World social science forum

The theme of the conference is " One Planet - Worlds Apart?"

It is within this context that the programme states:

The planet is becoming more crowded – world population is projected to grow by 50 percent in the first 50 years of this century, and life expectancies are increasing.

The planet is becoming more intermingled – migration both between countries and continents is increasing. Many are dislodged by expanding trade, many seek opportunities by going abroad. Many are leaving home – internal mobility is also high: in twenty years more than two thirds of the world population will be living in cities. More communities are multiethnic.

The planet is becoming more polluted. Emissions of CO2 and waste that harms air, soil and water are increasing. Climate change will affect everybody, but its impacts will vary greatly geographically and socially. Growth is outpacing the supply of resources; the world economy strains the limits of a finite earth, which sets the stage for more geopolitical competition.

Download the programme online in PDF.

The planet is becoming more unequal. Though millions have been lifted out of poverty, the spectre of hunger is again appearing – some states balance on the brink of catastrophe. The capacities of countries to cope with new threats from climate change or epidemics vary greatly.

This conference will include the following diaster risk reducation related panel discussions:

Environmental Hazards and Social Catastrophes

Panel 1: Disaster risk management and climate change adaptation: different or the same?
Panel 2: Hazards and Managing Catastrophes