Saturday, February 1, 2014

‘Beyond planetary boundaries to unlimited national potential’



International Seminar
Beyond planetary boundaries to unlimited national potential’
(February 4th-5th, 2014)
4th February 2014:  Development Alternatives World Headquarters &
5th February 2014:  Seminar Hall No. I, India International Centre (IIC) Main Building, New Delhi
·        The two-day seminar to focus on themes like ‘Plundering the Planet’, ‘Why Countries underperform’, ’Smart Cities’ and ‘Decoupling Resources and Economy’.
·        Policy makers, academicians, renowned international experts and authors to present their views on a more Sustainable Future for India and the World
·        Organised by global think tank Development Alternatives (DA)and the Club of Rome (COR)

New Delhi, Feb 1, 2014:The current global development scenario is marked by widespread anxiety, apprehension and contradictions. If we look at scientific evidences, it shows that we have reached the ‘planetary boundaries’, as human pressures on the planet are at the point where they pose major risks for future welfare and prosperity. At this juncture a major rethink in our financial, fiscal and economic models is needed in order to strengthen the planet’s resilience and its ability to provide a safe space for human development and well-being.The same is also true about India’s economic development process which is accompanied by widening social disparities and incessant plundering of natural resources. To discuss and deliberate on these immensely important contemporary issues, Development Alternatives (DA), a global think tank in collaboration with Club of Rome is organising the two-day seminar.
According to Dr Ashok Khosla, Chairman, Development Alternatives (DA), and former Co-President of the Club of Rome, “This International seminar is taking place at a time of unprecedented breakdowns in the global economic systems, the environmental resource base and societal resilience.  Its purpose will be to explore the conditions and changes needed for recreating a better balanced world.  It is becoming clear to many that any effort in this direction needs a revival of value systems that care for and nurture all of humanity, all of nature and all of the future.”
To be organised on February 4 & 5, 2014, the experts and speakers in the seminar will look at how different challenges and issues, namely climate, finance, economy and employment are interlinked while outlining a number of key solutions.  An interesting part of the seminar would be the reassessment of the book ‘Limits to Growth’ (1972) and its relevance in today’s context. One of the authors of the book, Jorgen Randers, will also be present. The outcome of the seminar will provide substantial inputs to policy makers in both the public and private sector, which will help represent the needs of India at global forums to support equitable and environmentally sound and Sustainable development.

Speakers and Sessions
The Seminar will be addressed by visiting members from the Club of Rome, along with leaders from business, government, academics and civil society who would commit collective action within sectors and define the policy changes needed to enable industry-wide transformation for inclusive and sustainable green growth. Prominent speakers include, Prof Deepak Nayyar (JNU), S. Ramadorai (Chairman, Indian National Association for the Club of Rome and Chairman, National Skill Development Agency), Nitin Desai (Special Advisor, The Secretary General of UN for the World Summiton the Information Society), Anvita Arora, CEO, Innovative Transport Solutions (iTrans).  The overseas members from the Club of Rome include Anders Wijkman, Co-President, Ian Johnson, Secretary General, and several authors of recent Club of Rome publications, Graeme Maxton (Economist and Author), Jorgen Randers (Professor, BI Norwegian Business School) and Ugo Bardi (Professor, University of Florence).

About Development Alternatives (DA)
Headquartered in New Delhi, Development Alternatives (DA) is a pioneer in sustainable development and is among the top 150 global Think Tanks. It has built up a global presence in economic development, social empowerment and environment management. DA fulfills its mission to end poverty and regenerate the resource base by creating economic opportunities for communities and local enterprises to generate sustainable livelihoods and basic needs products. It achieves this by innovating and delivering technology-based, market oriented solutions through a group of not-for-profit organizations and for-profit companies. 

About Club of Rome (COR)
Established in 1968, The Club of Rome is a non-profit organisation, which aims “to act as a global catalyst for change through the identification and analysis of the crucial problems facing humanity and the communication of such problems to the most important public and private decision makers as well as to the general public.” The broad goal of the national chapter, CoR-India, is to help design an agenda for governments in India, the business sector as well as all its citizens organizations that could enable everybody in this country to live a full life in harmony with their surroundings by the centenary of the nation, 2047.

For more details:
Ms Deepti Roy                                                             Ms Neha Agrawal
M:   9871849472                                                        M: 9910068014
E:  droy@devalt.org                                                    E: neha@cmsrconsultants.com

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