A Selection of Panels to be Held at the GCLS 2008
The participating members will be taking part in panels that address some of the most important topics facing our global community in the coming decades. The list below represents a selection of Summit topics that ask questions concerning the opportunities and challenges brought about by globalization and the demands of our contemporary cultural, political and economic setting:
What if? Scenarios: global facts, trends, opportunities and challenges
This panel will feature a multi-disciplinary group of global experts each highlighting what we know to be true, what remains in question and what the consequences will be if we do not act to find new solutions to 21st-century problems. Areas to be covered include:
- Foreign policy
- Environment
- Cultural understanding
- Natural resources
- Poverty
- The developing world
- Global trade
- Geo-economics
- Global governance.
Globalization and foreign policy: Power-sharing in a post-superpower world
What are the rules and strategies for politics in an era of globalization, which is increasingly driven by forces such as the Internet and open borders? What does a foreign policy based on power-sharing in a post-superpower world struggling with high commodity prices and a shortage of natural resources look like? How can we encourage a long-outlook based on incremental change in the areas of democracy and human rights?
Focus on the Middle East
How can new ideas help propel economic development in the Middle East and foster greater stability and a turn away from radicalism? For example, does the possibility exist to create a Mediterranean trade agreement that supports pan-regional development and promotes peace? What new educational and economic models—such as microfinance—could encourage development and opportunity in Palestine? What can be done to ensure equitable sharing of water resources as populations within the region grow? How can cultural dialogue and cultural understanding lessen regional tensions and further regional collaboration and exchange?
Global agreements, global ethics and trade - Doha: the treaty of the century
How do we fight trade protectionism and stimulate a global outlook in trade development? What lessons from the Doha Development Round can help build sustainable and equitable trade agreements in the 21st century? How can multinationals work with the WTO to build more harmonious global markets? How can global agreements strengthen economic independence? What are the opportunities for truly global financial regulation?
Mind games: Education, the Internet and a new curriculum
The iPod generation is still learning with antiquated curricula. How can we create new curricula that better reflect the world in which our children live, and the one that they will grow into? How can we develop teaching techniques for children who have dyslexia or ADHD? How do you make the citizen of today and tomorrow more creative? How can we better incorporate cultural learning and cultural understanding into the curricula of our youth? Looking at developments in neuroscience, gaming and technological innovation, this session seeks to propose a truly 21st-century approach to designing our curricula. In particular, we will look at the role of developing the senses, interdisciplinary learning and multicultural exchange.
Africa: trade and development as solutions
Beginning with a survey of the problems and opportunities facing Africa, this session will seek to develop practical solutions for improving the lives of Africans by promoting and stimulating independent economies. It will also ask what role digital technology and neuroscience can play in enhancing educational experiences for African youth and promoting cultural dialogue among warring populations. Issues to be covered include:
- Trade and development
- The Doha Round
- Education
- The Role of Corporations in providing sustainable development
- The role of Science, Technology and the Internet.
Pollution, collusion and confusion: climate change vs. globalization
Climate change is having an extraordinary impact on all aspects of our lives. This session will look at the economic dynamics of this issue, asking questions concerning the appropriateness of carbon trading vs. carbon tax schemes for nations, individuals or industries, and ways to improve government funding and business incentives toward the development of green R+D. The session will also look at the actions required to create a more inclusive successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, that encourages the participation of the United States, China, India and Brazil.
