Session Description
The session will begin with invited participants representing Indigenous, government, industry, and consulting reflecting on a single question: "What is one lesson from the past that we cannot afford to lose"? These opening perspectives will establish a common foundation for discussion.
More than fifty years of impact assessment practice has generated an extraordinary body of knowledge, experience, and innovation. As environmental, social, cultural, and governance challenges continue to evolve, the profession has an opportunity to reflect on what has worked, what has been overlooked, and what should intentionally be carried forward. This World Cafe invites participants to collectively explore how the next generation of impact assessment can build on the strengths of the past. Participants will rotate through three facilitated discussion rounds focused on: (1) lessons from the past that remain essential to effective impact assessment; (2) lessons that have been forgotten, overlooked, or inconsistently applied; and (3) the knowledge, relationships, and practices that should be carried forward to strengthen impact assessment over the next decade. Rather than focusing on individual regulatory systems or technical methods, discussions will explore the values, behaviours, partnerships, and professional judgement that enable better decisions. The session will conclude by co-developing What We Carry Forward, a concise set of shared priorities that captures the collective wisdom of participants and provides practical direction for the continued evolution of impact assessment beyond IAIA27.
Session Summary
This interactive World Café invites participants to reflect on lessons from the past and identify the principles, knowledge, and practices that should shape the future of impact assessment. Opening reflections from industry and Indigenous leaders will ground the discussion in practical experience.
Additional Information
The session is designed to maximize interaction while producing a tangible outcome. Participants from diverse sectors and regions will contribute to a facilitated discussion that will be synthesized into What We Carry Forward, a concise summary of shared priorities and practical ideas to inform the future of impact assessment beyond IAIA27.
Session Chair
Jonathan Ward
ERM
Canada
Session Co-chair
Niki Paillie
ERM
Canada