RI-LINKS2UA - Strengthening Research and Innovation Links towards Ukraine

The notion of green growth has emerged as a response to global challenges, a way of improving resource efficiency, ensuring ecosystem resilience, and enhancing social equity.  It also has an untapped potential for economic development through job creation in various sectors including engineering, construction, science and transport. In this sense, tackling deterioration of the natural environment as well as the unremitting high rate of unemployment are serious concerns at EU level today.

The plan for a sustainable future is supported by the EU 2020 strategy (EC 2010), a ten-year scheme for growth and jobs. One of its key objectives is to address the need for sustainable and inclusive growth through the promotion of a competitive and greener economy in the EU. A priority will be to support businesses to compete globally while being able to make the shift to a greener economy, which will require the labour market to acquire the skills and training needed to work in the green economy.

The latest statistics provided by Eurostat show that the EGSS (Environmental Goods and Services Sector) represents approximately 2% of total EU employment. Therefore, fostering job creation in the green sector, promoting mobility and supporting industrial restructuring in close cooperation with the social partners and the businesses make green growth a potential solution to the current unemployment crisis.

The transition towards sustainable growth and development could also be made more efficient through innovative green technologies and better, more sustainable, management of resources. Furthermore, novel methods of travelling - including electric vehicles and eco-friendly solutions such as car-sharing - represent viable solutions, given the fact that transport has major environmental impacts in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and noise. 

This timely international symposium will offer an invaluable opportunity for delegates to discuss the future of green growth in Europe by focusing on its economic, social and financial aspects. It will explore how the green economy can be boosted by stimulating investments in green growth projects and training professionals to meet labour market needs as well as examine possible solutions towards sustainable management of resources and components - such as infrastructure, mobility and energy - through technology. The symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.

Why Attend?    

• Analyse the latest policy developments and EU initiatives regarding green growth
• Build new synergies between innovation and growth opportunities
• Find out more about greener economy’s initiatives
• Develop opportunities for investments and funding to promote green entrepreneurship in Europe 
• Consider ways to promote efficient training solutions for the green sector
• Analyse the impact of innovative and efficient production processes   
• Share best practices on the promotion of green jobs and professional training 
• Examine innovative technologies for sustainable growth

Programme

** Please note that the programme and speakers are subject to change without notice **

Who Should Attend?

• Small Business Federations
• Chambers of Commerce
• Social Funds
• Environmental Associations
• Local Authorities
• Training Managers
• Recruitment Advisers
• Organisational Development Professionals
• Institutes for Occupational Health
• Institutes for Training and Employment
• Trade Unions
• Employers' Associations
• International and Regional Organisations
• National Ministries and Institutes
• Joint Committees on Environment
• Social Exclusion Officers
• Confederations of Independent Unions
• Local Area Trailblazers
• Regional Development and Natural Environment Specialists
• LocalAuthorityGreenCity Teams
• Local Authority Waste and Recycling Professionals
• Local Authority Waterways Professionals
• Relevant Central Government Departments
• Sustainable Development Stakeholders
• Transport Leads
• Sustainable Tourism Professionals
• Directors and Heads of Parks and Public Spaces
• Environmental Services and Policy Professionals
• Environmental Services Sustainability Professionals
• Environmental Services Urban Design Professionals
• Environmental Planning and Design Officers
• Conservation Professionals
• Environmental Campaigns Professionals
• Environmental Enforcement Professionals
• Housing Authorities and Professionals
• Farmers and Fairtrade Stakeholders
• Farming Organisations
• Rural Organisations
• Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Professionals
• Agricultural Research Professionals
• Energy Leads
• Biodiversity Leads
• Renewable Leads
• Horticultural Managers
• Energy Efficiency Professionals
• Green Education Professionals
• Schools and Education Stakeholders (including LEAs)
• Schools Connecting with Nature
• Regeneration Professionals
• Pollution Professionals
• Private Sector Environmental Organisations
• Business Development Professionals
• Finance Leads
• Greening Retail Organisations
• Greening Industry Professionals
• Third Sector Organisations

Source and more information: http://www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/GK29-PPE2