To mark the one-year anniversary of President Obama's electoral victory, the Fabians organised a one-day conference to debate the global issues of most significance. Panelists agreed that a progressive movement for change was possible in Europe, but required politicians to reconnect with the electorate particularly on issues related to climate change, business transparency and humanitarian intervention.

Conference Schedule

Session 1 Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs and Sunder Katwala, General Secretary, Fabian Society

Opening the conference, the Foreign Secretary discussed importance of the Obama campaign in forging a new relationship between state and citizens along more progressive lines. He also discussed the Obama administration's use of 'soft power' - the power of public perception and support - and its increasing role in foreign relations. Finally, he argued that the democratic authority of the West is increasingly fragile, thanks to the rise of the euroskeptic Right, and the 'shifting sands' of economic power from West to East.

To read an event report click here or listen to the event podcast here

Session 2 Creating Global Citizens: How to influence global issues?

Jennifer Palmieri, Former Deputy White House Press Secretary from 1998 to 2001 and SVP for Communications at the Center for American Progress; David Babbs, 38 Degress; Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Former Danish Prime Minister & President of the PES; Charlie Kronick, Senior Adviser, Greenpeace;  Richard Howitt MEP; and Catherine Fieschi, Counterpoint.

The day's second session discussed whether the progressive revival created by the Obama campaign could be repeated in Europe. The panelists agreed that it was possible, but that it would require a re-engagement with the electorate, who are 'mistrustful' of politicians and authority following the expenses scandal and the recession. The panel called for a new 'political narrative' that would address the issues that mattered to the electorate, and the politics behind them, instead of policy.

Read the event report here, or listen to the event podcast here

Session 3 Progressive Economy: Making the campaigns we need

Anthony Painter, Author of Barack Obama: Movement for Change & Blogger; Richard Miller (ActionAid UK chief executive) Owen Tudor (Head of European Union & International Relations, TUC); Eugenie Harvey, Director of 10:10 UK; and Hannah Jameson, IPA

The day's final session focused on increasing public engagement with issues of the economy and climate change. Eugenie Harvey argued that new, more progressive methods are required to reach the the public, while Owen Tudor suggested that increased trade union activity represented an increased public discussion about the economy and their part in it. Finally, the discussion of climate change and the economy was placed in the wider context of UK political debate, with the panelists agreeing that greater public engagement on key issues was an important step towards bringing about a progressive, social-democratic Britain.

Read the event report here, or listen to the event podcast here

This conference was funded by European Commission Representation in the UK and hosted by Amnesty International.

Media partners: The Independent and E!Sharp.