Sustainable Development in an Unequal World

 Inequality presents an unprecedented challenge to our present model of development. This reality is insightfully summarized in the vision statement of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability: “Today our planet and our world are experiencing the best of times and the worst of times… Inequality between the world’s rich and poor is growing, and more than a billion people still live in poverty. In many countries, there are rising waves of protest reflecting universal aspirations for a more prosperous, just and sustainable world.”

In this event, world leaders past and present will speak to the urgent need of millions of people worldwide for equitable and sustainable development to get out of poverty and to ensure their security and stability. They will also address the challenge for every country to transition to sustainable consumption and production patterns that can ensure socially equitable and economically and environmentally viable human development, objectives which should be pursued together.

Moderator:

Ernst-Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Co-Chair, Progress Forum, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung; Co-Chair International Resource Panel

Speakers:

Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica (2010-present) [TBC]

Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director, UN Women; President of Chile (2006-2010); Member, Club de Madrid

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Prime Minister of Norway (1986-1989 and 1990-1996); Former Chair, World Commission on Environment and Development; Member, UN Secretary‐General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability; Member, Club de Madrid

Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation

Angel Gurría, Secretary General, OECD

Anthony Lake, Executive Director, UNICEF

Mary Robinson, President of Ireland (1990-1997); Member, Club de Madrid