The fabric of Western society is unravelling. Everywhere we face a crisis of connection – from our fellow citizens, the places we inhabit, the institutions vested with shared culture and history. But there is growing evidence that the problems we face – polarised politics, lopsided economies and fraying communities – are surmountable if we take the time to renew the networks and institutions that bind people together. We need to restitch the social fabric as the pandemic subsides.
The Social Fabric Summit will bring together some of the world’s most interesting thinkers and experienced practitioners to celebrate community, discuss the challenges affecting our societies, and share practical steps to create more connected and rooted societies. It will be held in the UK over two days in London (24 May) and at the magnificent Piece Hall, the last surviving cloth hall in Northern England, in Halifax (27 May).
The agenda, curated by the thinktank Onward and social enterprise Create Streets, will be ambitious. We will discuss everything from the nature of modern work and the role of faith and business in today’s society, to how to create thriving places and strong communities that make people happy and prosperous. Session formats will range from familiar panels and speeches to less conventional fireside chats, participatory workshops and visits to local landmarks. Proceedings will be both in person and broadcast online
The Social Fabric Summit will bring together leading politicians, community and faith leaders, leading thinkers, and ordinary citizens to generate ideas, momentum and conversations to renew society in the wake of coronavirus. At a time of rising interest in the role of social institutions and networks in supporting democracy and economic prosperity, we want to identify how we can create more connected and rooted societies. It is organised by Onward and Create Streets.
Speakers

Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP
SeCRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Lisa Nandy MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

Andy Haldane
PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE LEVELLING UP TASKFORCE, CABINET OFFICE, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, RSA

Rory Stewart
FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND VISITING PROFESSOR, YALE

Helen Thompson
PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL ECONOMY, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

Michael Sandel
Professor of Government, Harvard University

Charles Marohn
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF STRONG TOWNS

Ben Page
CEO, IPSOS GROUP

Dame Sara Khan
HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND CEO OF INSPIRE

Richard Bacon MP
MP FOR SOUTH NORFOLK

Mayor Tracy Brabin
MAYOR, WEST YORKSHIRE

Claudia Kenyatta
Historic England

Dr David Halpern
BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS TEAM

Jason Stockwood
CHAIRMAN, GRIMSBY TOWN FC

John Penrose MP
MP FOR WESTON-SUPER-MARE

Fiona Fletcher Smith
L&Q, CENTRE FOR LONDON

Shreya
Nanda
Economist, IPPR

Reverend Angus Ritchie
St George in the east