Discussions are underway to develop a new set of global UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). The aim of this event is to explore the still existing divisions between Environment and Development agendas in the context of the SDGs. The Convergence framework will be presented and explored as one way to develop a more united approach to the SDGs in policy and action.
 
This Schumacher Institute event invites those interested in environment and development, from local and national government agencies; business organisations; NGOs, trades unions, the sustainability science community and individuals.
 
We will invite participating organisations to bring posters to show how they have made connections that link Environment and Development concerns – and also scalar – local-global connections.

More information and to register for the event.

Preliminary Program

9.30   Registration and coffee

10.00   Opening: The Schumacher Institute; Green Capital, Bristol City Council

10.15   Morning session:

• CONVERGE project and introduction to Convergence – Ian Roderick (Schumacher Institute)
• EU policy: the gaps between Environment and Development – Balazs Balint (Sent Istvan University, Hungary)
• Bringing together Environment and Development organisations and local to global scales – Jenneth Parker (Schumacher Institute)

11.00  Activity: - identifying Environment and Development gaps in the region

• Problem identification in groups: stories and experiences where dialogue between Environment and Development is missing or where dialogue works – onto flipcharts
• Report back from groups

12.15  Summary and conclusions

12.30 – 13.30 Lunch / local food from Bristol region – flipcharts and  posters on display

13.30 The MDGs – what went right – what went wrong? Alastair Roderick Schumacher Institute

• Roundtable discussion on SDGs and a Convergence Alliance
• Participants to be invited across Environment and Development organisations

15.00  Questions and answers

15.30  Workshop discussions on ways forward on the SDGs – tea available

• Presentation of group discussions

16.45  Conclusions and next steps : Darren Hall Green Capital

17.00  Close