Afternoon of conversation and insight on International Men's Day, with a keynote by Chris Curtis MP, a Young Men's Panel and an exhibition-style space of organisations supporting men's wellbeing.
International Men's Day 2026: The Joys of Being a Man comes to Aiimi on Thursday 19 November, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It's an afternoon of conversation and insight, and it falls on International Men's Day, which this year carries the UK theme 'Supporting Men and Boys'.
Susan Popoola leads the session. She's a leadership development consultant, author and founder of the Mosaic World initiative, and the whole thing is part of her wider work to create a world where boys and young men are supported to thrive. The evening turns away from the usual list of challenges facing men and boys to focus instead on the positive side of things: what men value, what gives them a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and the relationships, opportunities and contributions that make life meaningful. The programme mixes conversations, stories and reflections on journeys towards joy and fulfilment, with a Young Men's Panel that puts the perspectives of boys and young men right at the front.
Beyond the main stage, there's an exhibition-style space that brings together organisations and initiatives supporting men's lives and wellbeing. It's a good chance to see who's doing what in the field and to pick up some practical leads. The event is supported by a long list of partners: Thorne Project Management, Project4Learning, Aiimi, Do It For The Arts Studio, Horwood House, CurvUp and NatWest, with MKFM and Asian Community Radio as media partners.
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On the night, Lady Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, gives the opening remarks, and Chris Curtis MP is the keynote speaker. The Young Men's Panel is the other main feature, so the conversation moves from the established voices to the younger ones. It all happens at Aiimi, 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1FH, on Thursday 19 November, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
