We live at a unique time in human history. For the first time ever the young and middle aged can expect to live long enough to become old. That requires all of us, regardless of age, to behave differently. Crucially, we need to ensure lives are not just lived longer but also lived healthier, more productively and more engaged for longer.

With global life expectancy now over 70, a first longevity revolution is coming to an end, as the majority can now expect to live a long life. A second longevity revolution now needs to emerge to ensure that we age well. Even at a time when in low-income countries the biggest lifetime health burden the young face are ageing-related diseases, it is certain that we are entering a new era.

And life will never be the same again. Past progress created longer lives. Future progress is about how we make the most of this additional time by changing the way we age. We need to shift away from an “ageing” society narrative towards a “longevity” society agenda, that aims to make the most of the extra years we have gained.

In this talk by Professor Andrew J Scott – co-author of the global bestseller ‘The 100-Year Life’ – we will look at the implications for every aspect of life for both individuals and society. We will consider how to achieve a longevity agenda which keeps us ‘evergreen’, including what is needed if we are to achieve a three-dimensional longevity dividend – longer, healthier, more productive lives.

Scott’s new book, The Longevity Imperative, outlines the fundamental changes needed in our health system, the economy and the financial sector in order to seize the advantages of longer lives. It also looks at the critical cultural and political shifts that need to happen as we adapt to a new longevity era. Given only a minority previously became the old we do not invest enough in our futures. Scott argues that if we continue along that path, the result will be an ageing society – which will undoubtedly bring new and unexpected challenges for us all. But if we invest in our new longer futures, we can achieve better outcomes and stimulate economic growth.

At this crucial point in the emerging second longevity revolution, can we seize new and exciting opportunities to improve our culture, institutions, and individual lives in preparation for longer futures and a new era for humanity? Can we move away from the negativity of an ageing society and elevate a longevity society, alongside climate change and AI, as a key factor that will determine our individual and collective future?

UPDATE 20/06/24: We’re extremely sorry to announce that this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. If you paid for your ticket, you will receive a refund from Eventbrite. We appreciate that this is very disappointing news, and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

One of the deepest difficulties in war faced by soldiers and their political leaders is uncertainty: how can they know whether their putative enemies might be on the verge of attacking them? How can they know whether their war, and individual acts within the war, are justified? By procuring information about their enemy. And how can they do that? By spying on them.

Yet there are deep disagreements about the morality of espionage. Some argue that it is clearly morally justified; others think that it is immoral, or ‘dirty’.

In this talk, Professor Cécile Fabre will argue that espionage is morally justified, indeed morally mandatory – as a means to serve just war ends, but also as a means to minimize occurrences on which soldiers, leaders, civil servants, and citizens will act unjustly.

This is the case, Cecile argues, even though spies often have to lie, deceive, manipulate, and exploit their enemies. Her reasoning will be illustrated through some historical examples, such as the Allies’ deception operations during the Second World War, or the recruitment of human sources from within the enemy who, if found out, will be regarded as traitors.

Can espionage be ethical? Join us to hear the argument for its moral justification, and then decide for yourself.

What does it take to save lives in war, disaster, and disease?

Tony Redmond has over 30 years’ experience of responding to wars, disease outbreaks, and sudden onset disasters all around the world. In this engaging talk, he will detail the lessons learned, the improvements that have been made in the international response, and how we can continue to ensure the assistance provided is both effective and focused on those most in need.

He will describe the type of medical assistance that is needed across the various types of humanitarian emergencies and how international support can best complement, and not compete with, the work of others and that of the affected country itself.

Delivering medical assistance during humanitarian crises, especially during conflicts, can be incredibly dangerous. Tony will outline how we can attempt to mitigate these risks, though never eliminate them. He will describe his personal experiences of practicing medicine under fire.

A particular focus of the presentation will be his work in Ukraine and that of his colleagues in UK-Med. He will explain how the programs they are running there been shaped by their experience of delivering emergency medical aid to Sarajevo and Kosovo for the duration of the wars in the Balkans.

Helping those in need during a Humanitarian Crisis is not without personal cost. Tony will discuss how we can look to reduce this amongst team members. He will also give an insight into the physical and mental challenges he has had to deal with – the legacy of over 30 years of committed work.