National Roundtables 2025:
Work, Wealth and Wellbeing: Building Social Cohesion
A collective reimagining
Amid growing socio-economic challenges that impact many aspects of creating and maintaining a healthy and cohesive society, this national dialogue aims to spark meaningful, future-oriented conversations across the UK.
As we have seen, “the types of societies we seek do not come about merely as a natural consequence of expanded access to material resources. Were this the case, the world’s wealthiest nations would be models of equality, justice, sustainability, and social cohesion.” Collective wellbeing requires conscious, and continuous effort, through which these qualities are actively nurtured and prioritised.
When viewed through this lens, work, community and youth take on new dimensions in society:
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Work: The value of work in both individual and collective life cannot be overstated. It can be an arena for the expression of passions and skills in service of the common good—a site of social contribution, belonging, and the means to support oneself and others.
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Community: Without the wider circle of community, placing oneself within a broader societal whole becomes abstract. Community is a necessary environment for the cultivation of social duty, mutual support, and the formation of enduring bonds that go beyond individual or familial ties. These wider relationships are integral to both our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
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Youth: Young people are vital intergenerational connectors. Those younger look to them as role models, while those older are inspired by their idealism and energy. Youth are mature enough to shoulder responsibility and deeply invested in the future, making them uniquely positioned to shape the worlds of both work and community.
Through a series of inclusive roundtables in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the project will bring together a diverse cross-section of society, from local communities to policymakers, to explore transformative approaches to work, community, and youth.