TKF TALKS

The purpose of the TKF Talks is to kindle a deep appreciation for nature, while amplifying awareness of the critical issues at hand. Our goal is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to connect with and protect our natural world.

These thought-provoking events occur year-round, spanning numerous European cities and the virtual world.
Our previous TKF Talks have taken place in London, Istanbul, Gstaad, Davos and online.
Stay informed about our forthcoming events by following us on Instagram.
For those unable to attend in person, we make every effort to share video recordings of these enlightening conversations. You can find videos of many of our talks in our media section.

Previous TKF Talks Include

November 2024, at COP29 in Baku
In collaboration with Extreme Hangout

New Means of Urban Resilience – How can cities rise to emerging ecological challenges

Speakers:
Sheela Patel, SPARC
Lewis Akenji, Founder of Hot or Cool
Victoria Burrows, Development & Industry Partnerships at Kompas.VC

October 2024, at Blue Earth Summit in London

Habitat for Earth: How do we design and build a regenerative future?

Speakers:
Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of Climate-KIC
Tor Burrows, Group Sustainability Director, Grosvenor
Indy Johar, Founder Dark Matter Labs

With moderator James Drinkwater, Head of Built Environment, Laudes Foundation

May 2024, TKF & Velux
Copenhagen

Exchange for Change

Speakers:
Rasmus Nørgaard, Founder of Home.Earth
Kathrin Susanna Gimmel, Partner at JAJA Architects
Prof. Michael Ramage, Professor of Architecture and Engineering at Cambridge University
Victoria Burrows, Development & Industry Partnerships at Kompas.VC

 

December 2023, at COP28 in Dubai
In collaboration with Extreme Hangout

Habitat for Earth: How to design and build for a regenerative future

Speakers:
Dr. Mae-ling Lokko: An expert in sustainable architectural materials from Yale School of Architecture and Yale CEA, and founder of Willow Technologies.

Kidus Asfaw: CEO and Co-Founder of Kubik, Inc., specialising in innovative, environmentally friendly building techniques.

Simone Mangili: Executive Director of Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance, focusing on urban strategies for carbon neutrality.

Joy Gai: Asia Pacific Programmes Head at the World Green Building Council and certified life coach, analysing the psychological needs for positive change.

The panel was chaired by Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, a leader in promoting sustainable building practices.

 

24 MAY 2023
In cooperation with the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO)

The Last Glacier: Behind the Scenes Screening and Conversation with Award-Winning Filmmaker Craig Leeson and Renowned Scientist Jérôme Chappellaz

Speakers:
Craig Leeson – Award winning filmmaker
Prof. Jérôme Chappellaz – Scientist, Chairman of the Ice Memory Foundation, Director of Research at the CNRS, Full Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)

Moderated by Dr. Susanne von der Becke, Founder of VDB Insights

 

7 NOVEMBER 2022
In cooperation with Christie’s, London

What Can We Learn From Plants & Fungi in these Tumultuous Times?

Speakers:
Dr. Merlin Sheldrake- Ecologist and Best-selling Author
Sir Tim Smit – Co-Founder and Executive Vice-Chair at Eden Project

Moderated by Hannah MacInnes

 

7 October 2021
In cooperation with the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO)

Can Dirt Save the Earth? The Power of Soil & the Future of Food

Speakers:
Finian Makepeace – Co-founder of Kiss the Ground
Jeremy Coller- Managing Partner of Coller Capital
James Arbib – Founder of Tellus Mater

Moderated by Dr. Susanne von der Becke, Founder of VDB Insights

 

9 JUNE 2021

Reimagining Finance to be in Service to Life: In which ways can capital flow nurture the transformation of food systems?

Speakers:
John Fullerton, Founder and president of Capital Institute
Dr. Susanne von der Becke, Founder of VDB Insights
Indy Johar, Co-founder Project 00 & Dark Matter Labs
Gillian Diesen, Client Portfolio Manager, Pictet Group

 

17 FEBRUARY 2020
In collaboration with Gstaad Yacht Club.

The Charms and Challenges of the Ocean. Looking at the deep sea through the lens of art and science.

Speakers:
Dr. Arturo Castillo Castillo –  Specialist in energy policy and techno-economic analysis of waste to energy and materials technology, Imperial University
Clare Brook- CEO Blue Marine Foundation
Markus Reymann – Co-founder of TBA21 Academy
William Winram – Ocean explorer

 

12 SEPTEMBER 2019
Elgiz Museum, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Biennial: The power and responsibility of art to shift the seventh continent:

Speakers:
Professor Alex David Rogers – Science Director REV Ocean
Hakan Bulgurlu – CEO of Arçelik
Markus Reymann – Director TBA21 Academy
Charles Avery – Artist
Ergem Senyuva Tohumcu – Panel Discussion Moderator

 

22 JANUARY  2019
co-hosted with Think Beyond Plastic, sponsored by ConsenSys, Davos, Switzerland

Beyond the Plasticine: The Future of Plastics

Speakers:
Joseph Lubin – Founder, ConsenSys; Co-Founder, Ethereum
Michael Goltzman – Vice President, Global Public Policy, Environmental Sustainability & Social Impact, The Coca-Cola Company
Saskia Bruysten – CEO, YUNUS Social Fund
Satya S. Tripathi – Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations

Moderated by Daniella Russo – Co-Founder and CEO, Think Beyond Plastic