The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed the UK will co‑host the Global Partnerships Conference in London on 19–20 May 2026. The meeting will convene governments, international organisations, philanthropies, investors, innovators, business and civil society. Venue details are still to be confirmed. (gov.uk)
Officials describe the conference as part of a wider change in the UK’s development approach: thinking like an investor rather than a donor, prioritising system support over service delivery, shifting from grants to technical expertise, and backing locally led solutions that demonstrate value for money. (gov.uk)
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will co‑host the event with the Government of South Africa, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and British International Investment (BII). Cooper has served as Foreign Secretary since 5 September 2025. (gov.uk)
Conference organisers say the objective is to forge modern, diverse coalitions that can mobilise finance, apply new technology and support country‑led resilient growth. The stated ambition is to help partner countries expand their economies, reduce dependency on aid and build durable cooperation frameworks. (gov.uk)
Minister for Development Baroness Chapman said the government has heard partner countries’ calls for deeper collaboration that helps them move beyond aid, attract investment and strengthen national systems. She highlighted practical priorities such as tackling TB and malaria, training and recruiting teachers, and using technology to improve domestic revenue collection. (gov.uk)
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, framed the co‑hosting role as a commitment to inclusive growth and institution‑building, with an emphasis on partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes. (gov.uk)
CIFF chief executive Kate Hampton said philanthropy can complement sovereign action by working alongside development banks, private investors, academics and civil society to mobilise resources and skills more effectively. CIFF’s participation is intended to align private capital and grant‑making with agreed objectives. (gov.uk)
BII chief executive Leslie Maasdorp characterised the agenda as investment‑led development focused on economic partnerships and sustainable, green growth. BII, the UK’s development finance institution, invests about £1 billion annually across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, positioning it as a central channel for blending public and private finance. (gov.uk)
Sector groups have welcomed the announcement while urging inclusive design. Bond, the UK network for international development NGOs, called for an ambitious agenda that embeds locally led approaches and ensures civil society and Global Majority countries help set priorities for the summit. (bond.org.uk)
The press notice was published on 20 February 2026 and confirms the programme will test practical solutions and aim to agree new partnerships. Further logistical details, including the London venue, will follow from the FCDO. (gov.uk)