Wednesday 14 December, 14:00–17:00

Eriksbergshallen, Gothenburg

The Gothenburg Award Seminar 2011 will introduce AGRA, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and the Tigray project, as well as a panel discussing “Sustainable Food Production in Africa – Opportunities and Challenges” with a particular focus on the relationship between growth and sustainability – is it possible to achieve? The seminar will also discuss opportunities and challenges for Swedish companies and organizations to be present and take part – also on commercial terms – in the sustainable development of sustainable societies and food supply chains in Africa.

 

Agriculture can be a significant driving force for sustainable development in society, through ecological, social and financial means. This is of particular importance in Africa, where the conditions are difficult and an increasing number of people are facing hunger.

 

The topics will be discussed by a panel with extraordinary knowledge and experience of the field:

• Lena Ek, Minister of Environment of the Swedish Government, former Member of the European Parliament and the Committee on Industry, Transport, Research and Industry
• Göran Djurfeldt, professor, Lund University, expert in development of the African agricultural sector, smallholders, markets and policies
• Svante Axelsson, Secretary-general of Swedish Association for the Protection of Nature
• Marie Louise Elmgren, head of communication, Zoégas
• Dr Tesfai Tecle, Special Advisor to Kofi Annan, Agra
• Sue Edwards, initiator of the Tigray Project

The seminar will be moderated by Annika Åhnberg, former Swedish Minister of Agriculture. Jan Eliasson, former Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, will make a brief presentation.

 

The Gothenburg Award for Sustainable Development 2011 has been awarded to the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and chairman of AGRA, Mr Kofi Annan, and to the Tigray Project in Ethiopia – both of which visualize successful and promising  efforts against poverty and for a sustainable food supply. 

 

The seminar will be followed by the Award Ceremony, with the presence of Mr Kofi Annan and Ms Sue Edwards, initiator of the Tigray project. 

 

Participants of the award ceremony:

Kofi Annan and Sue Edwards

Jan Eliasson, former chairman of the General Assembly of the U.N.

Annlie Hulthén, chairman of the Gothenburg Award

John Holmberg, chairman of the jury of the Gothenburg Award

Lena Ek, Secretary of the Department of Environment

Carl Bennet, vice chairman of the Gothenburg Award

Marie Louise Elmgren, head of communication, Zoégas 

Moderator: Anna Åhnberg