The Leadership Training Program For Sustainable Community Development In China

PowerPoint slideshow (chinaproj_may08.pps– 4.7 MB)
PDF (chinaproj_may08.pdf – 2.8 MB)

China faces the greatest development challenge in human history. With twenty percent of the world's population driving history's fastest growing economy these are the world's challenges too! Failure to achieve socially and environmentally sustainable development risks crippling declines of critical resources and grave threats to human health and global security.

Our work in China began in 2006, as collaboration between Harmony Foundation and Environmental Management College of China to develop a leadership training program to increase public participation in local planning and decision-making for sustainable community development. The success of our early work earned endorsements from lead individuals and organizations in China. In May 2007, we were joined by the National Training Center for Mayors of China. As a result, we are poised to make an even greater contribution to sustainable community development in China by providing city leaders, community members and city building professionals with the skills to work together to achieve sustainable community development. Our goal has become creation of The Leadership Training Program for Sustainable Community Development in China.

Over the next three years, The Leadership Training Program for Sustainable Community Development in China will build strong leadership skills and multi-sector cooperation for sustainable community development by:

1. Strengthening public participation in local decision-making, including the planning and implementation of community development projects,
2. Preparing Mayors and local officials to achieve the benefits of sustainable urban development through city planning, building and management.
3. Providing city leaders, community members and city building professionals with the skills to more effectively work together to develop and manage towns and cities, where ecological sustainability, economic growth and social equity are not only compatible but mutually beneficial.