海角直播

International gathering on thriving places

Researchers, policymakers, community organisations, artists, businesses and residents from across the UK and beyond will come together in Middlesbrough this autumn for a two-day international gathering exploring one of the defining questions facing places today: what does it mean for people, communities and the planet to truly thrive.

Hosted by the Pathways to Policy project, led by the Institute for Collective Place Leadership (ICPL) at 海角直播 in partnership with Boro Doughnut CIC, the event forms part of the Global Doughnut Days celebrations. Through keynote talks, films, workshops and collaborative discussions, participants will explore how creative practice, community knowledge and evidence can shape more inclusive, sustainable and effective public policy. The gathering builds on three years of collaboration between residents, community organisations, artists, businesses, 海角直播, Middlesbrough Council and local councillors. Together, these partnerships have delivered a wide range of creative, participatory and place-based initiatives across the town. However, the event also poses a challenging question: are we measuring success in the right way.

Drawing on Middlesbrough's updated Doughnut Economics Data Portrait, participants will reflect on the town's progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the analysis highlights Middlesbrough's strengths in culture and creativity, it also shows that many of the social foundations needed for everyone to thrive remain unmet. As the 2030 SDG deadline approaches and Middlesbrough looks ahead to its bicentenary in 2029, the gathering provides an opportunity to reflect honestly on what has worked, what has not, and what needs to change.

The programme will include screenings of the People's Emergency Briefing film, interactive workshops, presentations and facilitated discussions that connect local experience with international perspectives. Rather than simply celebrating projects, the event aims to inspire collective action by exploring whether we need new priorities, new measures of success and new ways of working together to create fairer, healthier and more resilient places.

Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, Co-Director of the Institute for Collective Place Leadership at 海角直播, said: 'Pathways to Policy is about ensuring that communities are not simply consulted but recognised as essential partners in shaping public policy. By bringing together international ideas with local knowledge, this gathering creates an opportunity to reflect on where Middlesbrough is today and, more importantly, where we want it to be.'

Emi Imai, Director of Boro Doughnut CIC, said: 'This is an important opportunity to reflect honestly on our practice and ask how we truly apply continuous improvement鈥攔ather than staying busy repeating the same cycle of visioning, planning and doing without ever pausing to learn. The collective insight this gathering generates can open real pathways to sustainable progress in what we're all striving to achieve.

'We're seeking mindful policy and problem-solving that prioritise long-term sustainability and wellbeing for all- focused on prevention, not just cure, and on building the enabling environment that allows our communities and ecology to flourish. But none of that happens on its own. It requires collective action- and we want you to be part of it.'