Climate change is topping the international agenda and fuelling debate about sustainability, particularly the role of business in mitigating its effects. Therefore it’s appropriate that this international sustainability oriented city is again the venue of a global conference on sustainability and transparency.

The Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability and Transparency, hosted by GRI and the City of Amsterdam, is the international sustainability event of the year. Over 1000 thought leaders, experts and practitioners on the topic of sustainability and transparency are convening for three days of lively and informed discussion from 7-9 May 2008. You too could join them. The conference is a valuable opportunity for you to share experiences, learn from and network with others on important sustainability issues.

Awareness of sustainability has significantly increased since the first Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability and Transparency in 2006, which was attended by the recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, and when the third edition of GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Framework was launched. Sustainability has moved from being the concern of the few to the concern of the many. There has been a growing understanding among the international community that a different approach to

development is needed – a sustainable approach that allows us to meet the needs of people now, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this context all types of organizations are increasingly expected to account for their impact on both the environment and society at large. This is where sustainability reporting fits in. But what do you, as preparers or readers of these reports, and users of the information, think its role will be in the future? Moving to embrace not just the opinions of those that create sustainability reports but also those who read them, this conference will stimulate discussion around this question.

All debates and forums will be fully interactive, allowing your voice to be heard and your opinions shared. The diverse and engaging program will culminate in an interactive television debate on the subject recorded for and broadcast globally by the BBC World channel.

To actively participate in the broader theme of sustainability and transparency, network face to face with the experts, or meet with peers, join us at The Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability and Transparency.