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BRISBANE will bring together some of the world’s most influential thinkers in a bold new venture to capitalise on the city’s status as the “capital of the world” when it hosts the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit in November.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk (pictured) says the Brisbane Global Cafe will be a first for a G20 host city but he hopes the concept would be adopted by other G20 cities in the future.
The “cafe” will explore a number of issues around improving human life, developing cities that match future needs, powering the future economy and workforce needs, and exploring the emerging frontiers of tourism.
The global cafe will consist of a two-day event featuring speakers, workshops and media conferences in the week of the G20, as well as a series of events between July and November and an online information and discussion forum.
The Brisbane Global Cafe website is now live and speakers for the events are expected to be announced over coming months.
“While the official Brisbane G20 summit will focus on achieving stronger economic and employment growth and dealing with future economic shocks, the Brisbane Global Cafe will fill the gaps on issues such as improving human life, technology and design,” says Quirk.
“The Brisbane Global Cafe is a new concept and a tradition we wish to start for G20 host cities to enrich the G20 experience. We’re aiming to create a thought-leadership program that deepens the global conversation and champions issues of particular importance to Brisbane.
“This is an important component of our plans to use the G20 to ensure Brisbane becomes well known across the globe. Our international reputation is important to our future jobs and living standards as we seek to attract more tourists, investors and students.
“Brisbane is an international centre for research and innovation.”
“Brisbane’s entrepreneurial culture encourages investment and fresh thinking evident in everything from our architecture and major infrastructure to our reputation for fostering scientific breakthroughs and our embracing of the digital age.
“With up to 3000 of the world’s top journalists in Brisbane for the G20, there will never be a better time to discuss compelling subjects at the heart of human aspiration.
“Hosting the G20 is a once-in-a-generation chance for Brisbane to step up and take its place among the emerging new world cities of the 21st century.”
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