Tuesday, 18 May

07:30 (CDT)

Hits of the 21st Century (thus far) for smartening impact assessment

In this session we take stock of the critical lessons from 21st century literature for smartening impact assessment. Share with us what you consider to be key wisdom from IA publications since 2000. What were the main debates, trends, concepts, cases, and publications? What are lessons for future IA?

09:30 (CDT)

Smartening IA through 50 years of research and practice (theme forum)

It has been 50 years since the enactment of NEPA, so it is an ideal time to reflect on the learning and wisdom from the wealth of IA literature and follow up developed since. This session serves as a culmination of previous conference sessions discussing IA wisdom from different decades.

11:30 (CDT)

General best practice principles for impact assessment

In 1999 IAIA started the publication of the International Best Practice Principles series, covering several impact assessment instruments. The analysis of these documents shows many common principles. The session will discuss the concept of a general set of international best practice principles applicable to all forms of impact assessment.

15:00 (CDT)

Impactos acumulativos en Iberoamerica: lecciones aprendidas (Seminario Iberoamericano)

La gestión de impactos acumulativos sigue siendo un desafío para la evaluación ambiental. Esta herramienta, por lo general, no forma parte de los marcos legales e institucionales vigentes en Iberoamérica, también hay poca experiencia práctica en su aplicación. Únase a nuestro panel para intercambiar lecciones aprendidas.

Wednesday, 19 May

06:00 (CDT)

Building sustainable project pipelines in infrastructure finance

In financing infrastructure projects, environmental and social safeguards are useful to ensure we are "doing things right." But are we also "doing the right things?", or are we simply minimizing impacts of carbon-intensive and unsustainable projects? Find out about successful experiences and help us identify innovative solutions to this challenge.

09:30 (CDT)

Emerging issues in ESG risk management

As a condition of financing, IFI-financed projects must adhere to a set of stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) safeguards. This session will explore emerging issues that the banks and their clients are currently facing from the ESIA stage to operations.

11:30 (CDT)

SEA effectiveness: Getting more out of less

This participative session will explore dimensions of SEA effectiveness, identify practical ways of improving the process, and highlight good practice examples.

13:30 (CDT)

IA and climate change actions and next steps: IAIA20 Seville (theme forum)

Presenters from different parts of the world will discuss the IA implications of groundbreaking IA and climate change law at the global, national, and local levels, with 30 minutes reserved for audience interaction.

16:00 (CDT)

Stopped on social impacts: How can SIA contribute to balanced decisions?

In the real world, does social impact assessment contribute to balanced decisions, or are other forces more influential, such as politics, economics, and a system biased towards biophysical measurement? How can we build the capacity of impact assessment to be more truly multidisciplinary and meet the expectations of diverse stakeholders?

Thursday, 20 May

06:00 (CDT)

Is digital technology necessary for efficiency and effectiveness? (theme forum)

Are you intrigued by the possibilities within digitalization of impact assessment? Following three short expert presentations highlighting key developments, opportunities and examples, participants in this session will share views and experiences and help to develop a common IAIA prioritization of key challenges and opportunities for digital IA.

09:30 (CDT)

New directions in livelihood restoration in project design and beyond

How can we make substantial changes to how livelihoods restoration is considered in project design and throughout the evaluation cycle, in order to ensure displaced people are better off as a result of being impacted by development projects? This session will focus on lender incentives as instruments for change.

11:30 (CDT)

Impact assessment guideline for wildlife-friendly renewable energies

The session will serve as the basis of disseminating the content of the new holistic guidance for recognizing natural and cultural world heritage in impact assessments and understanding how best to implement it on the ground.

16:00 (CDT)

Psycho-social impact assessment as an element of your work

Short presentations on psycho-social impact assessment will outline experiences and key concepts. Even if you do not see yourself as a PSIA expert, learn about revealing assessment practices, what mental health impacts are the most common, and how to "sell" the idea of PSIA to clients and authorities.

Friday, 21 May

06:00 (CDT)

The role of IAIA in reducing bias and strengthening independence of IA professionals

This workshop will discuss two issues related to IAIA's code of conduct:  Should IAIA play a more active role in preventing or addressing violations of its code of conduct? And what is the role of IAIA in enhancing independence in impact assessment?

09:30 (CDT)

Listening with technology: deepening the impact of impact assessments

Meaningful stakeholder engagement and effective follow-up are two main challenges for impact assessments, such as HRIA. We want to explore how technology can help us listen better to stakeholders and support the long-term impact of assessments. Following practitioner input, participants will be invited to work in groups on scenarios.

11:30 (CDT)

Gender in impact assessment: Experiences and perspectives

What works and what doesn't when assessing gender impacts in human rights impact assessment? Does gender perspective make a difference? Can these lessons learned be applied to other types of impact assessment, like social, environmental, health? A session to share experiences, discuss approaches and challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration.