Community, Climate, and Connection: A Look Back at the 26 June SA-UK Trust Network Gathering
On 26 June 2025, beneath the blooming canopies of the Chelsea Physic Garden, the SA-UK Trust Network welcomed 31 changemakers to an afternoon of insight, collaboration, and quiet determination. With a clear focus on climate resilience, community-driven development, and the power of human connection, the event spotlighted speakers who are not just responding to the world’s challenges, but actively reshaping them.
A JUST TRANSITION STARTS WITH US
Delivering the keynote address, John Wade-Smith, a veteran diplomat and leader in global climate diplomacy, opened with a sobering reminder:
“South Africa is considered highly climate vulnerable. We are also one of the major emitters on the planet.”
Yet, as he emphasized, vulnerability and leadership are not mutually exclusive. South Africa stands at the forefront of climate adaptation, integrating a climate lens into its policy frameworks. But any meaningful transition – especially a just one – must centre the needs and voices of communities.
“We, as non-profits, are the translators between communities and decision-makers. We live and breathe development. That gives us the moral authority to hold governments accountable to the ‘just’ in the Just Energy Transition.”
Wade-Smith challenged attendees to frame their climate narratives using three pillars: resilience, adaptation, and mitigation—a call that resonated across all the day’s discussions.
FROM FOOD RELIEF TO SYSTEMS CHANGE
Next to speak was Mike Brunt, of the KuWane Foundation, whose journey from food parcel distribution during COVID-19 to spearheading rural development in the Eastern Cape captured the room. Working with three villages where an estimated 60% of children are under two years old, KuWane is confronting poverty at its root by building community-led systems of food security, education access, and dignity.
SCIENCE OF HOPE: EQUIPPING YOUTH TO DREAM
Karen Pluess, co-founder of the Dream Lab Foundation, shifted the focus to young people and the science of future-building. Grounded in decades of research on future orientation – the ability to visualise and plan for one’s future – the Dream Lab model helps youth identify their passions, visualise their dreams, and take steps towards them, even in the face of setbacks.
Their 2021 pilot in a South African township saw meaningful increases in hope and wellbeing. In 2025, they’ve scaled their work by embedding the programme into the Life Orientation curriculum in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, University of Johannesburg, University of Surrey, and local schools.
ART WITH IMPACT
Rounding off the programme was Katherine Hughes, a celebrated wildlife artist and conservation advocate. Through a live painting session, she reminded us that creativity can be a force for justice.
“My art is not just something beautiful to look at—it has impact. I donate 50% of my profits to conservation and children.”
Her parting words echoed through the garden:
“Every life matters.”
It was a fitting conclusion to a day centered on dignity, justice, and the shared responsibility to do more.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SA-UK TRUST NETWORK?
Thank you to all who joined us on 26 June. Whether you were sharing your work, offering your energy, or quietly reflecting in the garden, you helped shape something meaningful.
A special thanks to the trustees co-organisers of the event – Clico Kingsbury and Neliswa Hare. Such a beautiful atmosphere and delicious food!
📸 View the event highlights below: click here
