Future of Birmingham is in youngsters’ hands, conference told
ENVIRONMENTAL experts gathered in Birmingham to debate how leaders in the city can usher in a greener future.
Green specialists, politicians, journalists and bloggers from across the country also joined in at the ICC yesterday for the debate arranged by the Birmingham Mail’s sister paper, The Birmingham Post.
The event, organised by Birmingham City University, was in response to research carried out into the issues faced by up-and-coming managers and future leaders in Birmingham.
Hosted by Observer journalist Lucy Siegle, Mail environment correspondent Patrice John.
Ms John spoke about how young leaders in Birmingham could make a difference.
“In order for the passion of young leaders to be changed into real action on the environment there needs to be a change of mindset of those who work closely with these leaders.
“This means that city councillors, lecturers and teachers must be ‘sold’ on the green agenda if they are to pass on these ideals to young leaders.
“They too must understand the importance of adapting green ideals into their personal lives.”
Ms John also spoke about the need for green behaviour to be “normalised” in society and the need for established companies with a greener agenda to market themselves.
“The only way these companies will get their message across is to create forums for meaningful debate with young leaders,” she said.
“Leaders must be prepared to be challenged on green policies and the only way to do this is to engage with bright emerging leaders and find out what they think.”
Joanna Birch, head of corporate relations at Birmingham City University, said: “The university’s mission is to drive and support economic prosperity in the city.
“The sustainability issue is of significance to all businesses, private and public and we feel that by reviewing attitudes amongst emerging managers and future leaders we can facilitate thinking for a new generation and add a new dimension to the green debate.”.”
The debate was supported by the Young Institute of Directors and Birmingham Future.
Audience members could respond to questions through the use of interactive controls, and vote on key issues.
