Key Recent Milestones:
· Vietnam: Global Actions is supporting actions by Pernod Ricard which aim to address harmful drinking amongst university students. The new responsible drinking campaign was launched in June with an event at the University of Transport and Communications in Hanoi.
Global Actions in Focus: Global Actions Conference
Plans are progressing for the upcoming conference “Global Actions: Initiatives to Reduce Harmful Drinking” to be held in Washington, D.C. from October 8 and 9, 2012. The first of its kind globally, the international conference aims to raise awareness about industry’s work in support of the WHO Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Chief Executives from ICAP sponsor companies, including Brown Forman’s Paul Varga and ABInBev’s Carlos Brito, are scheduled as keynote speakers at the opening session offering their perspectives on the role industry plays in reducing harmful drinking. President of the Responsible Retailing Forum Dr. Brad Krevor will offer insights on the contribution retailers and sellers make in ensuring responsible drinking. Communications and programs supported by industry which aim at engaging consumers about responsible drinking will be presented by Diageo’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Carolyn Panzer.
Day One will proceed with interactive break out discussions continued from the morning plenary presentations featuring experts, researchers and case studies from around the world. Also that same afternoon, ICAP Senior Vice President Brett Bivans will lead the discussion on the importance of data exchange to shape policy and programs, LTG Associates’ Dr. Alberto Bouroncle will chair a discussion of the essential role monitoring and evaluation plays in targeting initiatives, and ICAP Deputy President Dr. Marjana Martinic will facilitate inputs from experts on competing interests.
The second day of the conference will focus on industry commitments to Global Actions and review the past two and a half years of initiatives with participation from partners in the 27 Global Actions countries. Global Alcohol Producers Group Director General Mark Leverton will present an overview of Global Actions work. Breakout sessions are set to follow in the areas of noncommercial alcohol, self-regulation, drink drive, and education in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Channel Research’s Emery Brusset will present a summary of findings from an evaluation of the Global Actions initiatives.
Pernod Ricard CEO Pierre Pringuet is scheduled to speak at the closing of the conference and share his vision on future industry commitment to reducing harmful drinking. Visit the conference website for updates to the agenda and to register to attend.
What’s Happening Next:
· Brazil: The Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development is being held June 20 to 22 in Rio de Janeiro. The Conference will mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
