Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF) celebrates its 15 year anniversary and is inviting interested people for a debate with global and local leaders in sustainability. This celebration will take place in The Hague, Theater Concordia, Hoge Zand 42 on Wednesday 10th June 2009. Registration starts at 9.30am, opening 10.00am, festive closing with drinks starts at 6.00pm.
The programme is featuring critical analyses and ideas about the fundamental causes of the current economic crisis and how this may create an opportunity for a more sustainable world.
Experts in the fields of economics, politics, science and technology will clarify the major issues. The emphasis of the debate will be on stimulating discussion on the initiatives been taken by women and men in the field of innovation. The panelists will present examples from the Netherlands and from WECF partner organisations in Western and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The afternoon debate will address the following questions: How can initiatives taken by pioneers at the local level be translated to the national and international level? How will they lead to increased sustainability in the fields of energy and water, agriculture and consumer products? Financial representatives will suggest how greater investment can support and stimulate local economies and initiatives. Government representatives and politicians will address how barriers can be removed and people can be stimulated. Special attention will be given to the role of women in their participation in sustainable innovation.
The keynote speech will be given by Professor Noreena Hertz, the well known economist and author, from the University of Cambridge, who is visiting Professor at Erasmus University of Rotterdam. She will present a critical analysis of the roots of the current economic crisis, and ways out towards a sustainable economy. The Netherlands Minister of Environment Jacqueline Cramer will present her vision on how innovation can create a sustainable economy. Minister Bert Koenders of Development Cooperation has been invited to give his views on the theme of the day. Andy Schroeter, Director of Sunlabob, winner of the Sasakawa sustainability award (UNEP) will tell us how even the poorest can afford light from solar energy.
WECF also will change officers by saying goodbye to first president and founder Marie Kranendonk and introducing our new President Christine van Weizsaecker. The closure of the WECF anniversary will be dedicated to the work of WECF founder and president of many years, mrs Marie Kranendonk, who has been the driving force behind the international network the past 15 years.
In a TEDx WWF session held in Geneva, Switzerland, Stuart Orr talked about water which is a solvable crisis. Stuart Orr is freshwater programme director for WWF International.
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