On April 22, 2015, Chatham House in London convened "Growth, Development and Environmental Economics in Asia at which Laurence Brahm presented concepts in "Fusion Economics." The session was chaired by John Simpson, BBC World Affairs Editor, who interviewed Brahm before a packed audience. At this session Brahm explained the concepts behind Himalayan Consensus and the "green print" he has drafted for China in converting fossil fuels to renewable and efficient energy systems. He also explained the rational behind China evolving a new South-South financial architecture through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and BRICS Development Bank and the need to displace old institutions such as the IMF and World Bank that are no longer functioning current with the needs of developing nations or planetary integrity. Brahm in his advisory capacity to China was a behind-the-scenes architect of the South-South new financial architecture.

Laurence Brahm, in conversation with John Simpson, will draw upon the ideas of the Himalayan Consensus to discuss how countries might measure growth and development performance in a way that accounts for environmental costs and assets. Reflecting on his experiences working with China's Ministry of Environmental Protection and social enterprises in the Himalayan region, he will consider how to practically apply the Consensus principles of ethnic diversity, sustainable economics and cultural preservation.

Date: Wednesday 22 April
Speaker and Chair catch up: 17:30-18:00
Meeting: 18:00-19:00
Venue: Chatham House, 10 St James’s Square, SW1Y 4LE, London

SPEAKER:
Laurence Brahm, Author, Fusion Economics: How Pragmatism is Changing the World

CHAIR:
John Simpson, World Affairs Editor, BBC

Our audience will comprise mostly of Chatham House Members. Our members encompass a diverse range of backgrounds and professions: policy-makers, academics, business people and the media, as well as students and young people interested in international affairs. We have also invited contacts from the relevant research departments. We expect approximately 80 people in the audience.