Climate change and the global economy are top of the agenda at this year’s 2020 Forum ‘Reading: Future Challenge, Future Change’ on Tuesday 17th November at the Town Hall 4.30pm – 7.30pm.
Reading’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), Reading 2020, has invited a broad spectrum of businesses, statutory bodies, groups, associations and individuals to attend the conference to discuss these vital issues in the context of a renewed Vision and Strategy for Reading.
The Reading Partnership includes representatives from the Council, NHS, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, BME communities, voluntary, community and faith groups,and local businesses.
At the LSP Forum event on 17th November at the Town Hall, there will be two keynote presentations.
Chris Dodson, Chair of the Southern Region Institute of Directors, will talk about the global economic downturn and Peter McManners – visiting Executive Fellow of Henley Business School of Reading University and author of ‘Adapt and Thrive: The Sustainable Revolution’ – will give an optimistic analysis of how society must change in response to climate change and other challenges.
Both Reading speakers will be challenging the conference to consider these two unique global challenges for our time, and there will be opportunities for questions to the speakers.
After the presentations, workshops will give everyone the chance to contribute their views on the new Vision and Strategy for Reading and consider the impact of the issues raised by the speakers.
Cllr Jo Lovelock, Chair of the 2020 Reading Partnership Board, said: "The world has changed enormously since we first put together a Vision for Reading over ten years ago. Given the significant challenges both locally and globally we need to start thinking about our Vision for the future and turning that into a Strategy to bring about practical improvements in the quality of life for local communities.
"We are very lucky to have in Reading such an inclusive and widely representative Local Strategic Partnership. It brings a wide range of expertise, experience and opinions and this depth of knowledge is vital if we are to continue the work to improve quality of life and opportunities for everyone in the borough," she added.
Anyone interested in attending the Forum should email their details to Reading2020.forum@reading.gov.uk or telephone 0118 939 0373.
Reading Borough Council
