About the Earth Debates organisers

Stakeholder Forum for a sustainable future 

Stakeholder Forum for a sustainable future has been following the preparations for the Rio+20 earth summit for over 3 years, developing a unique understanding of the ongoing debates, issues and questions surrounding the concept of a green economy. 

As the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) UK national committee, they have a significant network of the leading thinkers in the field of sustainable development policy making – from civil society, business and industry, trade unions, local authorities, youth, farmers and the science and technology community.  

As the official stakeholder engagement partner with the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the UN body coordinating the earth summit, they will be able to feed many of the discussions taking place at the international level. 

Stakeholder Forum’s leading role within the international agenda on sustainable development and in the UK, also means they have direct access to high level representatives in the United Nations, political leaders, and key thinkers in the non-government sector for debates and lectures.

Natural History Museum

The Museum cares for a unique and irreplaceable collection of over 70 million specimens, which represent a model of the natural world. This international collection is one of the most comprehensive global reference systems for species diversity in the world and is an international focus for thousands of scientists collaborating on biodiversity research.

Research at the Museum uses the collection to explore biodiversity, providing authoritative information for a wide range of uses. We are world leaders in describing, identifying and classifying organisms. Our research enables us to understand patterns of biodiversity distribution (why it is high or low in particular places) and how biodiversity changes over time, including as a result of evolution over long periods of time. We are particularly interested in how biodiversity develops and is maintained in ecosystems.  

The Museum is committed to greater public engagement in biodiversity initiatives: our galleries, learning and online resources are complemented by innovative programmes for direct involvement in biodiversity science and debate.

British Council

As the UK’s international cultural relations body, the British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries, and builds trust between them worldwide.

Through their work in the arts, English, education and society (including science and sport), they contribute to the security and prosperity of the UK and over 100 other countries where they work. 

The British Council is a non-political organisation. Last year they engaged face to face with 18.4 million people and reached 652 million people through digital media, radio and television.