Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt introducing the Heschel Conference

My name is Michal Bitterman. I am a graduate of the 2006-7 Masters program in "Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability" at BTH University, Sweden. During my studies I have focused, with my colleagues - Viviana Lopez and Fiona Wright - on the conjunction of the two approaches of Strategic Sustainable Development and Conflict Resolution in ongoing long term intractable conflicts with intermittent violence. Our thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Karl-Henrik Robèrt and Mr. Pong Leung, explored ways in which core concepts of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development provide new alternatives that fill gaps in the process and outcome of conflict resolution, while bringing lasting benefits for sustainability. In essence, the idea is that working towards mutual sustainability goals (of environmental and social aspect) with conflicting parties, outside the realm of the conflict (issues which inherently require cooperation in order to achieve long term solutions), can build trust between conflicting parties and provide mechanisms for working together. Thus, it could be further used to approach topics of the core conflict. Living in Israel, this subject is close to my heart, and since my return I am trying to employ the knowledge I have gained and continue exploring these issues in my PhD studies.

Outside academia, I am working with Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership. It is a non-aligned, non-profit "think and do" organization devoted to promote sustainability in Israel and the Middle East. My involvement has been with the national campaign of local authorities the Heschel Center launched (partnered with Forum 15), for climate protection and air quality. Mayors of 18 major cities in Israel signed a convention for reducing GHG and air pollution, with a target of 20% reduction by the year of 2020 and joined the Cities for Climate Protection campaign of ICLEI.

The following video has been taken as part of the 10 years anniversary conference of the Heschel Center Conference entitled: "10 Years of The Heschel Center-Building a Movement for a Sustainable Israel" held December 17, 2008. The meeting was devoted to highlighting the significant achievements of the last decade, addressing the challenges that lie ahead and promoting the public notion of sustainability as a guiding vision. We are extremely honored that Prof. Karl-Henrik Robèrt issued us this interview, focusing on the challenges facing sustainability during the next decade, broadcast at the conference grand opening event. His enlightening message has been a most powerful way to start the stimulating conference.

Together with more than 900 sustainability leaders from all fields in Israel that participated in the event, I would like to thank Prof. Karl-Henrik Robèrt for his major contribution to the conference and for honoring us with his ideas and inspiring words, and wish you all a Happy, Sustainable and Peaceful New Year,

Michal Bitterman

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