Culture

It's extraordinary to see the gains that have been won in the past half-century. The period from then till now is the blink of an eye in the vast passage of human history and the historic persecution of LGBT+ people.

Human rights activist & campaigner for LGBTQ+ equality and justice

We've had an explosion of platforms that have atomized the delivery and consumption of music, and I'm really for that- it's democratized music. Previously, there were a lot of gatekeepers that controlled how you were supposed to listen to music… that's all gone now.

Renowned composer known for film scores and electronic classical music

Most fundamentally- we respond emotionally to music- sound is communicative, it affects us, it causes feelings and connections. Sound making and listening are communal activities, they're communicative activities… music moves us, and when we listen to it, we feel transported.

Renowned composer known for film scores and electronic classical music

I strongly believe that art and creative work are essential to a healthy society.

Founder of Kickstarter, crowdfunding platform pioneer

Romance and suspense are consistently the number 1 selling genres in the world, but don't forget even suspense can have romance – it's a huge genre. The part of the genre that has been ignored is female forward romance. Most of the decision-makers in film have been men, and that's now changing as more female filmmakers get out there.

Producer and Director, known for Tesla and SpaceX documentaries

When I started out, there weren't many women in jewellery, and I hope that by creating a more open-minded approach to creativity and design, that I have been able to make a change on what was a very male dominated world.

Jewellery tends to have a much longer life – it can become part of your heritage and have a sentimental value that runs extremely deep, across generations.

There's something intrinsically sensual about jewellery, you wear it on your skin, it's a part of you and it embodies and imbues the personality and lustre of the wearer. There's something about gold and stones in particular which- for me- have a magical element.

More than most artforms, music is the one that can't be beaten, tamed or matched. It just impacts your soul. I love producing music that gives people hope, makes them feel good, and gets them dancing and moving.

Former Fifth Harmony Member & Solo Artist

Technology claims to be showing us a mirror of what was already present in society but in reality, technology is a funhouse mirror with a feedback loop that's engineered to show us the most egregious parts of society that are better at keeping our attention.

Design ethicist & founder of Center for Humane Technology

We need to give women the freedom and confidence to believe and be whatever they want to. This isn't just about business, but about social conditioning in all cultures.

Founder and former CEO of Ann Summers lingerie and party plan business

I'm extremely proud of the fact that we have driven social and cultural change. I have always wanted women to be empowered, and we've given them that opportunity.

Founder and former CEO of Ann Summers lingerie and party plan business

Cinema and drama are also changing perceptions in India. This certainly happened with Made in Heaven which was commercially entertaining, but had a main character who was Gay. It blew everyone away and started an important conversation which was really encouraging.

Indian actress known for independent films and *Chandni Bar* role

By the middle of century, the temperature and humidity in parts of the world will be so high at parts of the year that the human system will not be able to cool itself, you are effectively being cooked. One of the places this will happen first, with potentially grave consequences, is the Arabian Peninsula- disrupting Hajj.

Environmental lawyer and founder of ClientEarth

We're such a 'more is better' culture and we have to redefine what we value, what creates satisfaction, and the 'currency' of our lives. In America, what are we told are the two most important things we need in life? Money and fame, baby! That's fine, but you can't chase those goals at the expense of your own character, that makes you a paper tiger, a fool.

Academy Award-Winning Actor Known for Dallas Buyers Club Role

Music is also incorruptible in many ways. I can hear when music isn't authentic, or when it isn't coming from the heart and soul. Music is a pure, universal, language that can transcend.

British-Indian composer and musician known for world music and film scores