Background
The Darwin Dialogues is a new initiative which will convene global experts, policymakers, academics, and changemakers from within and beyond the Darwin College community to develop novel and interdisciplinary responses to pressing global challenges.
The programme will host two in-depth, invitation-only events annually over the next few years, each addressing a specific global challenge through dialogue. Initial themes to be addressed include Beyond the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Achieving Global Sustainability by 2050, and Delivering a One Health Approach, bridging environmental, human, and animal health.
The Dialogues aim to generate policy-relevant insights and practical recommendations around addressing global challenges; strengthen Cambridge’s global leadership in addressing societal challenges; and build durable international research and policy partnerships.
This event aims to publicly introduce the Darwin Dialogues and engage the College community in their development. We are delighted that ecologist, peace pilgrim, lifelong-activist and former Jain monk Satish Kumar has agreed to join us. Satish is founder of both the Resurgence Trust and of Schumacher College.
Satish Kumar (copyright: Carles Rodriguez Marin)
TUESDAY 28 APRIL
KEYNOTE LECTURE AND WORKSHOPS
Open to all members of the Darwin community
11:00–11:10 Opening
11:10–12:30 Keynote Lecture: Satish Kumar On Dialogue
Dialogue is a form of conversation which is as much about deep listening as it is about speaking. It emphasises the creation of a shared meaning for the participants in the dialogue, out of which new understanding and pathways to action can emerge. In times of turmoil, dialogue is often the only way ahead.
In this talk Satish Kumar will present his perspectives on dialogue, drawing on his own experiences, including as a peace pilgrim engaging in dialogue with ordinary people who crossed his path and as the founder of Schumacher College, which has attempted to reimagine higher education and invites students to learn with head, heart, hands and habitat, cultivating the depth, connection and creativity needed to respond to this time of ecological and social change.
13:30–15:00 Workshops
Participants will be split into three groups, each of which will explore the following:
- What format should the Darwin Dialogues take to ensure meaningful and inclusive discussion?
- What outputs should the Darwin Dialogues aim for to ensure real-world impact?
- What should be the priority themes for future Darwin Dialogues?
15:00–15:15 Coffee break
15:15–16:00 Plenary and wrap-up
16:00 –17:00 Drinks reception
WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL
INTERACTIVE TEACHING SESSION
Open to Darwin students
10:00–11:00 Participatory programme
In this session Satish Kumar will hold an informal teaching session in the style of Schumacher College, emphasising the importance of head, heart, hands and habitat in education, inviting attendees to rewild their minds and to embrace the depth, connection and creativity needed to respond to this time of ecological and social change.
