Current Initiatives

In March 2004, the NDG convened leaders of the business and NGO communities for a workshop in Vancouver to discuss topical issues in Business-NGO Relations in Canada. With the support of Dow Chemical Canada, additional consultations were conducted with NDG alumni and others, and their input and the proceedings of the workshop were combined into a three-year workplan for the NDG.

Currently, the NDG is undertaking the following activities:

• Innovation in Environmental Governance. The NDG has conducted an inventory of innovative environmental governance projects from around the world. In Spring 2007, a high-level workshop of senior government officials, corporate executives and leaders of NGOs will be convened to discuss opportunities for environmental innovation in Canada.

• Process for Addressing Canada's Post-2012 Energy and Environment Issues. Interviews have been conducted with business and NGO leaders active on climate change issues to secure their views on how Canada should best engage the business and NGO communities in developing its post-2012 strategies. The next stage in this project is expected to be a workshop of these individuals and other experts to debate options in further detail.

• Future of the NDG. The NDG is nearing the end of its second three-year commitment of core funding from major sponsors. In Spring 2007, the NDG will convene a high-level workshop to discuss the future of sustainability issues and the continued relevance of the NDG. Changes to the focus of the NDG and its business model are expected to result from this session.

• Business-NGO Relations. The NDG will periodically organize meetings and workshops for leaders of the business and NGO communities to further understanding of current sustainability issues.

The NDG remains open to new project ideas brought forward by its members or that emerge as policy debates on sustainability or the environment evolve.