Anglo American Foundation

"History shows us that change can start with just one voice. It gets somewhere when others join it, and when there is a system built to hear it." This year's #DemocracyDay theme is "when every voice counts, democracy delivers", but what does that mean for young people? It means having a say in the decisions that shape their lives and futures. It means being listened to, and knowing that their voice can make a difference. As Michael Mapstone, our CEO says, "young people are the leaders of today. They are driving change in their communities, solving some of the world’s greatest challenges, standing up for the rights, taking care of our planet and people. Our role? To open doors, then step back". This Democracy Day, we’re celebrating the young people speaking up, asking questions and helping shape what comes next. Proud to support our partners focusing on youth voice & civic engagement Futurelect, WeThePeopleSA , Radio Workshop, Reboile Mathabe, IKIGAI Laboratorio Social, VIVA Vive Valores & many others 🎥 Watch Michael’s reflections. #InternationalDemocracyDay

We are proud to support the "OECD - OCDE Guidelines on #LocallyLedDevelopment". At AAF, we believe the people closest to the challenges hold the insight, innovation and leadership needed to shape systemic change. Rooted in the Global South, we have long championed approaches that put local leadership at the centre. The OECD guidelines reflect many of the principles we value deeply: trust-based partnerships, long-term thinking, equitable collaboration and strengthening local ecosystems. We welcome this continued shift towards development approaches grounded in dignity, equity and local agency. Join the growing list of organisations signing on and help shape the future of development today: https://bit.ly/4u41fAd via Peace Direct

“#G20 in Joburg was a catalytic moment for us. It created space to position philanthropy as a driver of systems change, on African soil, for the first time.” Fresh from speaking at "G20 for Philanthropy: Unpacking the G20 Architecture of Influence" hosted by WINGS, Shingi Bimha joined a strong line-up of peers exploring how philanthropy can engage more intentionally in G20 processes. Alongside speakers from F20 Foundations Platform, Grupo De Institutos Fundacoes E Empresas, African Climate Foundation and Council on Foundations, Shingi unpacked where influence sits and how to navigate it. The speakers spoke about influence being built over time - through partnerships, consistency, and making sure those closest to the issues are heard where decisions are shaped. Stay tuned for the next information series: https://lnkd.in/dZiEAiWf Read more about our work during G20: https://lnkd.in/e3h6EegB #G20 #Philanthropy #SystemsChange

Supporting the mental wellbeing of young people is a promise to their future. Across our programmes, local partners are creating safe spaces, building resilience and helping young people find their voice. 🤝 From surf therapy in South Africa to youth-led initiatives in Peru, their work shows that wellbeing is the starting point for leadership and lasting change. Read more about our programmes: https://bit.ly/48SOMaz #WorldMentalHealthDay | Michael Mapstone

New York is alive with #UNGA & #ClimateWeek energy — where chance encounters turn into partnerships and bold ideas take centre stage. Our CEO, Michael Mapstone, is here to do just that: reconnect, challenge, and explore what’s next. Philanthropy has a choice in moments like these: stay comfortable, or step up. We believe its real power lies in catalysing change — shifting capital, amplifying local leadership, and backing solutions that outlast the headlines.

Blank wall → mural. Idea → income. Creativity → economy. Around the world, young people are reclaiming space, turning forgotten corners into studios, stages, and community hubs. At #44Main, the same energy is rising. The iconic building in the heart of #Joburg is being reimagined as a canvas for possibility: a place where young creators shift culture, test ideas, and build livelihoods. Their work fuels opportunities and sparks innovation. Every mural, every beat, every design is a mark of belonging. And when youth make their mark, skylines change. The system changes.