Shaping a Sustainable Future: Inside the Global Innovation Summit 2024 at Queen’s University Belfast

09:00

Whitla Hall

Welcome to GIS 2024: Day 1

09:30

Whitla Hall

Agenda Introduction and Logistics

09:35

Whitla Hall

Keynote Speaker: Brian Cox CBE FRS – CERN Physicist and Broadcaster

Exploring the Universe

Brian brings scientific discovery to life for millions. He is also a leading experimental physicist, helping to recreate the conditions 1/000000000th of a second after Big Bang “to confirm the universe’s underlying simplicity.” With breathtaking images, Brian shows how science shocks and excites our imagination, as well as bringing humanity together. He also sets out the case for co-ordinated investment in science as key to job creation and growth.

10:35

Whitla Hall

Panel: Accelerating Global Sustainable Development Goals and Economic Inclusiveness

The climate crisis remains a critical issue, and countries and businesses are struggling to address it without jeopardizing the lives of various segments of society. People in advanced economies are raising their voices to protest initiatives that are perceived as eroding their quality of life, while people in emerging nations demand to be included as partners in global prosperity.

This equation is compounded by technological change and the rise of AI, which brings great promise but will also cause major shifts in job markets and societies. Innovation is essential to address this complex scenario at all levels, from policy frameworks to education and training models, from business models to institutions. In this session, GFCC Board Members will review the state of competitiveness in the world and share insights and concrete recommendations on how to break perceived trade-offs between sustainability, technological acceleration, and inclusiveness.

11:20

Whitla Hall

Navigating the AI Revolution: Preparing for a World of Digital Transformation

Join AI expert Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia, for a thought-provoking session exploring the key issues emerging alongside the rise of AI and digitalization. Hulme will share his view of the ethical considerations, societal impact, and transformative potential of AI and other emerging technologies and offer insights for universities and businesses to navigate this evolving landscape and prepare for the future of work.

12:05

Whitla Hall

Launch of GFCC Call to Action

During this session, GFCC leadership will introduce the “Accelerate Global Sustainability and Economic Inclusiveness” Call-to-Action and comment on some of the key proposals highlighted in this flagship document co-created with the GFCC community.

12:15

Whitla Hall

GFCC Members and Fellows Photo

A photo of all GFCC members and fellows in attendance will be taken during this time.

12:20

Lunch

*Private Lunch for speakers/guests*

Time available for attendees to view exhibition space

13:30

Whitla Hall

Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy

The energy transition demands bold innovation. In this session, Stephen Gallagher, Director of Strategy for Energy Customer Solutions at SSE, will showcase cutting-edge innovations propelling the energy transition. Discover how SSE is leading the charge in developing and implementing solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. Gain valuable insights into the technologies and strategies shaping the future of energy.

13:45

Whitla Hall

Panel: Seizing the Decarbonization Opportunity

Decarbonization poses opportunities for investment and new business development while requiring innovation across the board. However, it also comes with risks and challenges, as the development of any new industry inevitably does.

To realize the energy transition opportunity and decarbonize industries, the world needs new technologies to be translated into real-world applications. Achieving acceptable price points and finding early adopters of these technologies is critical. In this panel session, participants will share lessons learned on how to navigate decarbonization processes from policy, business, and community perspectives.

14:30

Whitla Hall

Keynote Speaker: Minette Batters

Bridging Food security & One Health is pivotal to society

14:55

Whitla Hall

Panel Conversation: Harnessing Partnership to Advance Food Security and One Health

The challenge of providing the worlds growing population with access to safe, affordable and nutritious food all the time and in ways our planet can sustain and against backdrop of climate change and biodiversity loss continues to be a major challenge for society.

The Covid-19 pandemic has illuminated the deep connection between animals, humans and the wider planetary environment and a One Health approach is receiving increased political attention as a solution to some of the greatest health threats we face today including increasing zoonotic disease emergence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety and security.  Our panel of experts will discuss the inextricable links between Global Food Security and One Health and argue that enhanced and accelerated innovation, investment and partnership are required to support society.

15:40

Peter Froggatt Centre

Transition to workshops

GIS 2024 organisers will introduce the workshops, explain the dynamics and direct participants to their respective locations.

The GIS 2024 workshops will be progressive dialogues that will build on the ideas discussed in the day’s plenary panel conversations. Each workshop will begin with the moderator highlighting key recommendations and ideas from the panels. Following this, kick-off discussants will provide their insights and suggestions for advancing the agenda related to the workshop’s theme.

After all discussants have shared their views, the floor will open for additional contributions, with the moderator potentially inviting comments from plenary session moderators present. The workshop will conclude with the moderator summarizing the three key recommendations for the thematic area.

15:55

Peter Froggatt Centre

Workshop 1: Seizing the Decarbonization Opportunity

15:55

Peter Froggatt Centre

Workshop 2: Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy

Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy

15:55

Peter Froggatt Centre

Workshop 3: Food Security & One Health: innovation to accelerate solutions and improve economic growth, climate resilience and the nation’s health

15:55

Peter Froggatt Centre

Workshop 4: Advancing Resources Productivity

15:55

Peter Froggatt Centre

Workshop 5: Accelerating Sustainability and Inclusiveness Through R&D

17:10

Whitla Hall

Panel Conversation: Advancing Global Sustainability – Key Recommendations & Feedback from Workshops

This final panel discussion on Day 1 will review the key recommendations that emerged from the workshops. Participants will engage in a lively discussion, share the key recommendations, and debate what is needed to turn those into action across sectors, from the local to the global level.

17:55

Whitla Hall

Wrap up

19:00

Queen’s Business School

Datathon at Queen’s Business School in Partnership with Alteryx

This is an exclusive event for 150 pre-selected students.

Queen’s Business School, Queen’s School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing and Alteryx will conduct a dynamic datathon where 150 students will use their skills and creativity to solve a complex sustainability challenge and showcase their talent in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

19:30

Dinner

*For invited guests only*