Save the Children withdraws from Science Museum event over Adani links

Save the Children withdrew from an event at the Science Museum in London scheduled for September 11 due to concerns raised by its supporters regarding the museum's sponsorship ties. The museum has faced criticism for its partnership with Adani Green Energy, part of the Adani Group, which has links to the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems. This criticism has intensified amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, prompting Save the Children to reconsider its participation, as the event was intended to highlight its global maternal health initiatives, including in Gaza. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a food writer and campaigner, also withdrew from the event earlier, citing climate concerns related to the museum's sponsors, including Adani and BP. Action Against Hunger, another organization initially set to participate, announced it would only provide information on malnutrition at the event but would not engage in future collaborations with the museum. This reflects a growing trend among charities to reassess their associations with institutions linked to controversial sponsors. The Science Museum has been under pressure to sever ties with sponsors that do not align with climate commitments, as evidenced by its recent decision to end a long-standing relationship with Equinor due to its climate record. Campaigners, including Parents for Palestine, have been vocal in their protests against the museum's sponsorship deals, advocating for a complete divestment from companies like Adani. In response to the backlash, the Science Museum emphasized its commitment to engaging audiences with pressing global challenges, including the energy transition from fossil fuels, while maintaining that its trustees support a diverse approach to sponsorship. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between charitable organizations and institutions over ethical sponsorship practices.