International Conference on Engaging Communities
An initiative of the United Nations and the Queensland State Government
in Australia
The United Nations and the Queensland State Government are working together to plan for the International Conference on Engaging Communities to be held in Brisbane in 2005.
The Conference is a three day event from 14 to 17 August 2005 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A number of online initiatives have been introduced to maximise opportunities for people to participate in the conference, including those who are unable to travel to Brisbane.
You can:
- Read abstracts online
- Listen to audio broadcasts of selected sessions via the internet and email your questions
- Join an online discussion forum to discuss conference themes, before, during and after the conference.
Background
Around the world, greater engagement of citizens, clients and communities is becoming a feature of many governments and organisations. People are expecting to be able to be involved and to have a say in the business of government and in the decisions of organisations that affect their interests. Many are concerned about low levels of knowledge, trust and confidence in public and private institutions and their representatives, and of the poor relations that can impede effective decision-making and the achievement of social and economic development and environmental sustainability outcomes. Many also recognise that the legitimacy, effectiveness and success of their organisations depends on redressing this 'disconnect'. Accordingly, some governments and organisations are responding with a renewed commitment to effective engagement and innovative methods of doing so in order to deliver better results for clients, citizens and communities.
In many different contexts and at local, state, regional, national and international levels, there are public, private, tertiary and community organisations engaging in ways that are making a difference and that are worth hearing about and learning from.
Objectives
Conference objectives include:
- promote understanding of the concept of engagement and participative practices and its role in good governance
- explore 'what works', showcase innovation and promote good practice
- share practice knowledge across the globe, at local, regional and state levels; and promote learnings across disciplines and sectors
- discuss and develop conceptual and theoretical frameworks and directions for the future and the evidence base which underpins this practice
- build understanding and evidence of leadership, capacity and capability issues for citizens/community and government/institutions
- create ongoing national and international networks and collaboration creating communities of interest around the issue
Who should participate?
It is expected the Conference will be attended by senior members of governments, leading researchers, senior executives from key international agencies (e.g. the United Nation's agencies, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, OECD, Asian Development Bank) consultants, practitioners and representatives of the private sector (both large and small business), non-government organisations and community organisations.
Participation in the International Conference on Engaging Communities program as a presenter offers an opportunity for you and your organisation to showcase your work in a major international forum.
More information
Conference arrangements are being jointly managed by an Executive Secretariat from the Department of Communities and the Department of Main Roads within the Queensland Government and assisted by the services of a Professional Conference Organiser.
Further information is available at www.engagingcommunities2005.org.
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