Queensland to be venue for international environment forum

Queensland has been selected as the host venue for international environment forum, Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006.

The event is a world forum for Resource Management and Sustainable Development that will see international decision makers, high profile Nobel Laureates and leading scientists gather in Brisbane from 21 - 24 July.

This is the first time the international event will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

It will be co-chaired by former USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev and Premier Peter Beattie, as part of Brisbane Festival 2006.

Gorbachev commended the initiative of Brisbane Festival and the Queensland Government in association with the Brisbane City Council to hold the Earth Dialogues forum in the framework of the Brisbane Festival.

"The proposed focus of the forum, resource management, is vital for the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) and thus could not be more timely. This will be an excellent opportunity to scrutinise the structural factors inhibiting the implementation of the MDG's and the transition to sustainable development." Gorbachev said.

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said it will be an honour to welcome Gorbachev to Brisbane.

"Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006 will focus on the ethics of resource management, the need for sustainable development and their connection to world peace by offering solutions and strategies for improved global management," Terracini said.

"It's a rare opportunity for the public to become engaged in the most keenly debated issues of our time. Our youth will also play an important role in Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006 with Monday 24 July being Education Day. Students will participate in interactive forums alongside international experts."

Terracini also pointed out that big ideas and issues such as resource management and sustainable development belonged in an arts festival.

"The making of art is always connected to the major issues of the day and that's why I think we need these themes as part of the Brisbane Festival, they are the major issue of our day," he said.

Program details for the sessions will be released on 10th June at Brisbane Festival 2006 www.brisbanefestival.com.au