ECOSOC event on "Partnering for innovative solutions for sustainable development"

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Date: - Location: New York

WHAT 

The Partnerships Forum is one of the preparatory events for the 2013 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Annual Ministerial Review (AMR) on “Science, technology and innovation, and the potential of culture, for promoting sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”, and is organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), in collaboration with WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, UNICEF, the United nations Office for Partnerships, the UN Global Compact and the Global Partnerships Forum.

ECOSOC will bring together some of the most influential leaders from government, the private and non-profit sectors, and civil society to discuss how partnerships can propel innovation to new heights.  Discussions will focus on how partnerships in Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture can impact on economic and social development, and environmental conservation.  The Forum will be an interactive dialogue, where participants discuss emerging strategies for creating a culture of innovation. 

Keynote address by:
Mr. Mo Ibrahim, Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Moderated by:
Mr. Ali Velshi, Host, Al Jazeera America

Our distinguished guest speakers include:
H.E. Mr. Christian Friis Bach,Minister for Development Cooperation, Denmark
Mr. Joseph Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation, Kenya.

Plus, representatives from leading innovation organizations,
Frog Design — Datawind — Appfrica — Socialab — MIT Media Lab

The all-day event features policy dialogues in the morning and four, simultaneous, two hour ‘Partnerships Clinics’ in the afternoon. (Communications package)

The first dialogue, “Partnerships for sustainability”, looks at innovation trends that have the potential to transform lives and reduce poverty.  Partnership models and initiatives will also be explored and their implications for policy development discussed.  It questions: how can we create an enabling environment for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship?

The second dialogue, “The changing face of technology and innovation”, will look at examples of innovations from the South, for the South.  The dialogue will also consider how partnerships can convert innovative ideas into business opportunities and help solve sustainable development challenges.

The ‘Partnership Clinics’ are being organized by WIPO, ITU, UNESCO and UNICEF (in collaboration with the Government of Denmark)and will discuss how to move from policy to action, particularly in Africa.  Each clinic focuses on a particular theme — Neglected Tropical Diseases, Maternal Health, Poverty Reduction and Education — that could benefit from new, game-changing partnership ideas.