In support of the global effort of the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Grace Farms Foundation and Live Green Connecticut are partnering to host the first-of-its-kind Regional Convening for Sustainable Development (RCSD) on Feb. 7, 2018, at Grace Farms. Both Grace Farms Foundation and co-host Live Green Connecticut are establishing and galvanizing a community of engaged individuals, organizations, and policymakers in Connecticut.
Thought leaders from the area and around the world, including Jeffrey Sachs, Director of Sustainable Development at Columbia University; Catherine Smith, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; Kanni Wignaraja, Director, UN Development Operations Coordination Office; Jessica Scott, Education Manager, Sustainable Development Solutions Network; and Joe DeLong, Executive Director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, will gather to discuss wide-ranging strategies for promoting sustainable development with case studies demonstrating successful implementation in Connecticut. Additionally, an afternoon session will provide an opportunity for local businesses, not-for-profit organizations, town committees and individuals to present relevant work to conference attendees.
“Grace Farms began with the preservation of more than 80 acres of land, and we are expanding our commitment to environmental sustainability through our adoption of the U.N.’s SDGs in our daily operations and initiatives,” said Adam Thatcher, Director of Operations at Grace Farms Foundation. “Exciting new ideas are being pursued locally and we look forward to bringing these innovators together to focus on generating and exploring new strategies to address four SDGs: affordable and clean energy; sustainable cities; responsible consumption and production; and climate action.”
The day-long program, which will take place in Grace Farms’ LEED-certified River building, is modeled after the International Conference on Sustainable Development hosted at Columbia University. Participants including policymakers, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, grassroots organizations, involved citizens, and students, will exchange ideas and best practices to help make Connecticut, and the region, leaders in community-driven sustainable development. This convening will mark the kickoff of a regional sustainable development network organized by Daphne Dixon of Live Green Connecticut.
“Now, more than ever, we need to come together around the issues that matter most to the flourishing of humanity,” said Daphne Dixon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Live Green Connecticut. “While we keep The Global Goals in mind, it is imperative that we also take local action on what we can control in our own communities.”
The day will conclude with a reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Connecticut is one of 15 states that has signed the U.S. Climate Alliance (the agreement to remain committed to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord), and is committed to leading efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The meeting at Grace Farms will help launch a number of sustainable development events around the region to advance efforts in a number of areas such as Live Green Connecticut’s event specifically on Transportation and Renewable Energy.
For more information and to purchase a ticket, please visit gracefarms.org/calendar
SCHEDULE | Regional Convening for Sustainable Development, Feb. 7, 2018
9:00 a.m. Welcome: Adam Thatcher, Grace Farms Foundation Director of Operations, and Daphne Dixon, Co-founder and Executive Director of Live Green Connecticut
9:15 a.m. Video message from Jeffrey Sachs, Director of Sustainable Development at Columbia University Introduction: Dr. David L. Downie, Fairfield University
9:35 a.m. Keynote Address: Kanni Wignaraja, Director, UN Development Operations Coordination Office Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG Academy and Sustainable Development Solutions Network
10:05 a.m. Panel 1: “Building Sustainability Into Our Cities,” Introduction: Kevin Moynihan, First Selectman, New Canaan
10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:45 a.m. Catherine Smith, State of Connecticut Economic and Community Development Introduction: Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Conservation Biologist at Columbia University
11:15 a.m. Panel 2: “The Condition of CT’s Sustainable Development Infrastructure”
11:40 a.m. Panel 3: “The Critical Role Businesses Play in Sustainable Development”
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 & 3 p.m. Breakout Sessions 1 and 2: Regional and Community Sustainable Development Presentations
4:20 p.m. Closing Remarks
4:45 p.m. Reception