The Research for Development Impact Conference 2021 (RDI) took place over a two-day period, from 1-2 July 2021, and was themed ‘Pathways through disruption – the future of sustainable development and recovery in the Pacific and Southeast Asia’. The focus on recovery refers to the impacts created by recent major disruptions (both positive and negative) at regional and global scales (not limited to COVID-19) and the innovation and opportunities emerging from those disruptions. The conference facilitated action-oriented and future-focused discussions on building a sustainable future for the Pacific and Southeast Asia in the face of current and anticipated future disruptions.
The conference was delivered using a hybrid medium, which allowed participants to present and engage either online, from anywhere in the world, or face-to-face. It also provided an opportunity for the student forum to showcase their research, initiatives, and innovation for the future of sustainable development and socio-economic recovery in the Pacific and Southeast Asian regions.
The RDI conference was designed to be a thought-provoking online experience initiated by a Pre-Conference Series, held from 7th to 29th June. Through combined live webinars and short pre-recorded videos, the pre-series generated interest, discussion, and knowledge sharing. On 30th June, an international student forum enabled students to hear from speakers, participate in workshops and learn about research and initiatives on sustainable development in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
The conference engaged more than 500 delegates globally and showcased a multitude of cross-sector online presentations from over 100 presenters.
The conference was the pinnacle of excellence in research and initiatives in sustainable development and resilient rebuilding. With over 50 hours of high-quality content containing keynotes, roundtables, paper presentations, and panel discussions, delegates had the opportunity to explore various selections emerging from global disruption.
Day 1 launched with a keynote from the frontline. From across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, five speakers raised thought-provoking perspectives and open dialogue on the importance of developing locally-led initiatives and the challenges and opportunities it posed.
On 2nd July, Day 2 commenced with research, insights, shared experiences, and networking with other delegates. The final day showcased 19 sessions and heard from leaders from across the Pacific, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Highlights of the last day were a keynote from Peter Varghese AO and a pre-recorded introduction to the special event of Education and Youth Block from Julia Gillard AC. The topics on both days of the conference covered four main themes: Pathways to Sustainable Development, Pathways to Improved Response and Recovery, Forging Pathways Through Collaboration and Partnerships, and Pathways to Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation.
The conference aimed to leave delegates invigorated to begin forging capacity building and sustainable development through research and collaboration.