SEVENTEENx Perth: A Platform for Sustainable Innovation and Thought Leadership

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SEVENTEENx Perth: A Platform for Sustainable Innovation and Thought Leadership

Thursday, 05 September 2024

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SEVENTEENx, a platform designed to unite sustainability advocates, innovators, and enthusiasts, recently held an impactful event at Perth’s Town Hall on the 28^th of August.

SEVENTEENx, with the support of ECU School of Business and Law for the third year in a row, is committed to driving progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering collaboration across various sectors, from business and academia to non-profits and government.

The Perth event attracted a diverse audience eager to explore how these global goals can be translated into local action, through embedding them into their business, community and personal practices.

The event opened with speakers exploring the use of impact measurements to help organisations create wellbeing in their teams (Huber Social), the complexities of transitioning Australia’s energy from traditional fossil fuel sources to renewables (AEMO), and building a human focus to leadership practice (Modern People).

After a break allowing attendees to network and digest the topics over purposeful discussions, the stage welcomed speakers who turned our attention to the changing climate reporting landscape that sees Australia actioning its commitment to the Paris Agreement (RSM) and how a circular economy mindset is essential in meeting the boundaries of the planet (GHD).

One of the event's highlights was a thought-provoking presentation by ECU’s Vice-Chancellor Professorial Research Fellow and Professor of Sustainable Tourism at ECU School of Business and Law, Professor Mostafa Rasoolimanesh,

Professor Rasoolimanesh shared his expertise on sustainable tourism through a destination-based lens, offering fresh insights into how tourism can be developed to benefit both the local community and the environment.

Professor Rasoolimanesh posed a crucial question that lies at the heart of sustainable tourism: Should the ultimate goal of tourism be the well-being and quality of life of residents — the true owners of these destinations — or the enjoyment of tourists?

This question, he argued, is fundamental in shaping the direction of tourism development. By prioritising the well-being of residents, tourism can evolve into a tool for sustainable development that enriches local communities and preserves the cultural and natural heritage of destinations.

The SEVENTEENx event in Perth served as an inspiring platform for discussing how the 17 Goals provide a rich framework to guide sustainability across all sectors and organisations. It brought together a vibrant community of individuals passionate about making a positive impact on the world, one project at a time.

The event continues to be a beacon for those dedicated to advancing the SDGs, offering a space for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. Events like these are vital in creating a shared vision for a more sustainable and equitable future through supporting the well-being of both people and the planet.

The School of Business and Law are a proud supporter of SEVENTEENx and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, if you would like to know more about the SDG’s and be a part of this global movement visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals

School of Business and Law