More than 800 people from over 75 countries came together virtually on 3rd June 2025 for the eleventh edition of the RELX SDG Inspiration Day: "The Future of Philanthropy: Stepping up for the SDGs" The annual online event brings together thought leaders, corporate representatives, students, investors, governments, and NGOs to explore pressing issues, gain practical insight, and inspire action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year's event centered on a vital question: Can philanthropy bridge the $4 trillion funding gap needed to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030? The discussion highlighted how, over the next five years, both monetary and in-kind philanthropic support would be essential in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants examined the evolving roles of companies, trusts, foundations, and engaged citizens, while also exploring the vital nexus between private and public funders.
We heard from global changemakers including Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations; Sir Lenny Henry, actor, comedian, writer & philanthropist and Sarah, Duchess of York, author & humanitarian. And our panelists shared insights and sparked conversations on the role of philanthropy in health, access to justice, empowering young people and harnessing the opportunity of AI.
Read on to discover the highlights from RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025.
Featured speakers
The event was opened by our host, Esther Stanhope - TEDx Speaker, Author and Personal Impact Expert. Esther began by introducing Dr. Márcia Balisciano, RELX’s founding Chief Sustainability Officer and Global Head of Corporate Responsibility, who outlined the day and highlighted RELX’s commitment to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in areas such as financial inclusion, science and health, access to justice, and fostering communities.
The Opening Plenary highlighted the critical role of leadership in philanthropy. In the first keynote address of the day, Ban Ki-Moon, 8th UN Secretary-General, stressed the critical importance of collaboration for achieving sustainable development goals and the Paris climate change agreements. Secretary General Ban's keynote stressed that no nation, organisation, or individual can tackle these global challenges alone. The address called on stakeholders from philanthropy, academia, government, and civil society to harness their collective convening power, reach millions, and act as a catalytic force for change.
"No nation, organisation or citizen can do this alone. All stakeholders must focus on their strengths and work together."
Ban Ki-moon
8th Secretary General of the United Nations
Watch Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's address here.
Watch the Opening Plenary of RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025
Monika Froehler, Chief Executive Officer at the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, began by inviting the audience to explore the true meaning of philanthropy and shared reflections on philanthropy as “a love for humanity” that goes beyond mere charitable donations. The discussion emphasised that philanthropy is about fostering long-term, systemic solutions in areas such as education, healthcare, poverty relief, and sustainable development.
Monika recounted a personal story involving a historic encounter between a young Ban Ki-moon and John F. Kennedy, highlighting how that pivotal moment in time inspired a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. This narrative illustrated the power of early inspiration and the importance of cultivating a global citizen mindset.
The session highlighted the work of the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens in empowering change makers including Lilian Nakigozi, Founder of Women Smiles Uganda, a social enterprise that advocates for a hunger-free world. The Ban Ki-moon Center strives to facilitate tangible change by bringing together young change makers and established leaders through initiatives like its accelerator fund and Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
In closing, Monika highlighted the need for philanthropy to become broader, more inclusive, and more decentralised, driven by digital tools and data analytics. A call to action was made: with only one planet and one set of Sustainable Development Goals to achieve, everyone is encouraged to embrace their role as a philanthropist—whether through direct giving, capacity building, or simply sharing their own ideas and experiences.
"Let’s use the last five years and try to be global citizens with passion and compassion."
Monika Froehler
Chief Executive Officer, Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens
The Opening Plenary concluded with a message from Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations; CEO & Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact.
At the UN Global Compact we work to build bridges between the private sector, government and civil society organisations. We know that business and philanthropists are uniquely positioned to quickly and nimby address local, regional and global challenges.
Sanda Ojiambo
Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations; CEO & Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact
Watch Sanda Ojiambo's address here.
Reimagining the Future of Charity with Dan Pallotta
In a thought provoking and energising session, Philippa Scarlett, Head of Worldwide Government Affairs and Public Policy at RELX sat down with Dan Pallotta, a pioneering voice in social impact and nonprofit innovation. Dan's TED Talk on philanthropy is among the most viewed of all time and his book Uncharitable, now a feature length documentary, has helped spark a global conversation about how we evaluate nonprofit effectiveness.
Dan shared his personal journey into non-profit activism, describing how his early exposure to the inspirational leadership of figures like John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. instilled in him the belief that change was possible, even on a scale as monumental as landing a man on the moon. The conversation explored the transformative potential of philanthropy, challenging conventional norms in the non-profit sector.
Dan passionately emphasised the importance of setting ambitious deadlines and nurturing a "spirit of possibility" and urged the audience to break free from the constraints of incremental thinking and to embrace ideas that might initially seem ridiculous or overly daring.
"You didn't dedicate your life to keeping overheads low and salaries low - you want to achieve huge things. If you're not willing to think in a way that's absolutely ridiculous, you're never going to change the world."
Dan Pallotta
Author, Activist, Founder of Breast Cancer 3-Day walks and the multi-day AIDS Rides
Watch the trailer for "Uncharitable", a feature length documentary based on Dan Pallotta's book.
Click to watch highlights from the opening plenary
Click to watch highlights from the opening plenary
Ban Ki-moon at RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025
Ban Ki-moon at RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025
Click to watch highlights from the opening plenary featuring Monika Froehler
Click to watch highlights from the opening plenary featuring Monika Froehler
Click to watch Sanda Ojiambo's address at RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025
Click to watch Sanda Ojiambo's address at RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025
Inspiring Keynote with Sir Lenny Henry
In his keynote address, Sir Lenny Henry reflected on his journey from children’s television to becoming a prominent advocate for social change. Sharing personal anecdotes from his career, Sir Lenny emphasised how comedy can serve as both a sword and shield in championing justice and spoke about overcoming obstacles, taking creative risks, and reinventing oneself—while also stressing collaboration, authenticity, and the importance of “punching up” to challenge power.
Beyond recounting past successes with Comic Relief—including raising nearly two billion pounds—Sir Lenny highlights the ongoing need for collective action, urging the audience to lean into challenges and remain brave. He also touches on his evolving role within Comic Relief, making way for younger talent while still remaining influential behind the scenes. The address is interwoven with humour, personal reflections, and motivational insights aimed at inspiring philanthropy and fostering social change.
"Collaboration, my favorite thing, is about knowing when to lead and when to support, when to share your expertise and when to learn from others. It's about building networks of trust and respect, creating opportunities not just for yourself, but for those around you".
Sir Lenny Henry
Actor, writer and philanthropist; Co-founder of Comic Relief
Watch Sir Lenny Henry's keynote address at RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2025
Click here to watch Sir Lenny Henry's heartfelt and hilarious keynote address
Click here to watch Sir Lenny Henry's heartfelt and hilarious keynote address
panel discussions
Better Health: Exploring the intersection between philanthropy and global health
The session, hosted by Youngsuk "YS" Chi, Director of Corporate Affairs, RELX and Chair, Elsevier began with an introduction to the role of philanthropy in improving global health. The panel included Ylann Schemm, Executive Director, Elsevier Foundation, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa and Dr. Angela Chaudhuri, CEO, Swasti,
Philanthropy was described as "risk capital" for public health, crucial for plugging funding gaps, supporting experimental innovations, and ensuring that resources reach the most marginalised populations. Participants stressed the importance of flexible, trust-based funding that empowers local stakeholders. They also explored strategies to engage new philanthropists and small donors, suggesting that even modest contributions can drive significant impact when deployed through collective and targeted financing mechanisms.
The discussion concluded with a call for systemic change, urging all stakeholders to collectively rethink funding models and embrace inclusive, participatory approaches that catalyse long-term improvements in global health.
"Philanthropic money is not enough to replace the gap but philanthropic money is enough to reform the system to produce more results for less. That's the role we see philanthropy playing - how do we actually enable this environment that has less money deliver more health."
Watch the full Health and Philanthropy session here
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: What’s the role for philanthropy in advancing the rule of law?
The panel on Philanthropy and the Rule of Law, hosted by Justin Webb, featured panellists Ian McDougall of LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation, Katrina Crossley of the International Law Book Facility, Danna Ingleton of HURIDOCS and Alasdair Stuart of BBC Media Action. The discussion highlighted philanthropy's essential role in strengthening legal frameworks, boosting transparency, and enhancing accountability. Ian McDougall stressed the need for targeted investments to support legal reforms, while Katrina Crossley emphasised expanding access to legal resources in under-resourced communities. Ingleton showcased how digital documentation can safeguard human rights, and Stuart demonstrated how media advocacy can amplify marginalized voices. Together, the panelists called for collaborative, sustained efforts that leverage innovative philanthropic strategies to build robust systems of justice globally, ultimately advancing peace, justice, and strong institutions.
"I think one of the things that the philanthropic community can look to or use as a measuring post is how to be a steady hand when the winds of political change are changing so quickly."
Watch the full presentation on Philanthropy and the Rule of Law here
Beyond Sponsorship: Creating win-wins in corporate charity collaboration
In a compelling panel discussion hosted by Andy Dewis, Founder & CEO of Pineapple Sustainable Partnerships, we explored innovative approaches to corporate charity partnerships. Haywood Talcove, CEO for Government at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Teresa Njoroge, CEO and Founder of Clean Start Africa, Mabel McKeown, Head of Partnership Development at Save the Children, and Tom Harrison, Programme Director at The Partnering Initiative, shared insights on transforming traditional sponsorship models into mutually beneficial collaborations. They discussed strategies for aligning corporate objectives with charitable goals, leveraging resources to maximize social impact, and building sustainable, scalable partnerships that benefit both business and community. The panel underscored that by moving beyond simple sponsorship, companies can create win-win outcomes that drive lasting change and enhance corporate social responsibility.
Watch the full conversation on corporate charity partnerships here
From Preparedness to Recovery: The role of corporate charity partnerships in disaster response
The panel on "From Preparedness to Recovery: The Role of Corporate Charity Partnerships in Disaster Response," hosted by Alexis Steadman, Global Community Manager at RELX, brought together a group of sector leaders to discuss the pivotal role corporate partnerships can play in times of crisis. Margaret Osborne, Interim Executive Director and President of The Private Sector Humanitarian Alliance (PSHA), Clodagh Connolly, Global Director of Business for Societal Impact (B4SI), and Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive Officer of UK for UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), shared their experiences and insights on maximizing the impact of disaster response efforts. They emphasized the importance of integrating preparedness with recovery strategies, aligning corporate resources with humanitarian needs, and building resilient partnerships that not only address immediate crises but also contribute to sustainable recovery. The panelists underscored that strategic corporate charity collaborations are essential for enhancing response effectiveness, bridging critical gaps during disasters, and ultimately fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
Watch the full conversation on philanthropy and disaster response here
There's so much more companies can offer; expertise, skills, know-how. They can streamline coordination and efficiency and now is the time to really bring in corporate actors and rebuild the humanitarian system in a way that's inclusive and involves not just the private sector but the global south."
Watch the panel discussions
Better Health: Exploring the intersection between philanthropy and global health
In this panel hosted by Director of Corporate Affairs at RELX and Chair, Elsevier, Youngsuk 'YS' Chi, we explored how philanthropy can drive impactful, sustainable improvements in global health.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: What’s the role for philanthropy in advancing the rule of law?
In this panel, hosted by journalist and BBC broadcaster, Justin Webb, we explore the role of philanthropy in advancing the rule of law.
Beyond Sponsorship: Creating win-wins in corporate charity collaboration
The panel on "Beyond Sponsorship: Creating Win-Wins in Corporate Charity Collaboration," hosted by Andy Dewis, Founder & CEO of Pineapple Sustainable Partnerships, brought together industry leaders and practitioners to explore innovative approaches to corporate charity partnerships.
From Preparedness to Recovery: The role of corporate charity partnerships in disaster response
The panel on "From Preparedness to Recovery: The Role of Corporate Charity Partnerships in Disaster Response," hosted by Alexis Steadman, Global Community Manager at RELX, brought together a group of experts to discuss the pivotal role corporate partnerships can play in times of crisis.
SDG Customer Awards
Each year RELX celebrates four customers that have made a significant, demonstrable contribution to one or more of the SDGs. Winners celebrated during RELX SDG Inspiration Day included:
- MetLife, nominated by LexisNexis Risk Solutions is a leading global financial services company offering insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management. Operating in over 40 markets, it serves around 120 million customers across the U.S., Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Through MetLife Foundation, it supports economic mobility worldwide with grants and impact investments.
- De La Salle University (DLSU), in Manila, Philippines, nominated by Elsevier is a leading research university known for academic excellence and social responsibility. It actively aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals through initiatives in education, health, environment, and social entrepreneurship. Key programs include L-ARAL for alternative learning (SDG 4), L-HEARTS for health and well-being (SDGs 3, 5, 16), L-EnviSaGe for climate action (SDG 13), and L-SEED for social enterprise (SDG 8).
- Greenberg Traurig, LLP, nominated by LexisNexis Legal and Professional is a global law firm with over 2,850 attorneys across 49 offices worldwide. The firm offers legal services in areas such as corporate law, litigation, real estate, and environmental law. Committed to sustainability and inclusion, it powers U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy and is net carbon neutral in office energy use, supporting SDGs 7 and 13. Its diversity, pro bono work, and community engagement further reflect SDGs 5, 10, and 16.
- Beiersdorf, a global skincare company, nominated by RX, embeds sustainability into its business through its "CARE BEYOND SKIN" strategy, aligning with 13 UN SDGs. It aims for net-zero emissions by 2045 (SDG 13) and fully sustainable packaging by 2025 (SDG 12). The company promotes responsible sourcing (SDGs 14 & 15), employee well-being and inclusion (SDGs 3, 5, 8, 10), and invests in communities, human rights, and education (SDGs 4 & 16).
For the first time, we recognised an additional company with an honourable mention. Open Planet, launched in 2023, is an independent Community Interest Company or social enterprise. Their award-winning, open-source library of high-quality video content and data visualisations, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enables storytellers, educators, and creators worldwide to tell stories that can inspire action for the planet. Free for educational and impact use, it is designed to inspire change and accelerate action.
AI & PHilanthropy
In conversation: Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder, Global Citizen and Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer, Virtuous
This engaging session featured a conversation between Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder of Global Citizen and Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer, Virtuous focusing on the role of AI in advancing social impact for nonprofits.
Nathan highlighted how adopting an "AI first" approach means breaking free of the traditional scarcity mindset. Instead of relying solely on human capacity, nonprofits can use AI as a scalable assistant capable of unlocking new efficiencies and creative problem-solving. The discussion covered several practical applications of AI, including improvements in internal processes such as speech drafting and administrative tasks, as well as enhancing fundraising through personalisation and precision, enabling non-profits to reclaim valuable time and focus more on mission-driven activities and deeper community engagement.
The conversation also addressed the challenges and ethical considerations of AI adoption. While AI offers significant benefits, there is a pressing need for robust governance policies that ensure its responsible use. Nonprofits are encouraged to develop an AI governance policy that aligns with their values, helping to ensure that technology serves social good without reinforcing existing inequities.
Nathan urged non-profit leaders to embrace AI as a catalyst for change, advising to start small by creating an AI governance policy and making it a daily habit to ask, "How can AI help?", fostering an innovative, values-driven culture within organisations. The overarching message is that proactive action is essential to overcoming social challenges and revitalising civic engagement. The session wraps up with the powerful takeaway: "Action is the antidote to apathy," echoing Eleanor Roosevelt’s timeless call to begin and inspiring listeners to harness AI and other innovative tools to drive meaningful social impact.
Watch the session featuring Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder, Global Citizen and Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer, Virtuous
Philanthropy, youth & impact
Featuring Sarah, Duchess of York, Founding Ambassador of Youth Impact Council & Sabrina Elba, Co-Founder, Elba Hope Foundation
The Closing Plenary featured "NextGen Investing: Where Philanthropy Meets Venture,". This conversation brought together two influential voices; renowned author, philanthropist and Founding Ambassador of the Youth Impact Council, Sarah, Duchess of York and Wendy Chen, venture builder, advisor to family offices and co-founder of Yun Impact.
Wendy and the Duchess reflected on their personal journeys and the transformative power of giving back. Sarah’s lifelong dedication to empowering young people was illustrated through personal experiences. The Duchess emphasised that philanthropy is not just about making large donations but also about listening to the needs of the community and amplifying voices.
Wendy recounted her own inspiring background, from her experiences on Wall Street to overcoming early challenges in Shanghai, demonstrating how personal adversity and being the recipient of philanthropic giving can fuel a commitment to change. Their conversation highlighted the importance of using technology and innovative investment models to overcome traditional barriers. For instance, they discussed the Youth Innovation Fund, a model that reinvests gains to support successive generations of young entrepreneurs without imposing rigid timelines that compromise long-term impact.
The audience was urged to embrace continuous learning, listen with purpose and contribute in even the smallest ways.
"Philanthropy and ideas come in big sizes and small sizes, everyone can start somewhere."
Adding extra inspiration to the Closing Plenary we heard a video message from celebrity advocate and philanthropist Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Co-Founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, one of the inspiring event partners. In her message, Sabrina emphasised the importance of trusting young people to create a more equitable future. She underscored that creative jobs do more than offer a career, they provide livelihoods, dignity and the opportunity for young people to tell their own stories. Sabrina shared her observations from the Global South, where she has witnessed a powerful movement of diaspora communities returning to invest in and shape a new, culturally rooted economy, driven by creativity and care.
If we're serious about progress, if we're really serious, let's get back to local leadership, let's get back to youth and most importantly - let's get back to community-led change. Not just because it's ethical but because it works."
Watch NextGen Investing: Where Philanthropy Meets Venture featuring Sarah, Duchess of York and Wendy Chen
Watch a special message from Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Co-Founder, Elba Hope Foundation
Watch a special message from Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Co-Founder, Elba Hope Foundation
more about RELX & PHILANTHROPY
RELX Cares & charity partnerships
RELX Cares, our global community programme, supports employee volunteering and giving that makes a positive impact on society. The mission of RELX Cares is education for disadvantaged young people that advances one or more of our unique contributions as a business, including protection of society and reducing inequalities, advancing science and improving health outcomes, furthering the Rule of Law and access to justice and fostering communities. Employees have up to two days’ paid leave per year for their own community work. A network of over 245 RELX Cares Champions ensures the vibrancy of our community engagement. Read more about RELX's giving and charitable partnerships here.
RELX has been a Book Aid International partner for over 30 years through regular book donations, financial support and staff fundraising and volunteering. RELX donations of medical books are critical to educating the next generation of healthcare providers around the world.
Hear a message from Alison Tweed, CEO, Book Aid International on the future of philanthropy
Hear a message from Alison Tweed, CEO, Book Aid International on the future of philanthropy
RELX Cares Global Fundraising Partnership allows us to make a significant, long-term positive impact by collectively raising funds across our businesses for a charity which significantly benefits disadvantaged young people. In 2022, we announced a new three-year partnership with Save the Children. Previous partnerships have supported SOS Children's Villages and Hope and Homes For Children.
Hear a message from Victoria Olarte, Senior Strategic Research Partner at Hope and Homes for Children on the future of philanthropy.
Hear a message from Victoria Olarte, Senior Strategic Research Partner at Hope and Homes for Children on the future of philanthropy.
SDG Resource centre special collection
To mark this year’s RELX SDG Inspiration Day, Elsevier curated a special collection of free to access articles and chapters to advance knowledge and understanding of philanthropy, available through the RELX SDG Resource Centre. Articles include Designing for sustainability: A case in corporate philanthropy and NGOs & international development: ongoing trends and new architectures.
Discover the latest research on philanthropy in the free to access special collection here.
event partners
A special thank you to our partners who share our commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Event partners included:
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