Governments are responsible for establishing the systems, incentives, and regulatory frameworks essential for sustainable development. While a shared vision is hoped for at Rio+20, historical

Governments are responsible for establishing the systems, incentives, and regulatory frameworks essential for sustainable development. While a shared vision is hoped for at Rio+20, historical governmental actions have often lacked courage.

Speakers include Vandana Shiva, Jonathon Porritt, Jim MacNeill, Mark Moody-Stuart, David Suzuki, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Nitin Desai, and Achim Steiner.

On June 25, 2013, President Obama unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce carbon pollution, prepare for climate change impacts, and lead global efforts against it.

Despite the significance,

On June 25, 2013, President Obama unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce carbon pollution, prepare for climate change impacts, and lead global efforts against it.

Despite the significance, Bill Moyers and Marty Kaplan highlighted the media's notable lack of coverage. Kaplan famously quipped, "And they just find climate change a snooze." A video clip of Kaplan's quote is available here.

A World Bank Group report, published May 14, 2014, reveals that girls with limited education face significantly higher risks of child

A World Bank Group report, published May 14, 2014, reveals that girls with limited education face significantly higher risks of child marriage, domestic violence, poverty, and a lack of autonomy in health and spending. These disadvantages negatively impact them, their children, and their communities.

Jeni Klugman, the World Bank Group's Director of Gender and Development, leads initiatives promoting gender equality, building on the institution's priorities established after the 2012 World Development Report.

Jonathan Rowson, director of the Social Brain Centre at the Royal Society of Arts, highlights the problematic

Jonathan Rowson, director of the Social Brain Centre at the Royal Society of Arts, highlights the problematic nature of the word 'spiritual.' It means too much to some and too little to others, leading to diverse interpretations—from psychological depth to philosophical confusion, or a critique of materialism to capitalist exploitation.

Following a two-year RSA inquiry, Dr. Rowson proposes a framework for a post-religious spirituality. This initiative seeks to make the spiritual less nebulous while maintaining its inclusive ambiguity.

The new framework redefines four existential touchstones: Love (from romance to rootedness), Death (from denial to confrontation), Self (from esteem to transcendence), and Soul (from substance to perspective).

The University of Chicago Wisdom Research Forum 2014, published August 6, 2014, featured three lectures. Jason Swartwood,

The University of Chicago Wisdom Research Forum 2014, published August 6, 2014, featured three lectures. Jason Swartwood, a philosophy doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota, explored how wisdom is defined and recognized.

Sayuri Hayakawa from the University of Chicago Psychology Department discussed how bilingualism and language influence cognition. She noted that a lack of expertise can sometimes enhance creativity and lead to wiser decisions.

Guilherme Albieri of SUNY presented on wisdom's relationship to academic and clinical success. He highlighted that wise individuals possess superior self-regulatory and interpersonal skills, which mediate their interaction with the environment.

In her TEDxNSCCWaterfront talk, Mi’kmaw Poet Laureate Rebecca Thomas explains Etuaptmumk: Two-Eyed Seeing. This concept

In her TEDxNSCCWaterfront talk, Mi’kmaw Poet Laureate Rebecca Thomas explains Etuaptmumk: Two-Eyed Seeing. This concept encourages integrating the strengths of Indigenous and Western knowledges, using both perspectives for the benefit of all.

As Coordinator of Aboriginal Student Services and a spoken word artist, Thomas draws from her family’s residential school history to highlight the lack of First Nations perspectives in Halifax’s history. She uses her platform to bring a cultural voice to public discussion, believing poetry empowers the voiceless and fosters healing. “Poetry can give a voice to the voiceless. Poetry can make a powerless person feel powerful. This is why I speak,” she states.

The session "Bridging the digital skills divide" will take place on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, from 14:00 – 15:15. It addresses the critical lack of digital knowledge and skills, a primary

The session "Bridging the digital skills divide" will take place on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, from 14:00 – 15:15. It addresses the critical lack of digital knowledge and skills, a primary barrier to Internet use and closing the digital divide.

The discussion will explore the needs of specific groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, farmers, and women in rural communities, who face significant usage gaps. Experts will highlight intergenerational skill disparities and present successful digital initiatives.

The session aims to identify concrete actions, solutions, and tools for inclusive digital capacity development, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Manufacturers often make unsubstantiated claims about bioplastics' environmental benefits, such as faster breakdown or reduced climate impact. Without federal standards, companies freely label

Manufacturers often make unsubstantiated claims about bioplastics' environmental benefits, such as faster breakdown or reduced climate impact. Without federal standards, companies freely label products "biodegradable" or "compostable," leading to widespread misleading marketing.

To help consumers and businesses navigate these claims, Beyond Plastics released "Demystifying Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics" on July 11, 2024. This report evaluates bioplastics materials, voluntary standards, safety research, and waste management, providing a checklist for informed decision-making.

Kennedy Colen is a Health Science major at Howard University, known for her compassionate heart and global outlook.

She loves to travel and is deeply passionate about working with and

Kennedy Colen is a Health Science major at Howard University, known for her compassionate heart and global outlook.

She loves to travel and is deeply passionate about working with and supporting children.

Dr. Sean B. Carroll is a distinguished biologist and author, acclaimed for his groundbreaking research in evolutionary developmental biology. A Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and

Dr. Sean B. Carroll is a distinguished biologist and author, acclaimed for his groundbreaking research in evolutionary developmental biology. A Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Vice President for Science Education at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, he earned his Ph.D. from Tufts University. His seminal work on the genetic basis of animal development and evolution merges molecular genetics with evolutionary biology, offering critical insights into biodiversity.

Carroll is also an accomplished author, known for influential books like "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" and "The Serengeti Rules," which effectively communicate complex scientific ideas. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, highlighting his significant impact on both research and science education.