User:Fsealey

The 21st century is one where there is a crisis of sustainability for our planet and where the maps that navigated us through the last two centuries have been torn up or found wanting. There is a great need for public engagement and the convergence of ideas if we are to get through the decades ahead.

21st Century Network started in April 2007 to discuss some of the great issues of the 21st century and then follow this up with further debate and action. It was about enlarging the Public Square where debate takes place and using social networks to bring new audiences of people into that debate.

During that time the network has expanded rapidly and the activities have developed further. The purpose is to create and expand engagement in the public square between citizens as well as corporations, government and NGOs where there is a common concern for the sustainability of both our planet and the people on it. There are now over 2600 members on the meetup site, over 1,000 friends on myspace and almost 2,00 on Linkedin interested in the potentials of using social networking to enhance democratic discussion.

In October 2009, 21st century Network became GlobalNet21 holding public engagement meetings regularly that are well attended and involve citizens, NGO’s, corporations and decision makers. Indeed several of our meetings have been at the House of Commons. GlobalNet21 is interested in involving those globally who would like to join in the debate about our future – a future that needs both thought leadership and engagement.