2024 Global Loneliness Awareness Week
2024 Global Loneliness Awareness Summit
The Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine hosted our third annual Global Loneliness Awareness Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 11th.
At this event, we heard from thought leaders and policymakers as well as our many attendees through small group discussion and networking opportunities. Our Coalition members to joined us on June 12th on Capitol Hill to speak directly with policymakers about the need to address social isolation and loneliness.
![](https://www.endsocialisolation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yung-Pueblo-Quote-2.png)
Recordings
Event Photos
David Bohrer Photography / Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness 2024 Global Loneliness Awareness Summit
Agenda
11:25 AM Check-In
- Check-in will open at 11:25 AM and remain open throughout the afternoon. We ask that those joining us for lunch make their way to their seats by 12:00 PM. Attendees not registered for our programmed lunch will be invited to network with other attendees during this time.
12:00 PM Lunch & Connection
- Join us for a programmed lunch designed to foster social connections with colleagues working in the field of social connection and related intersections. This is an opportunity to engage with fellow attendees over a meal, taking intentional time to connect with the individuals shaping the landscape of community and connection. Share personal experiences, memories, and aspirations surrounding community building and forge meaningful connections that extend beyond the event.
1:25 PM Opening Plenary
- We will open with a plenary session covering themes to be discussed throughout the day. To start us off, leaders of the WHO Global Commission on Social Connection, global policy research, U.S. policymakers and practitioners will present. This session will set the stage for concurrent panels and conversations about social isolation and loneliness policy priorities, the recent landscape and considerations.
- Speakers: Haben Girma, Former Representative Patrick Kennedy, Nina Goldman, Adam Seth Levine
2:25 PM Voices of Hill Champions
- We are honored to be joined throughout the day by Congressional leaders who continue to champion critical legislation to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection at the federal level. We’ll hear their perspectives, priorities, and vision for how the U.S. can continue to develop innovative policies, systems, and solutions to bolster social connection nationally. The first champion of the day will be Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
2:45 PM Concurrent Panels
People: Understanding Social Isolation & Loneliness Across Diverse Communities
In this session, we will center diverse perspectives who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness at higher rates. Featuring leading voices serving those with disabilities, older adults, and youth, they’ll share valuable insights on individual and community experiences of social isolation, loneliness, and social connection. Attendees will enrich their understanding of community needs to inform new approaches to designing evidence-informed policies and interventions.
Speakers: Kristine Gloria (moderator), Conchita Hernandez, Dr. Arif Kamal, Mark Meridy
Places: Where Connection Happens
This panel will explore the intersections between the built environment, the physical spaces and infrastructure we inhabit and interact with, and social connection. From parks and green spaces, to community centers and workplaces, every aspect of our surroundings influences our ability to connect with others. We will dig into the policy and design choices that drive loneliness and isolation in our environments, the role of various settings in advancing social connection, and emerging innovative placemaking policy, systems, and environment strategies that are paving the way for connection.
Speakers: Philippa Pham Hughes (moderator), Autumn Saxton-Ross, Leigh Graham, Erin Peavey
Culture: Bringing Prosocial Values into Practice
In this panel, we delve into the final pillar of the U.S. Surgeon General’s framework to advance social connection: building a culture of connection within ourselves, leaders, communities, and institutions. Drawing from the principles of kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another, panelists will illuminate how these values can be intentionally cultivated by political and organizational leaders. They will share strategies for modeling connection values in positions of leadership and influence, highlighting real-world examples of impactful choices, initiatives, and policy change that have fostered cultures of connection.
Speakers: Josh Penny (moderator), Ann Shoket, Frederick Riley, Jared Seide
3:45 PM Small Group Conversations
- Join us for time spent in small groups for dialogue and exercise, bringing your experience and expertise as well as an open mind as we engage in discussions about our policy priorities for the year ahead, promoting collaboration and learning across sectors.
4:55 PM Voices of Hill Champions
- We are honored to be joined by 3 additional Congressional leaders who continue to champion critical legislation to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection at the federal level. We’ll hear their perspectives, priorities, and vision for how the U.S. can continue to develop innovative policies, systems, and solutions to bolster social connection nationally. Speakers will include Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).
5:30 PM Closing Fireside Chat
- We will close our time together with a fireside chat with Yung Pueblo, a New York Times bestselling author, meditator, and poet who has become a beacon of wisdom and inspiration for millions seeking authentic living and emotional well-being.
6:00 PM Reception
- Continue connecting with participants over light bites and drinks. Engage with our activations and discuss how you might take learnings from the day into your work with others.
Our Speakers
![](https://www.endsocialisolation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adam-Seth-Levine.png)
Adam Seth Levine
SNF Agora Professor of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins
![](https://www.endsocialisolation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Leigh-Graham.png)
Leigh Graham
Senior advisor, Innovation Research, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University
![](https://www.endsocialisolation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GLAW-2024-Headshots.png)
Autumn Saxton-Ross
Chief Education & Equity Officer at the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA)
Sponsorship
In the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility, we warmly extend this opportunity for you to sponsor this year’s event. Your generous support will contribute to keeping the event free to everyone, helping us foster participation and connection for all. We appreciate your support!