UTS and UNSW to host World Resources Forum

The World Resources Forum Asia-Pacific is coming to Australia for the first time in June, thanks to a collaborative agreement between the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and The Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT@UNSW).

The program will explore important themes including business models for a circular world, new markets for technology and innovation, green manufacturing, managing e-waste, resource governance and social responsibility. The co-hosts explained that they wanted the event to unite business, industry, government and researchers in designing an action plan that will safeguard a sustainable Australian economy.

“We have lived off the sheep’s back and we have dug up and sold much of our mineral wealth without investing in the future,” said ISF Researcher Associate Professor Damien Giurco. “Now it’s time to invest in and drive new kinds of enterprise that puts innovation in action to deliver a smarter and more economically resilient Australia.”

To be held at the Aerial UTS Function Centre from 1-2 June, the forum includes the 2015 International Sustainability Symposium on 3 June at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The program includes keynote presentations from industry, key members of government, as well as academic experts from Japan, Korea, India, US, Europe and Australia. Speakers include:

• Professor Mary O’Kane - NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer
• Janet Salem - UNEP Regional Office for Asia at the Pacific, Bangkok
• Dr Alex Wonhas - Executive Director Energy and Resources, CSIRO
• Professor Masamichi Yoshimura - Toyota Technological Institute, Japan
• Pauline Gregg - General Manager Environment, Telstra

Attendees will also gain exclusive access to interactive workshops, run in partnership with leading organisations including Sustainable Business Australia, WWF, Zero Waste International Alliance, Australian Alliance to Save Energy, CSIRO, Sustainability Victoria and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

“Apart from reducing landfill and pollution, circular economy strategies provide greater resource productivity and access to new markets, utilise new technologies and foster new kinds of collaboration, production and reduction in consumption,” Professor Damien Giurco said.

“Australia needs to be a regional leader in sustainable business, exporting knowledge and technology rather than relying on volatile demand for our raw materials. These are some of the urgent issues UTS speakers will cover during the forum.”

For full event details and to register, visit http://www.wrfasiapacific2015.net/.