Welcome Remarks from Prof. Michael Meadows

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I am delighted to welcome participants to the third edition of the International GORILLA Conference.  I had the privilege of attending the inaugural meeting which took place in December 2020 despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.  It is testimony to the hard work and dedication of the organizers – and, indeed, the importance of the theme – that we are gathering in Kampala, capital city of beautiful Uganda, to confirm our obligation to addressing the vital issues of ecological and social resilience.  We are now more than half way through the time envisaged by the United Nations to achieve the objectives of Agenda 2030 and it is clear that, without renewed commitment, we cannot hope to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and their respective targets.  That commitment must be based on reliable, evidence-based science, and it is the responsibility of researchers, including those mustering here in Kampala, to provide a sound theoretical and practical base for policy and decision-makers.  The International Geographical Union warmly congratulates the local organizers for once again bringing us together to facilitate this important networking and collaborative opportunity. 

Michael Meadows
President: International Geographical Union 2020-24