_{Cambridge’s Oasis looking out for solutions at COP17}

_{The Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL) will champion the business case for ambitious measures to address climate change at the upcoming COP17 in Durban this November and December.}

_{CPSL, a well-respected co-ordinator for progressive international business, will host a range of lively and stimulating events in Durban that are designed to act as a foil to the international negotiations on climate change and accelerate solutions-based, fresh thinking on old challenges.}

_{“We aim to create a positive and thought-provoking space where COP delegates and other visitors to Durban can take a break from the rigours of the negotiation process and come to network, showcase ideas and learn,” says Peter Willis, Director of CPSL South Africa.}

_{“CPSL strives to be a thinking partner for companies on strategic issues, and climate change is one of the most important risks and opportunities for business today. CPSL’s programme of events in Durban will build on its work with business leaders including the newly-formed Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change in South Africa.”}

_{Daily events on offer will include small informal discussions over coffee in the Fresh Thinking Lounge and COPpuccinos – intensive and interactive updates from leaders who will deliver relevant and incisive commentary on the negotiations as they unfold. These daily broadcasts, sponsored by Nedbank, will also be filmed and distributed via the internet to the CPSL network of senior leaders across the world.}

_{A series of breakfasts and early evening panel discussions, Fresh Thinking Forums, on key challenges and questions will be held during the week. CPSL will also host a special reception for The 2°C Challenge Communiqué, prepared by the Corporate Leaders Network for Climate Action and signed by more than 300 businesses. The communique calls on governments to break the deadlock in the international negotiations and businesses that have not yet signed up will have an opportunity to do so at the reception.}

_{CPSL will draw on its extensive network of leaders in business and government to provide speakers and commentators – a rich seam of thought leadership for visitors to mine. All events will take place at The Oasis of Fresh Thinking, conveniently situated between the International Convention Centre and the Durban beachfront and on the bus routes. The Oasis is a shared space; other partners hosting events there include: Conservation South Africa, The Wildlands Conservation Trust, Ogilvy Earth, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, and Mitigation Action Plans and Scenarios.}

_{“Together we aim to create a hub of reflection and positive energy and we invite all senior leaders, executives and decision-makers in the private and public sector to join us and be part of the conversation,” said Willis. “We believe that we need to act with speed and determination to effect sustainable change, and that industry and business leaders have a key role to play in finding innovative ways of doing business to create sustainable, long-lasting value in our economy.”}

_{To keep up to date with all the events and programmes planned for COP17 follow @CPSL_SA on Twitter, “like” the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership SA Facebook page or visit the LinkedIn group. More information is also available at www.cpsl.cam.ac.uk}