SNF CoLab: Imagine a Better World

We are creating new and immersive ways to share ideas with you and address the challenges that shape our world.

Chatham House is built on big ideas. Help us imagine a better world.

Our researchers develop positive solutions to global challenges, working with governments, charities, businesses and society to build a better future.

SNF CoLab is our project to share our ideas with you in experimental, collaborative ways - and to learn how you think we can design a better future, overcoming challenges like pandemics, climate change and conflict.

Explore our videos, podcasts and articles below to discover our ideas and imagine your own solutions.

You are never too young to lead, you are never too old to learn.

Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, 1997-2006

Dealing with climate change: imagine a better world

Humanity is responsibile for our planet’s unprecedented heating. The threat is real, imminent and requires dramatic action. How is the world responding, what can be done differently, and how can a balance be struck between the needs of people and nature?

Follow a family of Londoners through three generations and discover four future date points in the life of Piccadilly Circus.

John Kampfner outlines why suspicion between China and the US means the climate crisis will be tackled only if governments see policy gains in radical action.

Antony Froggatt and Anna Aberg explain what is needed for a clean energy transition.

Building strong societies: imagine a better world

How can we better defend human rights in an age of mass surveillance? How can young people be empowered to shape their future? And how can we protect justice, education and tolerance in an age of fake news, conflict and inequality?

Piccadilly Circus has undergone significant change in the past 100 years. How has this affected the lives and livelihoods of local people?

Short animation examining why protecting and defending human rights ensures an equitable response to humanitarian crises and addresses economic inequality.

Screengrab from youth politics animation

Short animation examining why young people should have more of a say in world politics.

How can radical design thinking support vulnerable and marginalized individuals?

Harriet Moynihan and Mathieu Boulegue explain how we can avoid drowning in an ocean of fake news and information manipulation.

Patricia Lewis and Champa Patel explain what we can do to curb escalation and why we need a new way to talk about women in conflict.

Laura Wellesley and Ana Yang explain why a healthy diet will lead to a healthy planet.

Accessible healthcare for all: imagine a better world

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised urgent questions about cooperation, innovation and fairness during a global health crisis. How can we do better in future?

John Kampfner explores how developing countries should use the vaccine diplomacy and competition of the US, Europe, China and Russia to their advantage.

Imagining a world where we can prevent pandemics is an ambitious yet achievable aspiration, according to Professor David Heymann and Emma Ross.

How can design and policy communities drive transformative innovations to better design healthcare, from systems to objects, for everyone’s health benefit?

Ana Yang and guests discuss how great design can play a role improving health and wellbeing. Part of our ‘Design in an Age of Crisis’ series.

Happier working lives: imagine a better world

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated existing trends that are transforming how, where and when we work. How can we ensure technology creates more productive, healthy future workplaces and better career opportuntities?

Ana Yang, Bruce Daisley and Alexandra Ginsberg discuss how COVID-19 could change the world of work. Part of our ‘Design In An Age of Crisis’ mini-series.

How is the future of work changing, how can design thinking create work that is more people-centred, and what new systems, organizations or business models could emerge?

How can we deliver better environments, health, society and work in the future? Explore a gallery of radical proposals from the world’s design community, the public and young people.

The Imagine a Better World project is made possible due to a £10 million gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

We’re using the funding to integrate a new three-storey wing with our famous building in London. The wing will support research collaboration and provide a stimulating environment to explore ways to engage people in our research, using interactive multimedia and other digital tools.

The gift from SNF is one of the largest in our history and is a major milestone in the foundation’s long-standing support of Chatham House, which dates back to 2007 and includes grants for research, infrastructure and student outreach totalling over £4.5m in the past 5 years.

Chairman of Chatham House, Lord Jim O’Neill said, ‘This exceptional gift from SNF is a vote of confidence in the independence, quality and impact of the institute’s work. It will guarantee that the institute can innovate for the future, especially by engaging younger generations into its research and ideas, which is essential.’

SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos said, ‘Chatham House is one of our key partners, and this grant marks an important new stage in our collaboration. At a time of uncertainty in international affairs, supporting the world-class independent analysis that can help citizens around the world engage in informed decisions about their future is essential. We are proud to help Chatham House maintain its independent voice while deepening its engagement with the public.’

Discover more about our work

Our researchers tackle a wide range of specific topics and issues within international affairs.

Our research focus and structure is divided into major geographical regions and broad themes.

Each year, the institute runs more than 300 private and public events – conferences, workshops and roundtables – in London and internationally with partners.

SNF CoLab: Imagine a Better World

Chatham House is built on big ideas. Help us imagine a better world.

Dealing with climate change: imagine a better world

More about environments

Building strong societies: imagine a better world

More about better societies

Accessible healthcare for all: imagine a better world

More about health

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Happier working lives: imagine a better world

More about work

Discover more about our work