DURBAN has been selected as the host City of the 38th International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) Conference. The event will be held from 16 to 19 May 2018 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).
The conference, which is expected to attract more than 1 200 environment experts from 87 countries, aims to address environmental challenges that are posing a threat to the sustainability of the human, social and natural environment.
The City is calling on environmental professionals and members of the public to submit session proposals to lead thought-provoking discussions during the conference. Youth will also be empowered with local, young environmentalists exposed to training opportunities that will be provided for them during the conference.
EThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede said the City was proud to be the host of an event of this magnitude, which will be held in the country for the second time.
“This is a platform for specialists from various countries to come up with solutions on environmental challenges that affect all our lives,” said Gumede.
The conference will touch on issues that speak directly to the realities faced by African countries today in trying to balance the environment, the impact it has on growing economies and the urgent need to preserve natural resources.
Gumede urged the public and environmental advocates to submit proposals on issues affecting the community that they want addressed at the conference.
“By communities playing a role in developing the conference agenda, it will help develop strategies on how to best manage the environment,” she said.
Members of the public and environmentalist professionals are urged to submit their session proposals by 31 July 2017. To submit a session proposal, visit: http://conferences.iaia.org/2018/index.php
For more information about the IAIA Conference, contact Chumisa Thengwa on 031 311 7517