The University of Worcester will host a special conference next month exploring the growing political, social, and economic divisions shaping the modern world, and how communities can work together toward a more sustainable future.
The conference, titled ‘Divided World, Shared Future’, will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 10am to 3.15pm, in the Conference Centre at the University’s St John’s Campus.
Organised by the University’s School of Science the Environment, the conference will bring together a panel of speakers, including Worcester MP Tom Collins, Steve Dent, Chair of Trustees at Worcester Community Garden, as well as academics from Worcester and Lancaster University, to examine how global instability is affecting everyday life, and what practical steps can be taken to create positive change.
The event comes amid growing concern worldwide about rising nationalism, geopolitical tensions, conflict, and the erosion of international cooperation. A recent United Nations report warned that communities and families are increasingly affected by inequality, mistrust in institutions, and environmental pressures.
Against this backdrop, the conference will explore key questions, including how today’s global trends and issues have emerged, what can be done to support action at local and national levels, and how we can strengthen sustainable traditions and build pathways toward a more resilient future.
The event is free to attend, open to all, and includes a complimentary lunch.
Alan Dixon, Professor of Sustainable Development at the University, said: “In a world that often feels increasingly divided, this conference offers an important opportunity for people to come together, share perspectives, and explore how we can collectively shape a fairer and more sustainable future.”
To book your free place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/development-conference-2026-divided-world-shared-future-tickets-1980554081573?aff=oddtdtcreator