Gordon Brown sets out hopeful vision at first Carnegie UK Lecture

Former Prime Minister Rt Hon Gordon Brown delivered the first Carnegie UK Lecture to an audience of policy and civic society at Kings Place in London last night.

Reflecting on the challenges facing society today, including growing global instability and the erosion of civic life, Gordon Brown set out a hopeful and forward-looking agenda. He explored the actions needed to strengthen communities, renew democratic participation and create positive change for future generations.

The Rt Hon Gordon Brown said: “It was an honour to address Carnegie UK’s inaugural Lecture to support them in their continuing mission to improve the collective wellbeing of the people of the UK and Ireland, now and in the future.”

The event brought together leading thinkers, policymakers and decision-makers from across the UK and Ireland to explore a bold and hopeful vision for the future, supporting Carnegie UK’s mission to place collective wellbeing at the heart of government decision-making.

One of the defining figures in modern British public life, Gordon Brown has spent decades engaging with some of the biggest challenges facing society, including opportunity, fairness, responsibility and the role of public institutions in improving people’s lives. Drawing on his experience as Chancellor, Prime Minister, and through his international work on education and global development, the lecture provided an opportunity for him to share his vision for the future and the reasons for optimism in an increasingly uncertain world.

The lecture was followed by discussion with broadcaster and presenter Steph McGovern, who explored the themes of the lecture in greater depth and reflected on their relevance to the challenges facing people and communities across the UK.

Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, said: “Gordon Brown’s lecture highlighted the importance of long-term thinking and creating the conditions for people to feel that they have a genuine say when it comes to shaping the future. These are issues that sit at the heart of Carnegie UK’s work to improve collective wellbeing across the UK and Ireland.”

Carnegie UK believes there is a growing need for a wider public conversation about what governments are trying to achieve, how progress should be measured, and whether people’s lives are genuinely improving. Established to create space for that conversation, the Carnegie UK Lecture aims to spark debate, encourage fresh thinking, and inspire action to improve collective wellbeing for current and future generations.

Contact

Carnegie UK

Stuart Mackinnon [email protected] / 07934 296831
Claire Martin [email protected] / 07921 480 526

The office of Gordon Brown

Carmel Nolan [email protected] / 07718155105