Human activities are driving changes in the world climate at an accelerating speed. The consequences pose one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. The impacts of climate change are a massive threat to development – especially for poor countries, which are hit first and hardest.

Adapting to climate change is a necessity, not a choice – the world must pick up the pace. We must adapt our economy, infrastructure and environment to function according to the climatic changes we are inevitably facing. New solutions are required. Business and governments need to work together to produce real change, to help create a sustainable “green” economy, with low climate risks.

How can business actors, development organisations and governments come together and support sustainable development at all levels?

How can developing and developed countries create new solutions together?

How can development partners influence and accelerate change?

These are the main themes for the seminar, which is aimed at private and public financial institutions, companies, international organizations and civil society representatives from Southeast Asia and Sweden. Around 150–200 delegates are expected to attend. One goal is to use the result of the seminar as input to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.