and Sustainability
The 2016 Integral Conversation aims to facilitate discussions on sustainable development and to explore new ways to pursue economic growth while respecting people, communities and the planet. This year's focus will be on Culture in Architecture, Healthcare, Education, and Innovation with the view of promoting sustainability on a local, regional and global level.
The Role of Culture in Sustainable Development
Culture, as a source of identity, is a powerful factor driving economic transformation and social innovation. Stan Shih, Co-founder and Honorary Chairman of Acer Group, will address how Culture can have a positive effect not only on economic growth, but also on human development on both individual and community levels. As a guru on the Asian art of management, he will also share his belief and wisdom on the value of sharing and altruism as the pathway to sustainable business growth and self-fulfillment.
Harnessing the Business Sector to Shape a Long-Term Sustainability Agenda
Shaping the agenda for sustainable development is not merely the role of governments and global institutions, but also of corporations, non-profit organizations and civil society. The business sector is becoming a proactive agent of change. In this opening panel, business leaders from different industries and areas will discuss what the key issues are currently topping the world’s sustainability agenda and how the business sector could work within and beyond business to shape a future we want.
Embedding Sustainability into the National Development Agenda
In today’s world, economic growth is no longer a complete measurement of progress and development for countries and societies. In this Luncheon Plenary, our honored speakers representing the government and civil society leaders of the most dynamic Asian economies will share their views on how to put economic activity in harmony with humans and the environment, balance different development goals and foster effective public – private partnership in driving forward such a development agenda in the region.
Parallel Panel 1
As one of the most iconic architects of our time, I.M. Pei thinks that in architecture, style is not a primary concern. What matters most is how architecture affects life. Renowned architects and urban planners will discuss how architecture, through Pei’s works, transcends cultural and time boundaries to integrate human beings into nature in a harmonious way. We will also explore new concepts of living, which emphasizes the formation of self-sustaining, culturally-rich and human-centered communities.
Parallel Panel 2
As human populations become more mobile, the increased occurrence of infectious diseases have emerged as a challenge for healthcare systems and communities alike. Could public policies and institutions facilitate greater collaboration in disease prevention and control? The panel will discuss how information sharing and research findings, the development of affordable drugs and the deployment of technologies can better anticipate and prepare for future disease outbreaks.
Parallel Panel 3
The increasing integration and people mobility in the region are revolutionizing the education sector in an unprecedented way. We will explore the new concepts and models in education such as virtual schooling, self-paced learning, experiential learning and gamifications. Leading experts from the education sector will also discuss technology's role as an enabler to make education more affordable, engaging and sustainable for communities in need.
Parallel Panel 4
“Inclusive innovation” is becoming more important as a tool to achieve sustainable development. This approach could re-skill workers, create high-value-added jobs, deliver affordable goods and services, and groom a new generation of critical thinkers to lead the region through innovation. The panel will discuss how governments and companies could harness connectivity, sustainable technology and innovation to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged communities.
