As the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) concludes in Davos, Switzerland, I find myself reflecting on a pivotal moment in my life that began in this remarkable setting. In 2010, I had the extraordinary privilege of accompanying my grandparents, Bertie and Hillary Lubner, and my father, Marc Lubner, to Davos. At just 19 years old, I wasn’t a delegate or an official participant. However, being immersed in a gathering of the world’s most influential leaders, thinkers, and changemakers profoundly shaped my path and inspired the vision behind my consultancy, Philanthrostrat.
Today, Philanthrostrat is dedicated to amplifying the voices of African organisations on the global stage, fostering family-driven values, next-generation engagement, and Africa’s rightful representation as a key contributor to global solutions. But the origins of this mission began long before Davos.
Bertie Lubner: A Visionary with Global Influence
My grandfather, Bertie Lubner, was no stranger to Davos. Over the course of his lifetime, he attended the World Economic Forum an incredible 24 times, solidifying his role as a passionate advocate for South Africa and the African continent. For Bertie, Davos wasn’t just about networking—it was about leveraging the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.
As co-founder of PG Glass, South Africa’s largest glass manufacturer, Bertie built a business empire that thrived even under the harsh sanctions of apartheid South Africa. But his legacy extended far beyond the business world. He co-founded Afrika Tikkun, a pioneering organisation that has transformed the lives of over 400,000 young South Africans by providing education, healthcare, and social services in underprivileged communities.
What made Bertie exceptional was his belief that business success should always serve a greater purpose. At Davos, he engaged world leaders and business executives in conversations about addressing inequality and creating opportunities in Africa. His advocacy showcased not only his vision but also his deep commitment to ensuring Africa had a voice on the global stage.
A Family Legacy of Purpose
Bertie’s impact was amplified by the unwavering support of my grandmother, Hillary Lubner. Hillary was not only his partner in life but also in philanthropy. She worked alongside him to ensure that their shared vision was not only ambitious but also sustainable. Their partnership was a testament to the power of family-driven values in creating lasting change.
My father, Marc Lubner, carried forward this legacy, transforming Afrika Tikkun through the introduction of its “cradle-to-career” model. This holistic framework supports young people from early childhood all the way to career readiness, breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society. Watching my grandfather, grandmother, and father work together to combine business, philanthropy, and innovation profoundly influenced my understanding of leadership.
In our family, philanthropy was never an obligation—it was our connection. It united us across generations, shaping how we viewed our roles in the world and the impact we could have.
A Defining Moment at Davos
My own journey to Davos in 2010 was nothing short of transformative. Being surrounded by the world’s most influential minds at such a young age was both humbling and inspiring. I vividly remember standing beside my grandfather and father as they passionately advocated for South Africa and Africa’s inclusion in global decision-making.
One moment that stands out was taking a photograph with Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General, and Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s then-President. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of being in the company of such leaders. Today, I see that moment as a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of governance, leadership, and philanthropy.
Kofi Annan’s legacy of diplomacy and global collaboration continues to inspire my work. Meanwhile, observing my grandfather engage with world leaders at Davos showed me the importance of ensuring Africa’s voice is not only present but respected on the world stage.
Building Philanthrostrat: Amplifying Africa’s Voice
The lessons I learned from my grandfather’s legacy and my family’s shared mission laid the foundation for Philanthrostrat. My consultancy is dedicated to connecting vetted African organisations with international donors, ensuring their voices are heard and their solutions celebrated.
Philanthrostrat is about more than fundraising. It’s about creating a platform where African innovation, resilience, and leadership are recognised as vital contributions to global progress. It’s about fostering next-generation engagement, inspired by the values my family instilled in me—collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to driving change.
Africa has so much to offer the world, yet it is often seen primarily as a recipient of aid. My mission is to reframe this narrative. Through Philanthrostrat, I aim to amplify African solutions and empower the next generation of changemakers to lead with purpose and vision.
Why This Matters in 2025
As Davos 2025 focuses on global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and technological disruption, the need for Africa’s representation is more urgent than ever. Platforms like the World Economic Forum are critical for fostering collaboration, but they are incomplete without the inclusion of African voices and perspectives.
Reflecting on Bertie’s 24 appearances at Davos, I’m reminded of the importance of consistency and dedication in creating lasting impact. His legacy is a call to action for all of us to ensure that Africa is not just present in global conversations but is a leader in shaping them.
Looking Ahead
The lessons I learned at Davos in 2010 and from my family’s enduring commitment to philanthropy continue to guide me. From Bertie and Hillary’s extraordinary partnership to Marc’s innovative leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how family-driven values can inspire generational impact.
One day, I hope to return to Davos—not just as an observer but as an advocate for African organisations, ensuring their voices are amplified and their contributions recognised. Because as my grandfather taught me, true change happens when we come together, guided by values, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a better future.
