The World Leisure Organization (WLO), the international body dedicated to promoting leisure as a force for human growth, development and wellbeing, is to present an online panel discussion as an official side event at the upcoming United Nations High Level Political Forum (UN HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
Organized by the World Leisure Organization (WLO) in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies (CALS), the China-International Leisure Research Association (CILRA), the Leisure Studies Association (LSA) of the United Kingdom and The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) of the USA, the panel discussion - which can be viewed as an online webinar - is held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
With the theme 'Leisure as a Catalyst: Empowering Communities and Alleviating Poverty', the event will delve into the critical importance of integrating leisure into policies aimed at eradicating poverty and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - recognising leisure's potential to foster social inclusion and enhance community well-being, the panel will explore sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions, particularly for marginalised communities.
It will be moderated by Joanne Schroeder, WLO Chair, Vancouver Island University, Canada and will feature a panel of experts who will share their insights and experiences:
• Rasul Mowatt (WLO), Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, USA
• Jackie Oncescu (CALS), Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Canada
• Erwei Dong (CILRA), New York University and The University of The Ryukyus, USA/Japan
• Bailey Ashton Adie (LSA), Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland
• Lauren Nicole Duffy (TALS), Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, USA
The event is being held on Tuesday 16th July 2024 (Wednesday 17th July in Australia, New Zealand and East Asia) at the following times:
5am to 6am AEST Wednesday 17th July
9pm to 10pm CEST Tuesday 16th July
3pm to 4pm EDT Tuesday 16th July
Click here for more information.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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