Forum 2017: IRENA’s Director-General Comes Aboard, Plus Announcing the Showcase Space
GLOBAL LEARNING FORUM 2017 UPDATES
Vancouver, British Columbia / May 17-19
WELCOMING THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)
Adnan Z. Amin is a global renewable energy leader and has spent much of his career working in leadership capacities at international and intergovernmental organizations. As the International Renewable Energy Agency‘s (IRENA) first Director-General, he has helped to establish the agency as a major global influencer in renewable energy research, cooperation, and policy, including by growing IRENA’s membership to over 170 countries.
Adnan Z. Amin will be participating in Global Learning Forum 2017 through a plenary session.
KICKING OFF FORUM 2017 WITH THE “SHOWCASE SPACE”
The Showcase Space is an exhibition of energy planning tools, applied research, and other innovations that will be on display and open for interaction during Global Learning Forum 2017’s opening night activities. Making our home at an institution of higher learning means we are also always seeking ways to promote student projects and research. To that end, this showcase space features research by the next generation of urban energy visionaries from Simon Fraser University and other universities. Some are just starting out, others have fully developed models and tools they are ready to launch or even actively seeking investors. Other exhibitions and tools on display will be drawn from local entrepreneurs and thought leaders as well as Global Learning Forum 2017 delegates. Would you like to participate in the Showcase Space? See our Call for Abstracts!
NEW SPEAKERS AND SESSION LEADERS
Say hello to representatives from Google, Siemens, CDP, and more!
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Lucia Casacia, Vice President, Cities and Infrastructure Projects at Siemens Canada Lucia Casacia leads Siemens Canada’s strategic focus on cities and infrastructure. With extensive experience in engineering, construction, and management, her portfolio also includes business units in the Energy Management division. |
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Michael Dean, Climate and Energy Project Coordinator at ICLEI Canada ICLEI’s Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program has been helping municipalities in inventorying and reducing emissions for 20 years. In support of this work, Michael Dean coordinates technical activities and provides guidance to cities on how to move forward on low-emissions pathways. Session: TBA |
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José Etcheverry, Professor at York University and Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative If there’s an elder statesman in the Canadian 100% renewable energy movement, then Dr. José Etcheverry is it. Formerly with the David Suzuki Foundation and Global Environmental Facility (GE), he’s been working to advance renewable energy collaboration and policy leadership with municipalities, researchers, and international organizations for a number of years. Session: VISIONARY FUTURES: WHAT WOULD A RENEWABLE CITY LOOK LIKE? |
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Steve Nicholas, Vice President of US Programs at the Institute for Sustainable Communities Steve Nicholas is the former Director of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability, co-author of The Green City Guide, and authored the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Currently he leads a number of Institute for Sustainable Communities urban programs, including peer learning and solar market pathways initiatives. Session: TBA |
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William Rucklidge, Software Engineer at Google With a PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University, William Rucklidge is the lead engineer for Google’s Project Sunroof, a web-based application that maps rooftop solar energy potential, recommends installations, and connects users with rebates and vendors. Session: TBA |
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Katie Walsh, Senior Manager, Cities North America at CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) Katie Walsh oversees CDP’s cities work in North America, engaging the 130 cities who disclose their climate data to CDP. Previous appointments include the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, the Energy Foundation in Beijing, and the U.S. Department of Energy Policy and International Affairs Office. Session: MEASURING THE BENEFITS OF MOVING TO 100% RE ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY |
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Chris Wheat, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chicago As the City of Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Chris Wheat works to advance the municipality’s sustainability agenda and has expanded the Retrofit Chicago Partnership and a wide range of other initiatives. Session: TBA |
For more information, visit the Global Learning Forum 2017 webpage, speakers page, or subscribe to our newsletter. Secure your space at Global Learning Forum 2017 by registering now.