CSIN Conference: Accountability through Measurement

The Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network (CSIN) is hosting the 2nd National CSIN Conference in Toronto from March 2 to 5, 2010 (Mark your calendars!) In conjunction with that conference, they have an extended a Call for Papers -- submit a short abstract by July 15, 2009. More information is available at CSIN.

The conference looks pretty exciting. Featured guest speakers include Enrico Giovannini, who is fun to listen to and will be able to report on what happened at the OECD’s Charting Progress, Building Visions, Improving Life World Forum in South Korea on October 2009, and Hazel Henderson, who is absolutely fabulous and one of the really amazing thinkers about future sustainability and the key role indicators can play in redefining what's important. (And I double-checked -- you don't have to be Canadian to attend!)

Here's what Christa Rust, CSIN Coordinator, has to say about the conference:

It will showcase an exciting, thought-provoking array of plenary and parallel sessions on vital topics all geared towards strengthening accountability through measurement. The Conference will give delegates the chance to connect with special guest speakers, CSIN members, fellow measurement and reporting practitioners, and to actively participate in a wide range of solutions-based, practical learning workshops. You’ll discuss everything from Accountability through Measurement and the growing role of community indicators to the positive effects that indicators systems and evidence-based decisionmaking are achieving in the world, today.

As many of you are aware, CSIN is housed in the Measurement and Assessment program area at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Head Office in Winnipeg. We connect the Institute with international, national, provincial, regional and local communities. Since 2003, our Network has played a key role in the progress toward sustainable development by advancing best practices in measurement and indicator systems across Canada and beyond.

Now as our membership nears 1,000, next March is an ideal time for us to meet and talk, share ideas and insights and look to the future. Accountability through Measurement is our theme. Why? Because the question of how one accurately gauges progress towards social, economic and environmental sustainability–is one of the most profound governance challenges of this century. The focus of our 2010 conference: Measurement Solutions at Work. Our workshops and plenary discussions are geared for professionals eager to learn practical techniques that demonstrate how to develop and evaluate indicator systems and put them to use wherever they work.

2010 Conference themes are: Strengthening Sustainable Development Governance through Measurement, Getting the Message Across – Innovation in the Visualization of Indicators, From Information to Influence–Incorporating Indicators into Decision-Making, Experiences and Best Practices, and The Business of Sustainability Indicators.

Designed to peak your interest, spark lively discussions and directly benefit you in your workplace, workshops will be recorded and available after the event – for a nominal fee – to all CSIN members.

Don’t miss our Special Guest Speakers: Enrico Giovannini of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and from Ethical Markets – author, futurist and syndicated columnist – Hazel Henderson.