30th June 2010

Programme

Why should you come?

Two of the greatest challenges the world faces today are poverty and climate change. These issues are huge and thinking about them can leave you feeling dispirited and helpless. Ashden Award winners are different. They are inspirational individuals who are taking positive action to tackle these issues. Whether your interest is in the developing world or closer to home, you will leave this day feeling inspired by these sustainable energy pioneers.

The conference is the first public opportunity to see the documentary films produced about each of the winners. After each film the winner presents their work to the audience, followed by an opportunity for questions. In between sessions time is set aside for conference attendees to network with each other and the winners – this is the only occasion when our 2010 international and UK winners are gathered together at an event open to the public. There will also be a poster display of current research in sustainable energy from Imperial College.

During the conference, there will also be two special events:

• Carbon finance – Is it the way forward? Panel debate chaired by Anya Sitaram of BBC World News with panellists including Mike Mason, Founder of Climate Care and Sarah-Jayne Clifton of Friends of the Earth and author of the report ‘A Dangerous Obsession’. Panellists will debate the role carbon finance will play in scaling up off-grid renewable energy and whether it can really make a difference for small and growing businesses in developing countries.

• New politics – Does blue and yellow make green? A conversation with Jonathon Porritt, a senior government official and Ashden Award winners about the role that local sustainable energy solutions could play in a tough fiscal future. It will focus on the need to stimulate individuals, businesses, communities and organisations to take sustained action to reduce carbon emissions.

Who should attend?

The conference will be of interest to a wide range of people and organisations, including NGOs, politicians, policy makers, academics and students, international development organisations, local government officers, investors and financiers, charitable trusts and foundations.

What did people say about last year’s conference?

“Normally I wouldn't rate everything 5 out of 5 because it becomes meaningless, but I really thought it was all excellent. The size of audience was good - big enough to show the interest, but small enough to start conversations.”

“Fantastic, inspiring day - thank you very much!”

“Thank you for organising this great opportunity to learn and be inspired.”

“An excellent day, I am keen to learn more about the Awards.”

“Excellent organisation and always inspirational!”

“This event is an eye-opener. For me, a great way to connect to people who would benefit from my various experiences in finance and business.”

“The day was really excellent - the tight management of time for each person kept it moving and consistently interesting.”

“Overall a very good conference and very inspiring.”

“A very well organised day. The films were great and brought the subjects to life. Good diversity of technologies presented. A really superb day!”

Why is this event is free?

Ashden Award winners have an important story to tell about how they’ve played their part in the global battle to reduce carbon emissions and create a sustainable supply of energy. In order to spread this message as widely as possible, we do not make a charge for the conference, and we are grateful to our funders for making this possible.

Please note that the event and refreshments in the morning and afternoon are free of charge Light lunch will be available to purchase.

Visit our website and blog:

www.ashdenawards.org

ashdenawards.blogspot.com

Follow us on facebook and Twitter:

Please use the twitter hashtag #Ash10 to reference the conference and awards.