Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown took the stage at a Guardian Live event on May 12, 2026, for an in-depth conversation titled "The Future Starts With Us." The discussion, held in London, explored pressing global issues and the role of collective action in shaping a better tomorrow.
Brown's Vision for Global Cooperation
Brown, who served as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, argued that the world is at a critical juncture, facing challenges such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical instability. He stressed that these issues require unprecedented international collaboration. "The future is not something that happens to us; it is something we create together," Brown said during the event.
The former Labour leader highlighted the importance of reforming global institutions to make them more inclusive and effective. He called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism, citing the need for coordinated action on pandemic preparedness, debt relief for developing nations, and climate finance.
Lessons from the Financial Crisis
Drawing on his experience during the 2008 financial crisis, Brown emphasized the importance of decisive government intervention. He noted that the coordinated response to the economic downturn demonstrated the power of collective action but warned that such efforts are now being undermined by rising nationalism and populism.
Brown also addressed the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, urging governments to prioritize support for the most vulnerable. He praised recent initiatives to cap energy prices but argued that more structural reforms are needed to address long-term economic inequality.
Engaging the Next Generation
A key theme of the conversation was the role of young people in driving change. Brown pointed to the global youth climate movement as a powerful force for accountability. "Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today," he said.
The event, part of the Guardian Live series, featured questions from the audience, including many young attendees. Brown encouraged them to remain engaged in politics and civil society, emphasizing that every individual can contribute to building a more just and sustainable world.
In closing, Brown reflected on his own journey in public service and expressed optimism about the future. "The challenges we face are immense, but so is our capacity to overcome them when we work together," he concluded.
