Session of the 21st Century Talks within the framework of the International Economic Forum of the Americas (10 June 2008)

Foresight

A session of the 21st Century Talks was held on 10 June 2008, in Montreal, within the framework of the International Economic Forum of the Americas/Conference of Montreal on the theme “Sustainable development, innovation and competitiveness: knowing how to anticipate strategic change”.

The talk was organized jointly by the Forum and UNESCO as part of the partnership forged over several years.

PROGRAMME

Chaired by Paul Cappon, President and CEO of the Canadian Council on Learning

Speakers:

• Yolande James, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities
• Jean Lemierre, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• Andrew Ferrier, CEO of Fonterra (New Zealand)
• Rosalia Arteaga Serrano, former president of Ecuador
• Dennis Meadows, Director of the Institute for Policy and Social Science Research at the University of New Hampshire (U.S.A.)
  
  Closing: Michèle S. Jean, President of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
  
  SUMMARY OF THE SPEECHES :
  
  Paul Cappon, President and CEO, Canadian Council on Learning (CCL), presided the plenary session.
  
  Jérôme Bindé, , Director of the Office of Foresight, UNESCO, acted as the moderator of the session. Mr. Bindé recalled that globalization had entered a new phase where economic development is no longer the only prerogative for industrialized countries. Innovation is a requirement in order to remain competitive in today’s modern world.
  
  Yolande James, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, Quebec, underlined that immigration greatly contributes to competitiveness and innovation.
  
  Jean Lemierre, President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), then explained that our societies could no longer continue consuming at high levels, as they once did in the past, despite a heightened demand for energy and the current global food crisis. Mr. Lemierre has equally underlined in his vision of sustainable development that growth must not be achieved at the detriment of humanity but rather that investment in sustainable development will lead to competitiveness. In many countries, there still is a lack of investment in health and workplace safety. Mr. Lemierre also raised the question of the precautionary principles. According to him, there is a need for more discussion about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) or nuclear issues in order for risks to be understood by organizations and by the public opinion. Finally, Mr. Lemierre also recalled how corruption cripples competitiveness.
  
  Andrew Ferrier, Chief Executive Officer, Fonterra, firstly introduced his company, Fonterra, as being the biggest exporter of dairy products in the world. Mr. Ferrier shared his views on sustainable development explaining that consumers expect to be informed about where products being purchased are from and what they are made of. Sustainability is also a primary component to business competitiveness. Mr. Ferrier also demonstrated measures taken by Fonterra in order to be more competitive whilst respecting the environment: financial penalties for producers that do not respect quotas, scientific researching on emissions caused by ruminants, energy efficiency, and so on.
  
  Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, former President of Ecuador, Secretary General of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), briefly explained issues that affect the Amazon, notably sustainable development. Ms. Arteaga also recalled that the region has one of the lowest investment rates in both health and education. According to Ms. Arteaga, the global food crisis, the price of energy and dramatic climate change all suggest there is an urgent need to save our planet and to find real solutions.
  
  Dennis Meadows, Director, Institute for Policy and Social Science Research, University of New Hampshire and co-author of the report to the Club of Rome Limits to Growth, explained that we have based our habits on unlimited growth. According to Mr. Meadows, we need to change these habits to adopt more favorable behaviors towards sustainable development.
  
  Lastly, Michèle S. Jean, President, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, concluded the session by underlining that it is very difficult to reach a consensus on sustainable development, innovation and competitiveness.

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