Webster University Hosts Paul Dickinson, Founder of the Carbon Disclosure Project

Dickinson to discuss building a 21st century communications economy in the U.S.; highlighting examples of this economy taking root in St. Louis

WHO:

Paul Dickinson, Executive Chairman and Founder of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), will lead a worldwide discussion with Webster University students and faculty. Based in London, the Carbon Disclosure Project is an independent, not-for-profit organization collecting key climate change data from more than 3,000 of the world's largest companies around the globe on behalf of 533 institutional investors with more than $71 trillion in investment capital. Named the 2010 Responsible CEO of the Year by Corporate Responsibility Magazine, Dickinson is at the forefront of a global transformation and believes that harnessing profit motive as a force for good—reducing carbon emissions and creating new economic opportunity–can go hand-in-hand. Among many accomplishments, Dickinson’s work was responsible for Wal-Mart's announcement that its suppliers must report their emissions and focus on sustainable business practices.

WHAT:

Dickinson asserts that competition for natural resources like oil and water will drive markets to consider new business and profit models.  Dickinson believes that increased investments in advanced communications networks will create nearly limitless economic growth opportunities that are not restricted by time, distance, or geography. Coinciding with this discussion, Dickinson and the CDP will release a "white byte," titled "Building a 21st Century Communications Economy" which builds on this theme.

As an addendum to the report, CDP identified four St. Louis businesses and organizations that are planting the seeds of a communications economy: the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Webster University and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 11a.m. - noon

WHY:

Enabled by an advanced communications network, Webster University's  'World Classroom' provides online courses that students can access from anywhere, at any time. They currently have 3,500 students, including active military serving throughout the world, who have chosen to learn in a fully online manner. Through broadband communication channels Webster University has given people access to a high quality educational experience otherwise not available to them.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 21,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University’s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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