As nuclear energy gains prominence in discussions on climate, energy security, and economic development, leaders from philanthropy, policy, research, and industry convened at the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2026 to explore how philanthropy can support informed dialogue and ecosystem readiness. The Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy was also announced by The Rockefeller Foundation and Temasek Trust.  

As countries navigate the interconnected challenges of climate change, energy security, and economic development, questions around future energy pathways are becoming increasingly important. 

During the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026, The Rockefeller Foundation, the Oppenheimer Project, and Temasek Trust convened over 60 leaders from philanthropy, policy, research, and industry to explore how philanthropy can support informed discussions around nuclear energy. 

The convening featured diverse perspectives from leaders representing organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Singapore's Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, Pacific Forum, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, and WePlanet. 

The event opened with a Fireside Chat between Mr. Charles Oppenheimer, Co-Executive Director, Oppenheimer Project, and Ms. Jennifer Lewis, Lead, Strategic Partnerships, Temasek Trust.

Mr. Charles Oppenheimer, Co-Executive Director, Oppenheimer Project, and Ms. Jennifer Lewis, Lead, Strategic Partnerships of Temasek Trust during the Opening Fireside Chat

Reflecting on what he described as a global nuclear renaissance, Charles underscored that "we can only go at the pace of trust" as nuclear energy enters a new phase of growth and innovation. He highlighted its potential to advance decarbonisation, energy security, inclusive development, and job creation, while noting growing momentum among investors, policymakers, and younger generations.

Charles also pointed to expanding applications of nuclear technologies in healthcare, agriculture, and clean energy, and emphasised that cooperation, innovation, and public trust will be essential to ensuring nuclear energy contributes meaningfully to climate action and sustainable development.

The event also marked the announcement of the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy (GCNP) by The Rockefeller Foundation and Temasek Trust, with the Oppenheimer Project serving as a Strategic Partner. The Coalition aims to strengthen collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building within the philanthropic sector as countries assess their energy options for the future. 

GCNP brings together a growing coalition of partners, including Blue Horizons Foundation, CleanEcon, Founders Pledge, Ray Rothrock, and the Rodel Foundation, to mobilise and coordinate philanthropic support across four areas: strengthening the evidence base, growing the global talent pipeline, improving project bankability, and supporting effective governance frameworks.

Mr. Dickson Lim, Lead, Philanthropy Advisory, Temasek Trust, and Head, TT Foundation Advisors, and Mr. Ashvin Dayal, Chief Operating Officer, The Rockefeller Foundation, after the MOU signing of the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy.

"Universal energy abundance, the kind that powers industries, anchors economies, and raises living standards for billions, requires firm, clean power alongside renewables," said Mr. Ashvin Dayal, Chief Operating Officer at The Rockefeller Foundation. "Getting there will take serious work on policy, regulation, finance, and human capital. That is precisely why we are forming the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy now."

Mr. Desmond Kuek, Executive Director and CEO of Temasek Trust, said: "Through the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy, we aim to convene like-minded partners to support informed dialogue and responsible approaches to nuclear energy, while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and responsible waste management."

Upon the appointment of GCNP’s Secretariat, TT Foundation Advisors, Temasek Trust’s philanthropy advisory arm, will provide infrastructure support for the Secretariat in its initial years, including tailored donor-advised funds and grant management services.

Read the full announcement here.

Mr. Dickson Lim, Lead, Philanthropy Advisory, Temasek Trust, and Head, TT Foundation Advisors; Mr. Ashvin Dayal, Chief Operating Officer, The Rockefeller Foundation; and Ms. Karen Pak Oppenheimer, Co-Executive Director, Oppenheimer Project, during a panel on what GCNP aims to achieve with like-minded partners.

Building the ecosystem for informed decision-making

A recurring theme was that energy transitions are not solely about technology. 

Public confidence, institutional capacity, workforce development, financing structures, and governance frameworks all influence whether countries are equipped to evaluate and implement future energy options.

The discussion highlighted examples of organisations contributing to this broader ecosystem, including WePlanet and Singapore's Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, which support public engagement, research, and scientific expertise.

A catalytic role for philanthropy

To find out how you can be part of the GCNP, reach out to contactus@ttfa.sg.