Tuesday 1 December 2009
Climate change top of agenda at first International Development Day
Academics and practitioners will meet to discuss climate change
In advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this month, international development academics and practitioners will be gathering at Nottingham Trent University to discuss the effects of climate change.
In the first of what will become an annual event, the International Development Day on Friday 4 December is being organised by the University's School of Arts and Humanities. It will explore how climate change is impacting on food security, energy security and the effectiveness of climate change mitigation measures. It will also provide a forum for discussion on a broad range of international aid and development issues.
Speakers will include various representatives from the European Commission. Pieter Bangma, DG Development, will speak about 'The role of the European Commission's DG Development and its engagement with the NGO sector' and Maria Winnubst, desk officer for Kenya, EuropeAid, will talk on 'Development cooperation: A case study of Kenya'.
Kelley Parfitt from leading development NGO, Maternal and Childhealth Advocacy, will also give a presentation on 'Maternal and Child Health and the Millennium Development Goals' and Nottingham Trent University's principal lecturer in International Relations, Dr Chris Farrands, will speak about 'Anticipating Copenhagen: Climate change and the international development agenda'.
Delegates will also hear about the personal experiences of a current International Relations student who was a refugee from the civil war in Sierra Leone, and of her recent return to the country.
Dr Roy Smith, principal lecturer in International Relations at the University, said: "Climate change has many implications across the globe and this event will bring together leading academics and practitioners to discuss the issue which is top of the international agenda at the moment."
The day will consist of a mix of presentations and group discussions. There will also be a session aimed at those wishing to find out more about possible internship opportunities within the EU.
Professor Murray Pratt, head of Languages and International Studies at Nottingham Trent University, said: "International Development Day is one of a range of recent initiatives in promoting research and study related to climate change and global uncertainties by the Languages and International Studies team at Nottingham Trent University. The team launched a new MA in Human Security and Environmental Change earlier this year, and are among the first in Britain to offer Global Studies as an undergraduate degree subject."
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