On 1 January 2016, the United Nations commenced implementation of its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, committing member states to the universal abolition of hunger, poverty, violence and exploitation. Not surprisingly, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of goals embedded in the Agenda to address known sustainability challenges. The focus of this presentation, however, is on unknown and/or embryonic sustainability issues. Specifically, how in Northern Australian the Asia-Pacific region do we identify and evaluate issues not currently on the sustainable development agenda? Where are new opportunities to alleviate poverty likely to emerge? And what is the role of universities and other public institutions in this process?

ABOUT THE SERIES

The Courtenay Lecture Series was established in October 1996 by a donation from the Cairns Trinity Junior Chamber. The annual lecture consists of a public presentation on a current issue by a prominent Australian or international person. Cairns Trinity Junior Chamber was a community services organisation with a strong focus on community development and it was intended that the series be a contribution to the ability of the Cairns community to participate with leading edge issues and people. The lecture has been named in honour of Professor Philip Courtenay, former Rector of the James Cook University, Cairns Campus.

THE SPEAKER

Stewart Lockie is Professor of Sociology and Director of The Cairns Institute, James Cook University. He is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and member of the International Council for Science’s Committee for Scientific Planning and Review. On 20 July 2016, Professor Lockie addressed the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on the topic of new and emerging issues for sustainable development.

DATE  Monday 17 October 2016 | TIME  5:45 – 7:00pm | WHERE  The Cairns Institute | Building D3 | James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD | Please RSVP here