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 have recently worked together to plan and deliver the International Conference on Engaging Communities, held in Brisbane, Australia from 14-17 August 2005.
A key outcome from the conference was the Brisbane Declaration on Community Engagement which was prepared following deliberative discussion and feedback prior to and during the conference.
A number of online initiatives were introduced to maximise opportunities for people to participate in the conference, including those who were unable to travel to Brisbane. These initiatives are being continued to enable ongoing learning and information sharing.
You can:
- Read Report to the Premier on the International Conference on Engaging Communities
- Read conference abstracts and papers online
- Listen to audio broadcasts of selected sessions via the internet
- Read comments posted to a discussion forum regarding conference themes and the Brisbane Declaration
- Read conference feedback report
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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.
Conference objectives
Conference objectives included:
- promoting understanding of the concept of engagement and participative practices and its role in good governance
- exploring 'what works', showcasing innovation and promoting good practice
- sharing practice knowledge across the globe, at local, regional and state levels; and promoting learnings across disciplines and sectors
- discussing and developing conceptual and theoretical frameworks and directions for the future and the evidence base which underpins this practice
- building understanding and evidence of leadership, capacity and capability issues for citizens/community and government/institutions
- creating ongoing national and international networks and collaboration creating communities of interest around the issue
Participation in the Conference
Many organisations took advantage of the opportunity to showcase their work at a major international forum. The Conference was attended by over 2300 senior members of governments, leading researchers, senior executives from key international agencies (e.g. the United Nation's agencies, World Bank and others) consultants, practitioners and representatives of the private sector (both large and small business), non-government organisations and community organisations from 44 countries.
More information
Further information is available at www.engagingcommunities2005.org.
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