Be Philanthropy 2023

In these extraordinary times, philanthropy has demonstrated its complementary and innovative role for our society, in addition to actions by public authorities, associations and the private sector. Philanthropy needs to be discussed, recognised and promoted locally, nationally and internationally to fully play its role.

The King Baudouin Foundation is organising the “Be Philanthropy” event on Thursday 27 April 2023 at Autoworld in Brussels. More than 1,100 philanthropists, policymakers, notaries, bankers, wealth advisers, managers, CSR-entrepreneurs, foundations and family offices from home and abroad have registered. During this great day of Belgian and European philanthropy, the trends, opportunities and challenges of philanthropy will be discussed.

Her Majesty the Queen will deliver the solemn opening speech, followed by Pierre Wunsch, president of the King Baudouin Foundation, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Vincent Van Peteghem. The day’s programme is structured around four central themes: Be responsible, Be enabled, Be innovative and Be engaged. Twelve inspiring sessions are scheduled with speakers from all over the world. You can view the day’s programme here.

‘Philanthropy is an attitude, and so is BePhilanthropy really. Today we start a journey in which the future of philanthropy will be discussed, as events follow, from Kortrijk to Liège and from Paris to Athens’ states Brieuc Van Damme, CEO of the King Baudouin Foundation

Composer Dirk Brossé composed the work “Memories of Forgotten Beings” on the occasion of this event. “Memories of Forgotten Beings” will have its world premiere at Autoworld on 27 April 2023. Have a look at the making of here.

‘You can also support others or give them a boost by giving them opportunities, a space to learn and grow or a stage to step into the light. For instance, I regularly give young musicians the chance to play in my symphony orchestra or perform as a soloist. In this way, I offer them the chance to learn and step into the spotlight in order to grow further’ says Dirk Brossé, composer.

In the context of Be Philanthropy, we also launched a new Philanthropy Barometer on 25 April, which provides more insights into the giving behaviour of Belgians.

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