Fiona Pelham , who works with UN on matters relating to sustainability , shares four steps the UK can take towards becoming a world leader in events
hat is the solution to the economic , environmental , equality and health crises being faced ? The UK events industry .
The pandemic has created an opportunity for the UK event sector to be a world leading example of # buildbackbetter .
Let us imagine the future . At COP26 the UK prime minister could announce something like : “ In the UK , we are proud to be able to demonstrate how a sector destroyed by Covid-19 has been rebuilt and how the UK event sector will continue to be a world leader not only in the delivery of events but in the world ’ s progress towards the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .”
As this article is starting with a made-up quote from a time in the future it makes sense to address the question of how realistic this future is . And based on ongoing conversations , existing trials and innovative collaborations , it is clear that with four steps , a new reality could be created for the UK events industry .
Step 1 : Demonstrate leadership In the lead up to COP26 , business sectors around the world are announcing carbon reduction targets .
In collaboration with UNFCCC ( the UN Climate Change Secretariat ) and in line with action being taken by fashion and sport sectors , the UK events industry could create a framework and trial UNFCCC measurement systems .
By COP26 , the UK Government could invite other countries to bring their event sectors into this framework . The opportunity for leadership is clear , as stated by Miguel Naranjo , programme officer at the UNFCCC secretariat . He said : “ We are witnessing many industry sectors mobilising to transform their narrative and actions . Public pressure for action is growing though . Those that do not start implementing serious action right now will be left behind . We encourage the events industry to use all opportunities to look at sustainability , skills and jobs under the same strategy for positive change , and to act with utmost urgency .”
Step 2 : Create a new narrative for the sector United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 has a target and indicator for enabling inclusive and participatory decision-making . In collaboration with UN SDG
“ Those that do not start implementing serious action right now will be left behind .”
Action and in Sustainability line with existing UN Acceleration Action frameworks , the UK events industy could communicate their value as being the enablers for SDG 16 and create new business opportunities with the world ’ s business and governments who have committed to the Sustainable Development Goals .
For example , Unicef UK are due to launch guidelines on the consideration of human and child rights when planning an event and the UK events industry could lead the world in sharing this best practice approach .
Step 3 : Build capacity In March 2020 , UK-based not-for-profit organisation Positive Impact Events began an upskilling programme which
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