Recognising the tightening of planetary boundaries forces us to address the consequences of global growth and inequality, in a more urgent and ambitious manner. The global negotiations on climate change and sustainable development goals (SDGs) are intended to respond to such challenges.
They are taking place at a time of huge shifts in geo-politics, and interesting tensions between public and private power and responsibilities. The era of official development assistance is drawing to a close, with most European countries shifting to mixed trade-aid-private sector models.
The 48 Least Developed Countries face big challenges due both to their poverty and to their powerlessness in current global arrangements. How can the LDCs get their voices heard in the official processes to design a new climate treaty, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? What would global agreements look like if designed by the LDCs, instead of the rich world?
About the speaker
Dr Camilla Toulmin is Director of the International Institute for Environment and Development based in London. (IIED). An economist by training, she has worked mainly in Africa on agriculture, land, climate and livelihoods. This has combined field research, policy analysis and advocacy. Her work has aimed at understanding how environmental, economic and political change impact on people’s lives, and how policy reform can bring real change on the ground.
As Director of IIED since 2004, Camilla has focused on developing the institute’s strategy and communications. IIED’s new strategy 2014-19 builds on strengths in adaptation to climate change, building cities that work for poor people, addressing the natural resource squeeze, and designing sustainable market mechanisms. And it focuses particular attention on 4 change initiatives where IIED collectively can make a difference – food security, green and inclusive economies, rights plus action, and getting LDC voices into global processes around climate, and the post-2015 agenda.
Camilla studied Economics at Cambridge and London, before gaining her doctorate in Economics at Oxford. Camilla is fluent in English and French. She is Chair of ICARDA’s Board, a trustee of the Franco-British Council and a number of other boards. She is currently a member of the Royal Society’s Working Group on Resilience.
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