Third Annual Global Forum: Becoming One with the Environment
United Nations, New York
June 6-8, 2007
Co-sponsored by the United Nations University - New York Office
Nearly 500 students and young professionals convened at the UN Headquarters in New York City from June 6-8, 2007 for Athgo International’s Third Annual Global Forum, “Global Third Way: Becoming One with the Environment.” The three-day practicum based event focused on Global Warming and Climate Change, commencing with Al Gore's Climate Project Presentation.
The Forum consisted of individual speaker series and panel discussions, with presenters hailing from UN permanent missions, the private sector, international organizations, various funding entities, academic institutions, think tanks and other nonprofit organizations. Participants worked in small groups throughout the event.
The Forum culminated with panels composed of the participants themselves and a presentation of their Summary Resolution, a collaboration of alternative strategies to dealing with the climate crisis. The resolution will be forwarded to the UN Permanent Missions and other relevant organizations.
The forum discussed the issue of global warming and climate change under four themes:
- Connecting the dots
Leading environmental academics and scientists discussed the causes, consequences and long-term ramifications of global warming. After examining the scientific evidence behind the arguments, these experts provided policy recommendations and forecasts for the future.
- Creating a moral imperative
Ambassadors from resident UN missions addressed the political will required to develop policies and build consensus for a universal agenda that addresses the needs of both developed and emerging economies. They will also outlined their country’s individual green initiatives and the various incentives used to encourage a transformation within the private sector.
- Optimizing Technology
Executives from private foundations and venture capital discussed their priorities and provided insights in to the decision making process of funding environmental programs. Representatives from the private sector described their efforts to develop alternative energy products and solutions as well as outlined corporate strategies geared toward environmentally friendly business practices.
- Incentives for climate friendly entrepreneurship
Representatives from UN agencies and other international organizations discussed the role of the international community, including their ability to respond to a crisis swiftly, the bureaucratic challenges they face, potential private sector partnerships, and the role for young people in the policy process.
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