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Economy and Environment in Harmony

18–20 March 2022

16:00 - 15:59

Registrations are closed

Economy and Environment in Harmony

Rotary International Presidential Conference - Venice

In the light of the economic and social impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is justifiably giving attention to the regeneration of our economies which will also sustain and support the necessary social changes. This is all happening at a time during which the world needs us more, while the world is facing challenges of climate change, pollution, plastic usage, water & food security etc., as well as the aftermath of the war in Ukraine. 

The Rotary International Presidential Conference in Venice, led by Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta (2021/22) addressed the important topic of how economies can rebuild better in such a way however, that we ensure we address the increasingly critical aspect of protection of our environment. Businesses need to transition to a mode of operation which protects and enhances the environment, in a genuine manner - no green washing.  Processes need to be improved and businesses need to create more sustainable products and services.  See a more detailed explanation of the theme covered during the conference.

The conference heard from leaders from the EU, businesses and Rotarians in business how they are making this change. Venice, itself under environmental siege from rising water levels associated with climate change, was a perfect setting for the only European Presidential conference.  

Rotary Foundation’s addition of the Environment as its 7th strategic pillar, through its inclusion as one of its Areas of Focus, combined with the need for economic recovery in a post-COVID world, provided an excellent opportunity led by Shekhar Mehta, President Rotary International 2021-22.

Some of the speakers included:

  • the President of Rotary International 2021/22, Shekhar Mahta
  • the President of the European Parliament, Dr Roberta Metsola
  • Chief Strategic Officer of Rotary International, Tom Thorffinson
  • the head of communications and external affairs of the Barilla Group, Andrea Belli
  • the Director of the Private Partnerships & Fundraising Division of the World Food Programme (WFP), Tim Hunter
  • Past District Governor from Portugal, Sergio Almeida
  • the CEO of energy company the BKW Group headquartered in Switzerland
  • the Chief Sustainability Office of Edison, Barbara Terenghi
  •  Board members of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), Gunilla Östberg and Ludwig Kalthoff
  • the founder and scientific director of VeniSIA, the Venice Sustainability Innovation Accelerator, Professor Carlo Bagnoli
  • the Director of Marketing of Kantar, the German headquartered international specialist data analytics and brand consulting group, Dr. Jonas Kütt
  • the Assistant Professor in Industrial Chemical Processes at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, at "Cà Foscari" University of Venice, Francesco Valentino
  • the team of Rotaracters from District 2101, U-Leaf, that won the Italian District-wide environmental challenge
  • Rotary International Director, Nicki Scott  

Click here for photos of the event and recordings of the proceedings.

Details

Start: 18 March 2022
16:00
End: 20 March 2022
15:59
Comitato Organizzatore Conferenza Presidenziale di Venezia 2021 del Rotary International

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Giudecca 810
30133 Venezia Veneto
Italy

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