The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) have joined forces with City Bridge Trust to convene a group of policymakers, not-for-profits and other funders for a day of discovery and exchange highlighting the importance of the green economy and its role in economic recovery. Growing Prosperity is a one-day conference which aims to connect large with small organisations, thinkers with doers, and national policy with grassroots practice.

The day will highlight the role that new networks, fresh ideas, and innovative local organisations can play in tackling pressing environmental, economic and social issues. It will demonstrate the place of a greener economy in building social and emotional as well as economic capital, and the value of collaborative approaches in addressing some of society’s most complex problems.

Held at the Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London, the event will be opened by the current Lord Mayor, Fiona Wolf. The Rt Hon Gregory Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, will give a keynote speech on the role of the green economy in economic recovery and answer questions from the floor. This will be followed by an armchair discussion with significant commentators led by the broadcaster Jon Snow.

Participants can then choose from six collaborative workshops run by leading think tanks and not-for-profit organisations. Wide-ranging in content and style, these will showcase examples of what has been achieved in particular localities and explore new approaches to addressing systemic barriers to change.

The afternoon is all about participation with an ‘open space’ style facilitation giving everyone a chance to shape the agenda, share and connect – and then celebrate with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

This is an invite-only event. However, if you feel that you would like to attend or if you would like a colleague to attend instead of you please email Martin Hall at [email protected].