Liverpool summit ponders key issues
01/06/2008


Development Minister Shahid Malik

Around 1,000 international delegates attending a week long conference in Liverpool are to be given the opportunity to quiz some of the world’s political, business and spiritual leaders on a range of topics.

Billed as a mini-version of the United Nations, delegates at The Big Hope will hear keynote speeches from some of the world’s most influential people and debate a wide range of issues including human rights, global co-existence, international development, education, arts, sport and culture – all critical topics of the day.

Hosted by Liverpool Hope University between 4th and 11th June 2008, The Big Hope is the University’s official contribution to Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture celebrations.

Event organisers say that world events and the pace of change are overwhelming young people and encouraging apathy. The Big Hope aims to provide a much-needed opportunity to bring together potential future world leaders to inspire and motivate them to make a difference in the world.

Major international names confirmed so far include:
•Cherie Booth, QC, wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
•President of the Republic of Ireland Mary McAleese
•Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor
•Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks
•Stephen Green, Group Chairman HSBC
•Archbishop of York, John Sentamu
•Bryan Sanderson, former Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank
•Dr Abdul Kalam, former President of India



Muhammad Ashafa, the Iman of Kaduna and his co-director from the Inter-Faith Meditation Centre in Nigeria Rev James Movel Wuye; Sir Stephen Wall and Professor Stanley Wells are also included in the impressive line up.

Professor Bill Chambers, Director of The Big Hope said: “This event is a truly global congress, which has attracted some of the biggest names in politics, religion, business, the environment, human rights and culture. Never before has such an event taken place for young, future leaders to gather together and learn from world experts and inspirational leaders.

“Disengagement and apathy are two of the main factors preventing the next generation of world leaders developing. We believe that the dynamic of putting together 1,000 young delegates and a range of today’s world leaders, will generate serious and sparky debate the like of which is uncommon in today’s world.

“I look forward to welcoming both speakers and delegates to Liverpool, to what I’m sure will be one of the highlights of the European Capital of Culture Year.”

The congress is expected to attract 250 UK delegates and 750 from 44 countries around the world. It will run from 4th June to 11th June 2008 and will use a range of venues in Liverpool including the Philharmonic Hall and both breathtaking cathedrals.

As a major sponsor and sharing key priorities, the Department for International Development (DFID) welcomes the opportunity to support Liverpool Big Hope. Development Minister Shahid Malik will call upon young people of all faiths to combine forces, irrespective of faith, background and political persuasion to work together to help combat poverty in developing countries.

Source: ALARAB ONLINE