Welcome Notes

Tania de Jong AM, Founder & Executive Producer Ci Global

After the overwhelming success of Ci2010 and Ci2011, I am excited and delighted to invite you to join us at the Paris-end of Melbourne this spring. The theme of Ci2012 is “WICKED PROBLEMS, GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! Leadership and Courage in Volatile Times”.

This very important conversation is designed to bring about a manifesto for change in ourselves, our organisations, our communities and our world.

Ci2012 will be a place to connect, create, change, explore, question, share and learn. A place to be entertained and inspired. A place to re-invent the future. The event is bringing together the diverse voices of some of the leading speakers, thinkers, entrepreneurs, innovators, futurists, educators and leaders in our world today. Ci2012 is an international community-wide, cross-sector program for leaders and emerging leaders.

The challenge of the 21st century is to transform our organisations to adapt flexibly and rapidly to the ever-changing, complex and volatile environments we face. We will have to reduce cost structures while increasing productivity, adopt new ways of working and invent business models that challenge old ways of thinking. We have to maintain our commitment to innovation and growth. The world needs leadership, invention and courage now more than ever. We need audacity not austerity.

We believe our program is important for anyone interested in leading change and achieving business success as creativity and innovation are the strategic tools for our future. This is a rare opportunity to learn, connect and share ideas across sectors with some of the world’s most influential thinkers under one roof. Together we will unlock some wicked problems and discover bold ideas and great business opportunities that spark a revolution for courage and change

As John F. Kennedy said: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

We look forward to your company at this world class, future-shaping event.  This promises to be another unforgettable experience.

Hugh Morgan AC – Ambassador Ci Global

Global change and local complexities have created “wicked”, almost unsolvable problems. They also create incredible opportunities for innovation, development and success. In its third year this ground-breaking Creative Innovation event is bringing together a unique tour de force of innovators, leaders, learning and ideas to inspire and enrich you and your colleagues.

Through these world class speakers and the interactive, future-shaping symposium you will be motivated to greater levels of courage and leadership to face the challenges and find the opportunities in this volatile world. Ci 2012 is a very special opportunity not to be missed.

Sir Gustav Nossal AC, CBE, FRS, FAA – Ambassador Ci Global

The great age of science is increasingly connecting into the world of business in helping to advance and transform our society and communities. In the field of health research, environmental solutions or the advancement of education, science and its twin, technology, are delivering answers and a world of possibilities like we’ve never seen before. But with these possibilities come wicked problems as well as great opportunities.

Creative Innovation 2012 provides an incredible future-shaping forum to explore, to learn and to build leadership and the courage to innovate.  Through the combination of world class speakers from different disciplines and delegates from across the sectors of business, industry, government, not-for-profit and universities and schools this event  there is a rare opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas and future collaborations.

Through my work in global health, I know that there is a new breeze blowing with much greater engagement of civil society and the philanthropic sector in the problems of developing countries. Generation Y contains many true idealists who do not shy away from difficulties. They give me great confidence in the future.

Additionally, as a scientist, I know the empowering benefits of opening the mind through music and the arts. Uniquely this conference applies that technique to make it “the best conference ever” according to many attendees.  The learning, results and connections you will make may well change you and the world. I look forward to your support, attendance, thoughts and collaboration. Let’s all come together and find the great opportunities within our ‘wicked problems’.

Professor Allan Fels AO – Ambassador Ci Global

If the pressing social, economic and environmental problems of our contemporary world were easy, we would have already solved them.

In this second decade of the twenty-first century, we have learned that those who work in government and the public sector need new ways of thinking and acting and new kinds of ways to generate, shape and connect ideas with the people whose courage and leadership can make them a reality.

With its creativity, its stimulating array of international and national speakers, its emphasis on cross-fertilisation of ideas and its focus on the future and its opportunities, this third Creative Innovation event should not be missed.