RSA Events

In a world on fire, where every system we rely on is buckling under the weight of its own contradictions, it’s time to admit that control is a dangerous illusion. But while politicians and corporations cling to algorithms for predictability, artists, writers, and musicians have always known the truth: chaos isn’t a threat – it’s a gift. At this RSA event, Margaret Heffernan explores how our obsession with stability and ‘solutions’ – now amplified by artificial intelligence – is not only futile but potentially destructive. She invites us to rethink the role of AI in creativity, questioning whether art and innovation can survive when algorithms are programmed to reduce risk and spontaneity. In conversation with prominent figures in arts and culture, Margaret will challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about how we live, work, and create in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Through the lens of those who thrive in uncertainty, she will explore whether creativity can coexist with systems designed for control – and how we can harness both chaos and technology to provoke meaningful action in turbulent times.   Speakers: * Margaret Heffernan, author, broadcaster, speaker * Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, Principal, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama * Andrew Grant, RDI, landscape architect Chair: * Andy Haldane, RSA Chief Executive Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEa Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

Join us to celebrate the opening of the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and discover the most exciting ideas and innovations shaping our future. At a time when the world risks becoming fragmented and divided, the World Expo represents a unique opportunity to show what humanity can achieve when we come together. The UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 will act as a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation, showcasing our nation’s unique energy, heritage, and make-up. A place where fresh ideas and diverse perspectives are welcomed. A place where exploration and curiosity pave the way for progress. A great place to connect, collaborate, and build the future. At the RSA, the birthplace of the very first World Expo – the Great Exhibition of 1851 – we will gather innovators developing new creative projects and partnerships in both the UK and Japan to inspire us with pathways to a brighter future for people, places, and the planet we all share. Speakers: Sir Peter Bazalgette – Co-chair, Creative Industries Council YolanDa Brown OBE DL – Chair, BPI Sir Loyd Grossman – Chair, the RSA Indy Johar – Architect and Co-founder, 00 and Dark Matter Labs Liana O’Cleirigh, designer, Bentley Systems Dai Fujikura, composer Kyoichiro Kawakami, Minister (Economic), Embassy of Japan Chair: Nina Nannar, journalist and arts editor for ITV News   Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEa Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

Tony Juniper and Mya-Rose Craig bring together two powerful perspectives on the interconnectedness of equity and the environment. Tony, an esteemed environmentalist and author, draws on decades of experience advocating for a balance between human needs and ecological preservation. His work demonstrates how fairness – whether in resource distribution, climate justice, or community empowerment – is essential for achieving lasting ecological progress. Mya-Rose Craig, also known as ‘Birdgirl’, amplifies the voices of young people and underrepresented communities in the fight against environmental degradation. As a prominent advocate for diversity in nature conservation, she underscores the necessity of inclusive action – ensuring that all communities, especially those most impacted by environmental challenges, are part of the solution. Together, Tony and Mya-Rose offer a compelling vision for how equity can drive environmental change, providing both practical insights and inspirational calls to action for a fairer, greener planet. Let’s reimagine a future where fairness drives global sustainability. SPEAKERS: * Tony Juniper, Environmentalist, author * Mya-Rose Craig, Environmental activist, speaker (RSA Fellow) Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theRSAorg Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3XPiI1k Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

This year’s keynote speaker is world-renowned political scientist Robert D. Putnam, author of the groundbreaking work Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, which has shaped global conversations on the importance of communal ties and social capital. Robert Putnam will be speaking to us about the vital role of social connections in combating the deepening crises of social isolation, political polarization, and economic inequality, drawing on insights from his latest work The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again. Divisions can be healed, he argues. Our fraying social fabric rewoven. By focusing on rebuilding society’s relational foundations, we can create a future where everyone has the connections they need to thrive. Following his keynote address, Professor Putnam will be joined in conversation by RSA CEO Andy Haldane, and partners from the first-of-its-kind Revealing Social Capital [https://www.thersa.org/design-for-life-our-mission/social-infrastructure/social-connections/revealing-social-capital] research programme, which is exploring how connectedness impacts life outcomes and opportunities across the UK, from social mobility to health and education. CHAIR: * Andy Haldane, RSA CEO SPEAKERS: * Sir Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs, Meta * Robert D. Putnam, Malkin Research Professor of Public Policy, Harvard University * Marnie Freeman, co-founder and director, Neighbourly Lab * Sarah Hemminger, co-founder and CEO, Thread Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theRSAorg Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3XPiI1k Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

What bold actions are needed to realise true gender equity? This International Women’s Day, the RSA invites you to a powerful event focused on advancing women’s leadership and action for systemic change. Featuring an incredible panel of women including I. Stephanie Boyce, the trailblazing first Black and first person of colour President of the Law Society of England and Wales, journalist Sophia Smith Galer, and Women in Sport policy and public affairs manager Rachel Williams, we’ll explore the transformative power of women’s leadership in addressing society’s most urgent challenges. Grounded in the RSA’s mission to unite people and ideas to create social change, this event will delve into how we can drive progress across education, work, and institutions to create more inclusive and equitable systems. Together, we’ll discuss actionable solutions for accelerating progress—from empowering women in underrepresented fields to redefining leadership and building networks that amplify impact. Celebrating women’s resilience and achievements, the event offers a bold vision for the future and a renewed commitment to gender equity. CHAIR * Jennifer Johnston, mezzo-soprano and creative consultant SPEAKERS * Sophia Smith Galer, author and journalist * I. Stephanie Boyce, former president of the Law Society of England and Wales * Rachel Williams, policy and public affairs manager at Women in Sport Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theRSAorg Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3XPiI1k Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join