In partnership with Stanford’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, this conference is designed to strengthen the community of scholars at the intersection of civil society and sustainability, and advance scholarship and insights on the roles civil society serve in sustainability efforts.

Session themes for the conference include:

• Understanding and sharing to envision the future: Ways of knowing, exploration, discovery, and innovative approaches and technologies.
• Challenges and aspirations of the Pacific ocean and communities: What are the challenges facing this region and what are the aspirations for the future we want?
• Solutions for the Pacific ocean and people: What are solutions that could meet those challenges and help build a sustainable future?

The conference brings together scholars, leaders from around the Pacific, stakeholders and rights-holders, national governments, and philanthropic organizations to share knowledge and perspectives on the potential paths to connecting and supporting Pacific community futures.

Invited and contributed presentations identify challenges, needs, gaps, and pathways for a sustainable and just future. In addition, there are two panels: one that brings together philanthropic representatives to discuss opportunities to support communities toward greater resilience and sustainability, and a second panel that brings together decision-makers to discuss efforts to unite conservation and development.