I have an agenda

I have an agenda. Writing that statement I used to experience alot of meaning behind those 4 little words. ‘Who am I to have an agenda’, ‘If you have an agenda it’s the same as having an evil plan’, ‘agendas are what dictators have’ etc etc However for the first time ever ‘I have an agenda’ means something different to me- it means I have a strong, unwavering commitment to something that is needed and I am ready to use my voice to make it happen.

My agenda is that by the time the world’s most important conference for climate action happens (COP26 November 2021) the event sector has a Climate Action Framework. In other words like other sectors the event sector will have a target for reduction in carbon use and will have a reduction plan.

(For anyone who pays attention to climate change and global business/government approach to it they are probably reading this blog and thinking ‘that is the most obvious agenda I have ever known’.)

However there is more to this agenda than the big idea - the agenda I have includes the steps to take for this idea to become a reality. For example the event sector creating the Climate Action Plan under the auspices of UNFCCC (the UN body which acts on climate change) so it is credible and allows the sector to engage at a global and business level).

The agenda I have includes a programme of stakeholder engagement and research so that anyone in the event sector can have their say and every sustainability initiatives is included as ways the reduction plan could be achieved. This part of the agenda needs funding of £30,000 (€35,000 or $41,000). The funding amount is the same as a one day face to face conference of 200 with a day delegate rate of £150 per head. In other words this is not alot of funding.

I’ve had this agenda for a while yet I’ve often found myself being too reasonable about it.

This week after exchanges on a Linked In post I realised how I have been being reasonable and almost apologetic for my agenda. Someone commented ‘The Climate Action Framework is not only important to Fiona but also to all of us who have been doing the work and contributing where we can’ and at that moment I realised I’m just the voice for the agenda- its not mine. All those fears and concerns I had about it being wrong to have an agenda disappeared. All my reasonableness with industry associations, major companies and others to turn away from funding this disappeared. I am voicing an agenda which is vital for future generations to be able to meet. I am voicing an agenda so others can participate and be included in the creation of a carbon target and reduction plan which no one can say the event sector does not need.

I have an agenda and I’m proud of it.

(Post Script: On Earth Day 2021 the Positive Impact team will be providing opportunities for anyone to contribute to this agenda in a way that addressees the financial and research needs. To get involved or if you are reading this blog after April 22nd and want to hear how it went please see http://www.positiveimpactevents.com)