters is creating space for different conversations, with different people, in a different place.”
BUSINESS: A FORCE FOR GOOD
At its core, Anthropy is a social purpose business – rooted in the belief that the national conversation about Britain’s future should not end with discussion, but act as a catalyst for long-term change.
The organisation is built on the idea that business can and should be a force for good. While not a new concept, it is one with deep roots in British enterprise. From the philanthropic models of Cadbury, Lever Brothers, Boots and Rowntree in the 19th century, to more recent examples such as The Body Shop, Ben & Jerry’s and Patagonia, businesses have long played a role in shaping a more equitable society. Today, movements such as B-Corps continue to push this agenda forward.
Anthropy follows in this tradition, placing social purpose at the heart of its work. Through its national gathering, membership network and ongoing research, it seeks to foster long-term thinking, build meaningful partnerships, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
LEADING VOICES SHAPING THE CONVERSATION
Anthropy 2026 will bring together a wide range of influential voices from top organisations across all sectors in the UK, including:
- David Durlacher, CEO, Julius Baer International
- Annette Male, CEO UK&I, dentsu
- The Edge, U2 guitarist and environmental advocate
- Rachel Corp, CEO, ITN
- Dame Melanie Dawes, CEO, Ofcom
- Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO UK&I, Salesforce
- Will Hutton, political economist
- Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO, Mind
- David Durlacher, CEO, Julius Baer International
- Annette Male, CEO UK&I, dentsu
- The Edge, U2 guitarist, environmental advocate
- Steven Cooper, CEO, Fairstone
- Jennifer Nadel, CEO, Compassion in Politics
- Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive, Charities Aid Foundation
- Iain Anderson, Chair, John Smith Centre
- Christian May, Editor in Chief, City AM
- Rachel Corp, CEO, ITN
- Jonathan Geldart, Director General, Institute of Directors
- Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business & Economic Transformation, Dept for Business & Trade
- Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, CEO UK/I, Salesforce
- Dame Melanie Dawes DCB, CEO, Ofcom
- Kelly Beaver MBE, CEO UK & Ireland, Ipsos
- Mariella Frostrup, Co-Founder Women in Work, Broadcaster & Journalist
- Sir Anthony Seldon, Educationalist & Author, Wellington College
- James Ainscough OBE, Chief Executive, Royal Albert Hall
- Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director, Volvo Cars UK
- Lord Matthew Elliott, President, The Jobs Foundation
- Piers Linney, Founder, Implement AI
- Will Hutton, Political Economist
- Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive, Mind
- Pavita Cooper, Chair, 30% Club UK
- Orna NiChionna, Chair, Eden Project
- Sir Loyd Grossman CBE, Chair, The Royal Society of Arts
- Prof. Juergen Maier CBE, Chair, Great British Energy
- Catherine Johnstone CBE, CEO, Royal Voluntary Service
- Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, Chair, National Lottery Community Fund
- Octavius Black CBE, Executive Chair, MindGym
- Lee Chambers, CEO, Male Allies UK
- Lyndsey Simpson, Founder & CEO, 55/Redefined
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
A defining feature of Anthropy is its commitment to emerging leaders. Through its Emerging Leaders Programme, around 10% of participants are aged 18–30, supported by bursaries, coaching and development opportunities – ensuring younger voices are not only present, but actively shaping the conversation.
At its heart, Anthropy is built on a simple but powerful idea: that the future of Britain is a shared responsibility. By bringing together diverse perspectives in a unique setting, Anthropy 2026 aims to move beyond discussion and towards meaningful action, helping to shape a Britain that is not only more prosperous, but also more fair, inclusive and sustainable.
Click here to find out more and how you can join the conversations on inspiring a better Britain.
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