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.