Engaging Communities – Presentations from the Brisbane conference

In August 2005 the Government of the State of Queensland, Australia with the support of the United Nations, hosted the first International Conference on Engaging Communities.

The Conference was attended by over 2000 delegates from 44 countries attending to share experiences and network with colleagues old and new.

Diverse issues relating to community engagement were discussed and speakers addressed the experiences, challenges and research which affect all citizens, governments and organisations alike.

The objectives of this Conference were to:

• promote understanding of the concept of engagement and participative practices and its role in good governance
• explore ‘what works’, showcase innovation and promote good practice
• share practice knowledge across the globe, at local, regional and state levels; and promote learnings across disciplines and sectors
• discuss and develop conceptual and theoretical frameworks and directions for the future and the evidence base which underpins this practice
• build understanding and evidence of leadership, capacity and capability issues for citizens/community and government/institutions
• create ongoing national and international networks and collaboration creating communities of interest around the issue.

The program design encouraged open dialogue and the development and maintenance of productive relationships between governments/organisations and citizens/clients and other stakeholders.

The Conference culminated in the Brisbane Declaration on Community Engagement

Follow this link to access Conference Presentations and abstracts; Brisbane Declaration on Community Involvement; Delegate List (opens in a new browser window)