Spain: Global Eco Forum 2012

The Euro-Mediterranean forum on sustainability, the Global Eco Forum, will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 25 to 26 October 2012. The fifth edition of the forum is again an international multi-stakeholders event that promotes dialogue, deep thinking and interaction, and serves as a meeting point for opinion leaders and agents of change towards sustainability in the Euro-Mediterranean region, according to Global Eco Forum. (Pictures: Global Eco Forum 2011)

The Mediterranean region appears as a representation, on a small scale, of rising opportunities and challenges towards global sustainability. This geographical area has the human, cultural and historic capability to build an area of prosperity and lasting peace, but it also suffers dramatically the impact of climate change and rising tensions to access to scarce and valuable natural resources vital for human development. The Global Eco Forum 2012 continues to explore and reflect on these complex issues and tries to find novel solutions based on collaboration and partnerships between different sectors of society: NGO, scientists, academics, businesses and public bodies.
 

This edition of the forum is focused on a reflection on the agenda post Rio+20, and will see the presence of prominent leaders and experts from around the Mediterranean region to discuss green economy and sustainability. Hugues Ravenel, new director of the French organization Plan Bleu, will give his vision on how to reconcile economic, social and environmental growth in the Mediterranean region. Najib Saad, General Secretary of AFED (Arab Forum for Environment and Development) in Lebanon, will share the reflections of some of the companies, NGOs and governments in the Middle East participating each year in this high-level forum. Bernice Lee, director of research at Chatham House, will talk about the link between energy, environment and international politics and Julie Hill, head of the circular economy task force of the Green Alliance, will explain the pioneering experiences in British companies in eco-products and innovative services. More information on the forum is available here: Global Eco Forum