2026 Global Summit

The Global Summit is Forward Global’s flagship annual programme, convening over 250 members and strategic partners. It is a unique opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and best practices, make new strategic connections, and make more progress in two days as a collective than we would otherwise make in two years working alone.

The Global Summit engages diverse participants to break down silos and facilitate shared learning and systemic collaboration. As Forward Global’s largest annual convening, we pursue participation from across the social sector. Attendees include Forward Global members and prospective members, partners, academics, social sector leaders and practitioners. All attendees actively participate and contribute by sharing learnings, ideas, and opportunities for action. Regrettably, because we design the Summit for true connection and collaboration, interest in this historically sold-out event greatly exceeds our capacity and, thus, it is by invitation only for non-members. If you have any questions about participating in or presenting at the Global Summit, email us at summit@forward-global.org.

The Global Summit is held in a different location each year, reflecting the global nature of our members. The 2026 Global Summit took place in Whistler, BC, Canada. Prior Global Summits have been held in Los Angeles (2025), New York City (2024), London (2023), Toronto (2022), and California’s Napa Valley (2019 and 2020). Always held the first week in March, stay tuned for updates on future host cities.

As a not-for-profit organization, Forward Global is supported through member contributions and grants from our partners. We strive to keep Summit affordable and respectfully request that invited non-members make a $5,000 USD tax-deductible contribution to secure their attendance. Recognizing that members already pay an annual contribution, we ask that they make a $3,500 USD tax-deductible contribution (early rate), which covers the per-attendee cost of producing the Summit. Keeping with our principles of equity and justice, we also welcome any possible further donations which support a sector leader who might not otherwise be able to join. You will be presented with these contribution options at registration. We thank you for your trust and partnership in this work.

Attendee contributions fund the direct costs of producing the Global Summit. Because the event historically sells out, we appreciate early cancellation notice so that seats can be given to individuals on our waiting list. As a voluntary donation, we hope that attendees will consider their payment as a contribution towards the mission of Forward Global. If you are unable to attend, you can choose to reallocate your contribution as an unrestricted donation.

We are pleased to offer a private lactation room for attendees who are nursing or chestfeeding. To maintain a focused and optimal experience for all attendees, we kindly ask that children not be brought to Summit sessions. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The Global Summit is a green event. Forward Global is working to minimize our carbon footprint and will offset emissions from staff travel to Los Angeles. We encourage participants to do likewise and to practice sustainable lifestyle choices throughout the program by brining your own water bottles, choosing plant-based meal options, and saying no to paper and plastic. As hosts, we will choose sustainable options wherever possible. We hope that the Global Summit will also unlock resources towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency in line with our community’s vision and values.

We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us at summit@forward-global.org with any questions.