Contributions are now being sought for the IUCN-CEESP Conference, Sharing Power: A New Vision for Development, being held in Whakatāne, New Zealand, 11-15^th January 2011. This Conference is a partnership between IUCN CEESP and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

The Conference Themes

‘Sharing Power: A New Vision for Development’ provides an opportunity for us to identify and explore alternatives to the unlimited growth development framework that has brought the world to a crisis point in economic and environmental terms as well as in terms of human wellbeing. The Conference will enable us to envision a different world – and our role in shaping it - bringing to the fore key ideas from indigenous peoples, local communities, social movements, business leaders, researchers, scientists, legal experts, NGOs and governments. We will have a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder conference where open and respectful sharing of ideas will progress understanding and action about how “sharing power” – honestly, ingeniously, creatively – can translate into sustainable human development and get us much closer to a “just world that values and conserves nature.”

There are three distinct themes within this Conference.

The first theme examines how to fundamentally reshape our relationship with Mother Earth – the environment. Can sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation be met through devolution of governance of natural resources/conservation areas from States to indigenous and local communities and citizens groups? What types of social organisation are needed for the sharing of power in the local adaptive governance of ecosystems and economies? What initiatives and tools can be promoted in national and international policy and legislation? In what ways can the rejuvenation of lessons from history and cultures offer new and more appropriate pathways to improve governance of natural resources? How and under what conditions can indigenous rights and “the commons” influence cultural/social responses to land, natural resources and knowledge?

The second theme explores sustainable development through macro-economics, science and a new approach to business. What types of investments in biodiversity and human wellbeing are able to produce more sustainable outcomes to peoples, governments and businesses?  What models are there to achieve economic development without the assumption of unlimited growth of material outputs and private profit? How can greater involvement of sciences and informed citizens be developed to contribute to social/cultural/environmental outcomes of economic production? How are businesses currently responding to the need for more sustainable practices, more human-oriented development, more equity and social justice?  How can macro-economic and sector-level policies be transformed to promote environmental sustainability, equity and human wellbeing? What market and financial regulations can bring about fairness and a more equitable sharing of economic power? To what extent can cities (local/regional councils) new business and new consumer models set the example and lead the way?

The third theme explores reclaiming citizenship as an essential component of sustainable development, democracy and progress towards universal human rights and indigenous peoples rights. One of the many outcomes of the global capital based economic system has been to characterise citizens as mere  ‘consumers’  or ‘voters’ and to progressively remove them from the formulation and oversight of policies and legal processes. Are there models of direct democracy and citizens’ oversight in policy making that we can learn from? Are there inter-cultural dialogue processes based on mutual respect that can help bridge conflicts and negotiate effective solutions?  How can more active forms of citizenship be encouraged? How can the history of peoples’ movements and struggles for social justice, a “better life” and human rights inform innovative policies and practices? How can ‘consumers’ change their expectations and behaviours to better emulate citizenship? Ultimately, how can democracy be transformed from an exercise in open or hidden persuasion to a vibrant space for collaboration?

Contributions for the Conference

The Conference Programme will comprise Keynote presentations, panels, discussions groups and presentations as part of specific workshops. Conference organisers wish this meeting to be genuinely participatory – fostering the joint engagement of all attendees. We welcome innovative participatory and collaborative approaches to address the Conference topics.

There are six types of contributions being sought;

1. Plenary presentations – as part of individual or group/panel session  (there are limited spaces for plenary presentations, but all proposals will be considered)
2. Individual or group presentations in workshop session -  the majority of accepted proposals will find space within specific workshops
3. 3-5-minute videos (DVD) to be screened during the conference as a transition between Conference speakers
4. Posters that reflect the vision Sharing Power: A New Vision for Development
5. Papers for inclusion in Conference materials for those unable to attend the meeting in person
6. DVDs of documentaries, theatrical performances consistent with the Conference Themes that are cleared (copyright) for public showings.

As well, details of an IUCN CEESP global photo competition will be announced separately.

Submission Information

Contributions are open to everyone whether or not you are a member of CEESP or affiliated with the IUCN.  Criteria for prioritizing selection of papers and workshops will include:

• provide innovative or seldom-heard perspectives and stimulate debates that will enrich our discussion;
• demonstrate how an analytical method or field process leads to measurable results;
• draw conclusions about drivers of change from grounded field experiences;
• bring participants from diverse cultures and regions;
• fit clearly under one or more of the three conference themes (local governance relations, macroeconomics, citizenship);
• use interactive communication in the presentation.

Deadline for submissions of abstracts or proposals – Monday, 4 October 2010

Notification of acceptance – 23 October 2010

Final Papers/Presentations Due – 30 November 2010

If you wish to give a presentation, submit a paper, short linking video, poster or documentary, please submit your interest here: