Skip to main content

Securing tomorrow: Shaping future governance for people and planet

Learn more about our new public event series on revitalising and renewing democracy and governance.

About the series


2024 has been the 'year of elections', with voters across the world going to the polls. But how can we make sure we’re planning for the long term, looking beyond election cycles to address the national and global challenges we face? How do we strengthen the health of our democracies, foster democratic participation, tackle the climate and nature crisis and ensure that we consider the interests of future generations?

Join us as we welcome leading experts to debate the ways in which we can revitalise and renew democracy and governance, and to discuss ideas on how to build positive futures for people and the planet.

A person giving a lecture to an audience.

Events in the series

Learn more about events in the series. All events are free to attend.


How we sold our future: The failure to fight climate change

Tuesday 11 February 2025, 18:00-19:00, online

Jens Beckert, Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, delves into the connections between capitalist structures and our failure to address the climate crisis.

Book a ticket for 'How we sold our future'.

Addressing England's water quality: What can be done?

Wednesday 19 March 2025, 18:00-19:30, University of Bath Campus (Chancellors' Building, Room 2.6)

Our panellists discuss the water quality problems in England and the solutions and policies needed to restore waterways to health. With Mark Lloyd (The Rivers Trust) and Helen Wakeham (Environment Agency). Chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds.

Book a ticket for 'Addressing England's water quality'.

International cooperation when mistrust deepens

Thursday 27 March 2025, 12:30-13:30, University of Bath Campus (Chancellors' Building, Room 5.1)

Why do states in conflict with each other also sustain cooperation in international regulation? As tensions rise among great powers today and international organisations struggle again, this question is as important now as it was when international regulatory regimes first emerged.

In this talk, Perri 6, Professor Emeritus in Public Management at Queen Mary University of London and Visiting Professor at the LSE, will examine the global regulatory regime for telecommunications, created during a time of European wars and growing imperial conflicts. He'll uncover how states can sustain collaboration even when mistrust grows, offering fresh insights into the forces that shape states and international relations.

Book a ticket for 'International cooperation when mistrust deepens'.

Revitalising Britain: What's working and what's next?

Thursday 24 April 2025, 18:00-19:30, University of Bath Campus (Chancellors' Building, Room 1.12)

Will Hutton and Polly Toynbee review the reforms and strategies of the new government and discuss how it has been addressing the pressing economic, social and political challenges we face. They’ll look at the government’s five key missions – economic growth, clean energy, safer streets, opportunities for all and an NHS fit for the future – and the actions taken on these so far. Where do we need to see new policy development to deliver lasting economic and social change? Chaired by Dr Sophie Whiting.

Book a ticket for 'Revitalising Britain: What's working and what's next?'

Securing our food supply: Building resilience in the UK

May 2025

Increased international volatility, climate change and biodiversity loss all pose risks to the UK’s food security. Is the UK prepared to deal with these threats? Join our panellists to discuss what a good food system looks like, as well as the policies needed to ensure that our food system is fairer, more sustainable and more resilient.

Booking will open later this year.

Additional events and speakers to be confirmed.


Previous events

Catch up with previous events.


An architecture of hope: Reimagining prison design

Yvonne Jewkes, Professor of Criminology at the University of Bath, explores how we might change prisons to create spaces that encourage reflection and healing for those incarcerated.

The US presidential election: Where do we go from here?

Lauren Fedor, the FT's US political correspondent, reflects on the outcome of the US presidential election: what does it mean for the US and what can we expect to see happen?

The future as a political idea

Jonathan White, Professor of Politics at LSE, he explores how politics has long been directed by shifting visions of the future.


Venue and access information

Find out how to join us at the events.


Some events in this series will be held online and some will be held in person.

Specific venue and access information for each event can be found on the booking pages. If you have any questions, please contact us.

For events held at the University's Claverton Down campus:

Sign up to our newsletter to receive updates on the series.

Sign up

Contact us

If you have any questions about the series, please get in touch.