For the second time, EfD’s Annual Meeting was an online event, due to the pandemic. 324 people registered for the meeting, a little less than in 2020. This year the last day was dedicated to the collaboration with IDRC*, on the setting of a research agenda for a low carbon transition. There was also more focus on the collaborative programs.
Although many people miss meeting in person, there are of course also advantages with an on-line set-up. Apart from being more environmental-friendly, it also allows for people who ordinarily would not attend, to join the meeting.
“A lot of individuals who are not currently part of the EfD network showed an interest in submitting and presenting research and listening to the presentations,” says Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah, EfD’s Research Manager.
“That creates opportunities for us to involve more people in our collaborative programs.”
Constructive discussions
Overall, there were fewer research submissions than what’s normal for the Annual Meeting. On the other hand, that created a possibility to dedicate one day to the extensive collaboration with the IDRC, which involves some of the collaborative programs and a great part of the EfD network.
“We had very constructive discussions which gave us great momentum,” says Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah.
There was also more focus on the collaborative programs. Their meetings during the parallel sessions provided a good opportunity to showcase what they are doing and what their plans and strategies for the future are.
A common thread in the keynote presentations
The three keynote speakers made very appreciated presentations. There was a common thread, climate change, that they highlighted from different perspectives. Yonas Alem talked about the impact of climatic shocks on the livestock sector in developing countries. Elizabeth Robinson’s topic was the links between climate change, food security, and health. Finally, Alexandre Antonelli highlighted the connections between climate change and biodiversity, economy, and social wellbeing.
“Their presentations were very interesting and the timing, in close connection to COP26, underlines how relevant they are,” reflects Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah.
How would you summarize this year’s Annual Meeting?
“It showed the strength of EfD’s collaboration groups, and how well we embrace new partners such as the IDRC.
We didn’t get the chance to meet in person, but everyone did a great job in pulling it together. A big thanks to the Global Hub for hosting, to the keynote speakers, the chairs, the presenters, the discussants, the collaboratives and their leaders, and last but not least, the IDRC-group.”
By: Petra Hansson
* You find more information about EfD’s collaboration with the IDRC on an actionable research agenda for a low carbon transition here.
If you missed the keynote presentations, you can see them here.