Meetings, conferences and summits

Meetings, conferences and summits are common adaptive coping strategies. They can also potentially be transformative depending on the organisation, format and outcomes. The CINTRAN inventory recorded a wide range of meetings, conferences and summits, organised by many different actors. Governments at all levels use this strategy to discuss plans and opportunities for the future, problem solve intractable transition problems, and build partnerships. Businesses and NGOs also sometimes organise meetings when they see the need or opportunity to bring different groups together, often to discuss transition plans or renewable energy strategies.

Meetings, conference and summits can include businesses, local government branches, government ministers, NGOs, unions and civil society. Some are open and designed to include all actors with an interest in the issue in focus, while others gather together only certain sectors, or more elite decision makers. Meetings are usually planned when future pathways depend on the actions and decisions of more than one actor, or when there are significant conflicts to be resolved. They are occasionally successful in deciding on future actions. More frequently, they are a part of a longer dialogue and decision process as relevant actors incrementally cope with the ongoing transition.

Meetings, conferences and summits take place at all transitions stages.