Fabian Society - the UK’s oldest think-tank - Fabian Society New Year Conference 2008: 'Change the World'

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The Fabian events programme hosts some of the most prominent public events in British politics. We hold major conferences, lectures and public debates and small invitation only expert policy seminars, including our prestigious Fabian Policy Networks working with a wide range of partner organisations. The events programme can be viewed here , or in our online calendar.

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Fabian Society New Year Conference 2008: 'Change the World'

Saturday 19 January 2008

David Miliband predicts that 'civilian surge' will reshape global politics as over 700 people debate ideas to change the world at the Fabian new year conference.

Britain must become a 'global hub' to deal with fundamental shifts in power from west to east, and from governments to civilians, David Miliband told the Fabian New Year Conference 'Change the World'.

Over 700 delegates debated with 50 leading speakers - on issues including how George Bush's departure could lead to change in global politics, what the rise of Asia means, Britain's role in Europe and the lessons of Iraq.

Key issues under the spotlight were how democracies fight terrorism, a fair deal on climate change, pressure for a just Middle East peace, migration and prospects for a diplomatic resolution on Iran.

Ed Miliband chaired two sessions at the conference, seeking delegates' ideas for the next Labour party manifesto. The final 'one idea to change the world' plenary debate saw delegates back the proposal from Anne Campbell to support a 'poppies for medicine' campaign to licence poppy production in Afghanistan, to deal with a worldwide morphine shortage and improve local livelihoods; and for a European civil volunteering exchange project, proposed by Dan Whittle.

The biggest UK public conference on global politics, held in association with media partners: