'A century of challenges, a day of debates' - The 21CC: challenges of our century conference 2016

Past Event

Date
27 February 2016, 10:30am - 5:00pm

Location
Mathematical Institute
Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG

1453763296

The 21CC: challenges of our century conference aims to engage the Oxford student community to discuss and debate the most pressing global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

In collaboration with the Oxford Martin School, a world renowned champion of interdisciplinary research, the conference offers Oxford-based students an unmissable opportunity to hear the exchange of ideas between international recognised policy makers, business leaders and leading experts.

Speakers and sessions include:

Introduction from Professor Ian Goldin, Director of the Oxford Martin School

Global Species Extinction: How will it affect us?

Species extinction is a natural process; it’s estimated over 99% of all the species which ever lived are now extinct. The difference between ‘normal’ extinction and today is the scale. The rate of extinction is 100-1000 times the background rate, indicating a possible new mass extinction event, something which has only occurred five times in the earth's history. With humanity drawing medicine, sustenance, recreation and livelihoods from the living world would a biologically impoverished world make it difficult for humanity to survive and if not should we still be gravely concerned?

  • Clive Hambler, Stipendiary Lecturer in Biological and Human Sciences, University of Oxford
  • Martin Hughes-Games, Television Presenter and Producer
  • Dr Tom Thornton, Director of the MSc in Environmental Change and Management, University of Oxford

A new Era of International Conflict? Between Military Intervention and Mass Migration

International conflict today occurs in a new form; conflicts have no clearly defined frontlines and the consequences of their destruction can no longer be ignored by the outside world, yet intervening has often resulted in chaos. There are an ever increasing number of civil wars whose consequences go far beyond national borders and have forced millions of people to travel across the globe in search of security. All of this points to the necessity of a long-term solution, but is that possible?

  • Julian Borger, World Affairs Editor, The Guardian
  • Professor Guy Goodwin-Gill, Barrister and Emeritus Professor of International Refugee Law, Univeristy of Oxford
  • Dr Annette Idler Director of Studies, Changing Character of War Programme and Research Associate, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford

Health: When Can We Expect Gender Equality?

Inequality exists in both health outcomes and initiatives and social, geographical and biological differences defines this. Women tend to live longer than men, and low-income countries have lower life expectancies than high-income countries. Despite the numerous health and social issues women face the focus has long been on their role as reproducers and with health the focus is heavily on maternity. With action towards greater equality in social determinants of health, can we then expect gender equality?

  • Professor Sian Griffiths, Healthcare Consultant, Specialist for Education and Training , Healthcare UK
  • Professor Judith Stephenson, Margaret Pyke Professor of Reproductive and Sexual Health, UCL
  • Professor Charlotte Watts, Chief Scientific Adviser for the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID)

A Homogeneous World? Global Culture and the Future of Mankind

A defining feature of the modern era is its interconnectivity; the scale and number of flows in goods, species, ideas and people occurs on a level never before seen on our planet. What is less clear is whether this is a positive. Is more lost than gained in a globalized world? And indeed who stands to benefit? As the parts of the globe which can still be called ‘remote’ become fewer and fewer we must ask ourselves are we witnessing the beginning of a brave new world, or the end of a diverse and colourful one.

  • This panel will be selected from panellists from the previous topics

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.21cc-oxford.com

Early bird tickets are available from £6 http://www.21cc-oxford.com/buy-your-ticket.html