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Welcome to the Beyond Bretton Woods agenda! Learn more about the event here.

It’s time to RSVP for select sessions & build your daily agenda for Beyond Bretton Woods | May 2024! Please note that you must RSVP for any sessions with a 🎟️ in the title if you’d like to attend.

Important! Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Check out our FAQs or refer back to the "Know Before You Go" document attached to your welcome email for any unanswered questions.

Spend some time with the Beyond Bretton Woods Lexicon to understand definitions of key terms that you’ll be learning across the three days of the event.
Thursday, May 2
 

10:00am EDT

Gather & Ground: Nordic Breathing and Wellness 🎟️

PACK LIST:
Please bring a swimsuit, towels (1 is good but 2 is ideal), and a water bottle.

Also, please note that this activity is not recommended if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular issues.

Interested in merging well-being and Northern lifestyle? Join our workshop, where we delve into the art of conscious breathing and thermal contrast therapy. Conscious breathing is a fundamental pillar for relaxation, essential for navigating the challenges of contemporary living. Experience the Nordic-inspired practice of alternating between sauna's comforting warmth and the invigorating chill of cold water. Through this fusion of mindful breathing and temperature shifts, discover a holistic approach to enhancing both physical and mental wellness. This workshop serves as a condensed yet enriching journey, equipping you with tangible techniques to further explore contrast therapy. Beyond the workshop, we aim to ignite a passion for integrating conscious breathing and thermal contrasts into your wellness routine. Together, let's embrace the way of breathing, sweating and chilling.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Sébastien Zappa

Sébastien Zappa

Breathing Coach, RESPIRE | ALIGNE
Sebastien Zappa, PhD, has been teaching conscious breathing and cold exposure since 2018. He became interested in these practices while searching for solutions to recurrent depressive episodes and chronic fatigue. His teachings are mainly based on the REBO2T, Oxygen Advantage and... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Pond

12:00pm EDT

Welcome Lunch 🎟️
Kick off your time with us with a welcome lunch. Enjoy lunch options that reflect and celebrate the time and place. Vegan and gluten-free options provided.

Thursday May 2, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
West Lawn/Tennis Courts

1:45pm EDT

Beyond Bretton Woods Event Kick-Off
Welcome to Beyond Bretton Woods! Join us as Middlebury President Laurie L. Patton welcomes us to this immersive three-day experience. She will set the scene for why we’re here and introduce us to our host, Christal Brown (associate director of dance, Middlebury College), who will be our guiding light throughout our time together. Christal roots all of her work in love and expects the same from you while you’re here. She’ll gently walk us through our community guidelines, outline our expert-led talk sessions, and give you a glimpse into what the rest of your day looks like.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Laurie Patton

Laurie Patton

President, Middlebury College
Laurie L. Patton is the 17th president of Middlebury, and the first woman to lead the institution in its 224-year history. Patton joined Middlebury in 2015 after serving as dean of Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and as the Robert F. Durden Professor of Religion.In... Read More →
avatar for Christal Brown

Christal Brown

Chief Visioning Officer, Steps and Stages
CHRISTAL BROWN (Mother|Artist|Educator|Disciple|Coach|Author)is the Founder of INSPIRIT, Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Anti-Racist Task Force at Middlebury College, and the Chief... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

2:15pm EDT

Landscape Setting: Systems Thinking and Global Financial Architecture
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Conference, we will look not only at the footprint of the WorldBank and IMF, but also at pathways to tackle the polycrisis, the concurrent emergence of looming challenges. 
 
To solve the polycrisis problems in our world and in our global financial architecture we need a systems thinking approach. Fadhel Kaboub is an expert advisor to the Independent Group of 77 and counsel to several African governments who will unveil fundamental just transition execution. His focus is on creating smart public policies to boost economic and monetary independence in the Global South, strengthen resilience, and foster fair and sustainable prosperity. He will introduce Peter Senge, esteemed for his groundbreaking contributions to systems thinking and organizational learning. His work focuses on helping us all understand complex issues better and work together as leaders to create healthier human systems. Together they will facilitate an interactive workshop, delving into the integration of systems thinking into our financial philosophy. This hands-on session will serve as a springboard for further exploration and development of ideas generated during the event.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Peter Senge

Peter Senge

Senior Lecturer, MIT
Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management and Fellow, J-WEL (World Education Lab) at MIT.Peter has been involved in helping shape organizations and networks to advance the field of awareness-based systems change, including the Society for Organizational Learning (SoL), the Academy... Read More →
avatar for Fadhel Kaboub

Fadhel Kaboub

Senior Advisor, Power Shift Africa
Fadhel Kaboub is an associate professor of economics at Denison University (on leave), and the president of the Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity. He is also a member of the Independent Expert Group on Just Transition and Development, an expert group member with the International... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 2:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

4:00pm EDT

Crafting Glassy Treasures 🎟️

In the Beyond Bretton Woods Glassmaking class, you will have the opportunity to create items that resonate with you.

Choose between: crafting a hanging glass token or coin as a tribute to the long-forgotten glass currency, or creating a worry stone with the event logo encased inside.

Each participant will gather molten glass from the furnace, select and apply color, reheat, melt, and shape it into its final form.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Samantha

Samantha

Glassmaker, Lightner Glass
My passion for glass started when I was 16 in school researching glassblowing, I was fascinated with the molten medium, eventually teaching myself to make glass beads in the garage with a small torch.In 2011, I went on a journey to work at Wheaton Arts and Cultural center in NJ as... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Barn Pad

4:15pm EDT

Nordic Breathing and Wellness 🎟️

PACK LIST:
Please bring a swimsuit, towels (1 is good but 2 is ideal), and a water bottle.

Also, please note that this activity is not recommended if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular issues.

Interested in merging well-being and Northern lifestyle? Join our workshop, where we delve into the art of conscious breathing and thermal contrast therapy. Conscious breathing is a fundamental pillar for relaxation, essential for navigating the challenges of contemporary living. Experience the Nordic-inspired practice of alternating between sauna's comforting warmth and the invigorating chill of cold water. Through this fusion of mindful breathing and temperature shifts, discover a holistic approach to enhancing both physical and mental wellness. This workshop serves as a condensed yet enriching journey, equipping you with tangible techniques to further explore contrast therapy. Beyond the workshop, we aim to ignite a passion for integrating conscious breathing and thermal contrasts into your wellness routine. Together, let's embrace the way of breathing, sweating and chilling.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Sébastien Zappa

Sébastien Zappa

Breathing Coach, RESPIRE | ALIGNE
Sebastien Zappa, PhD, has been teaching conscious breathing and cold exposure since 2018. He became interested in these practices while searching for solutions to recurrent depressive episodes and chronic fatigue. His teachings are mainly based on the REBO2T, Oxygen Advantage and... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Pond

4:15pm EDT

Recharge and Refresh: Flextime to Unwind and Connect
Phew, effecting change is hard work. We get it, you’re exhausted, and so are we! Take some time to unwind and maybe consciously breathe for the first time today? Or, introduce yourself to someone new. There are drop-in activities for those who don’'t stop, and empty rooms where people can mingle or just sit. You do you.

Thursday May 2, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Barn: Main Room

4:30pm EDT

Conversations through Questions: A Group AMA Experience 🎟️

Connect with other attendees in our very own network-focused, super-casual version of the famed “ask me anything” forums. Hear what others are interested in, what they are experts on, or what it’s like when your six-year-old walks in the room during important meetings...IYKYK (if you know, you know). It’s a great way to get to know some of the folks who will be sitting around you for the next few days on a more personal level.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Christal Brown

Christal Brown

Chief Visioning Officer, Steps and Stages
CHRISTAL BROWN (Mother|Artist|Educator|Disciple|Coach|Author)is the Founder of INSPIRIT, Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Anti-Racist Task Force at Middlebury College, and the Chief... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Blue Parlor Room

4:30pm EDT

Redefining Global Finance: The Bridgetown 3.0 Initiative

Pepukaye Bardouille will share the main tenets of the revised Bridgetown 3.0 initiative, recently unveiled at the Spring World Bank and IMF meetings in Washington.

The initial proposals in the Bridgetown Initiative effectively set us down a path of revisiting the institutions set up by the Bretton Woods agreement in 1944. After World War II, global leaders met at a hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, to set up financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to help rebuild the postwar economy and to promote international economic cooperation.

The Bridgetown Initiative is seizing on growing momentum behind the idea that this system, forged in the 1940s, is not working: Today's institutions are simply not equipped to deal with the host of new challenges faced by emerging economies and developing countries when it comes to climate change, from back-to-back hurricanes in the Caribbean to historic floods in Asia and droughts in West Africa.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Jack Byrne

Jack Byrne

Dean of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs, Middlebury College
Jack is currently Dean of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs at Middlebury. He’s focused on making sustainability leadership more visible, effective and common in the culture of the college and its affiliated entities. He coordinates Middlebury’s carbon neutrality efforts... Read More →
avatar for Pepukaye Bardouille

Pepukaye Bardouille

Director , Bridgetown Initiative, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Barbados
Pepukaye Bardouille is Director, Bridgetown Initiative and Special Advisor on Climate Resilience, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Barbados. She has worked for over two decades at the intersection of climate change and sustainable development globally. As founding Chief Executive... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Little Theater

5:30pm EDT

Harmonize and Harness: The Birth of an Idea with Valerie June
Where do ideas come from, and how can we harness them from that inception point? Step into the realm of creativity with singer-songwriter Valerie June in this immersive workshop experience that blends music, conversation, and collaborative exploration. Discover the genesis of ideas and songs as Valerie guides you through hands-on activities and interactive sessions. Through her unique blend of musical talent and storytelling, Valerie will illuminate the creative process, inspiring you to tap into your own reservoir of innovation. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of creativity, designed to ignite new perspectives and prepare you for the transformative discussions ahead.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Valerie June

Valerie June

Valerie June Hockett is a Grammy-nominated artist from Tennessee. She’s been hailed by the New York Times as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents.” A musician, singer, songwriter, poet, illustrator, actor, certified yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Barn: Main Room

6:30pm EDT

Family Dinner 🎟️
We cap our first night together with a big, free-form dinner for all! Take the time to link up with your fellow attendees and unpack meaningful content and moments from our first day together. There will be plenty of delicious and approachable fare and drinks. Please RSVP.

Speakers & Collaborators

Thursday May 2, 2024 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

8:00pm EDT

The Power of Narratives: A Storytelling Gathering
Christal Brown takes the wheel (and the mic) as she hosts our Moth-style storytelling session. No matter the manifestation of her work, she uses her gifts as a bridge to connect with others. She is asking you to bring your own six-minute-or-less personal story (not opinion/POV) about a time that you made an illogical decision that led to an unexpected change. Whether it's a personal journey defying odds, taking a risk, or a plan that led to a new idea, take us through your narrative journey that explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of reshaping your world.

Effecting change can be an act of everyday courage or lifelong workWith new perspectives, approaches, and ways of being at the fore, our storytellers regale us with their journeys of change in all its forms.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Christal Brown

Christal Brown

Chief Visioning Officer, Steps and Stages
CHRISTAL BROWN (Mother|Artist|Educator|Disciple|Coach|Author)is the Founder of INSPIRIT, Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Anti-Racist Task Force at Middlebury College, and the Chief... Read More →


Thursday May 2, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Barn: Main Room
 
Friday, May 3
 

7:45am EDT

Gather & Ground: Nordic Breathing and Wellness 🎟️

PACK LIST:
Please bring a swimsuit, towels (1 is good but 2 is ideal), and a water bottle.

Also, please note that this activity is not recommended if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular issues.

Interested in merging well-being and Northern lifestyle? Join our workshop, where we delve into the art of conscious breathing and thermal contrast therapy. Conscious breathing is a fundamental pillar for relaxation, essential for navigating the challenges of contemporary living. Experience the Nordic-inspired practice of alternating between sauna's comforting warmth and the invigorating chill of cold water. Through this fusion of mindful breathing and temperature shifts, discover a holistic approach to enhancing both physical and mental wellness. This workshop serves as a condensed yet enriching journey, equipping you with tangible techniques to further explore contrast therapy. Beyond the workshop, we aim to ignite a passion for integrating conscious breathing and thermal contrasts into your wellness routine. Together, let's embrace the way of breathing, sweating and chilling.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Sébastien Zappa

Sébastien Zappa

Breathing Coach, RESPIRE | ALIGNE
Sebastien Zappa, PhD, has been teaching conscious breathing and cold exposure since 2018. He became interested in these practices while searching for solutions to recurrent depressive episodes and chronic fatigue. His teachings are mainly based on the REBO2T, Oxygen Advantage and... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am EDT
Pond

7:45am EDT

Gather and Ground: Ecology Walk 🎟️

Join ecologist Marc Lapin on a guided walk to peer into the Bread Loaf landscape and ecosystems. As you experience the fields and woods, you’ll gain a sense of this special place through a deep time perspective. Bread Loaf teaches us to ponder the relationships among humanity and the rest of nature/more-than-human world.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Marc Lapin

Marc Lapin

Associate Lab Prof and College Lands Conservationist, Bowing Branches Sacred Activism
Marc’s career in conservation ecology includes on-the-ground investigations, college teaching, and community-wide education. In his role of Associate Laboratory Professor of Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, his courses focus on radically interdependent living Earth... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 7:45am - 9:00am EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Porch

8:00am EDT

Gather & Ground: Morning Hatha Flow 🎟️

Morning Hatha Flow: is a welcoming of all levels as we greet the dawning of a new day with the practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation. Class will include sun salutations to warm up the body, and asanas (typically longer/static holds) to encourage flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation. This is a moderate, breath based flow which allows you to arrive and enjoy quiet stillness, warm up and energize the body, and leave class ready to enter the rest of your day with purpose, vitality and equanimity.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Malaika DosRemedios

Malaika DosRemedios

Yoga Instructor/Sound Healer, Malaika Yoga
Malaika holds a BSW- of Social Work from the University of Vermont, and has worked with children and families professionally and as a volunteer. She holds certifications in the Tantric Tradition of Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, IASH Certified Sound Healer with Tibetan Singing Bowls, TRX-Suspension... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Barn: Main Room

9:00am EDT

Family Breakfast 🎟️
Don’t miss the most important (group) meal of your day! Munch a delicious breakfast that instills time and place while getting to know folks. Get to know your crew in a casual setting, because it’s sure to set the tone for the rest of your time here.

Friday May 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

9:00am EDT

Beyond Bretton Woods: Student Showcase and AMA 🎟️
Step into the world of international finance as Middlebury College students present the culmination of the winter term course Beyond Bretton Woods. These students will showcase their group project outcomes, delving into the unique challenges faced by the Philippines, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya in navigating the complex landscape of the polycrisis era. Through their research and analysis, they’ll explore how these countries interact with key players such as the World Bank, IMF, multilateral development banks, and private finance providers.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Jonathan Isham

Jonathan Isham

Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, Middlebury College
Jon Isham has been a professor at Middlebury College for 25 years. His career has included stints with Save the Children, the Peace Corps, the East Bay Conservation Corps, the World Bank, and Ashesi University as a Fulbright Scholar. He is thrilled to be contributing to Beyond Bretton... Read More →
avatar for Minna Brown

Minna Brown

Climate Action Program Director, Middlebury College
Minna Brown is Director of the Middlebury Climate Action Program, through which she supports students in developing the knowledge, motivation, and capacity needed to tackle climate change. Over the last fifteen years, she has led the design and implementation of new programs for... Read More →
avatar for Evan Iskendarian

Evan Iskendarian

Student, Middlebury College
I am currently a Junior at Middlebury College pursuing a majoring in Economics with aminor in Environmental Studies. Originally, I am from Big Sky, MT where I grew up skiing,running, and enjoying the outdoors. At Middlebury, I am a member of Middlebury ConsultingGroup and the current... Read More →
avatar for Lomus Pudasaini

Lomus Pudasaini

Student, Middlebury College
Hello! I am Lomus Pudasaini a Middlebury College student from Kathmandu, Nepal. My academic endeavors in development economics are fueled by interest in sustainably improving conditions in the world's poorest countries. I am intrigued by how the social and political backgrounds of... Read More →
avatar for Yacine Bekkari

Yacine Bekkari

Student, Middlebury College
I'm Yacine, from Morocco, where I grew up studying in French school. Then, when I was 16 years old, I had the chance to join an international boarding program In Hong Kong, with students from about 150 countries. I'm now at Middlebury College, pursuing my liberal arts education. I... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

10:30am EDT

Beyond Bretton Woods Day 2 Welcome
Welcome back to Day 2 of Beyond Bretton Woods, where the journey continues. As we gather once again, let’s dive into another day of inspiration, collaboration, and growth. Our insightful host, Christal Brown will review our community guidelines, ensuring that our interactions are rooted in respect and understanding.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Christal Brown

Christal Brown

Chief Visioning Officer, Steps and Stages
CHRISTAL BROWN (Mother|Artist|Educator|Disciple|Coach|Author)is the Founder of INSPIRIT, Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Anti-Racist Task Force at Middlebury College, and the Chief... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Little Theater

10:45am EDT

Brain Bites on Just Transition
Join Bhumika Muchala, political economist /senior advisor at Third World Network, as she demystifies just transition in a fast-moving, Cliffs Notes–esque format.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Bhumika Muchala

Bhumika Muchala

Development Economist, Third World Network
Bhumika Muchhala is a political economist and senior policy advisor at the Third World Network. She has 20 years of global justice movement experience in leading advocacy, analysis, campaigning and political education on the international financial architecture, global economic governance... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 10:45am - 11:05am EDT
Little Theater

11:10am EDT

Brain Bites on Nature Based Economy
Join Ralph Chami,  CEO and co-founder of Blue Green Future as he demystifies what nature based economies look like in a fast-moving, Cliffs Notes–esque format.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Ralph Chami

Ralph Chami

CEO and Co-Founder, Blue Green Future
Ralph Chami has over 32 years of experience as a financial economist, with 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He has served as a consultant for the World Bank and for the private sector. He is the co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth, and holds visiting... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Little Theater

11:30am EDT

Brain Bites on Technology Investing for a Net Zero Future
Join Tyler Christie, managing director at Decarbonization Partners, a BlackRock and Temasek JV, as he uncovers how technology investing for a net zero future are key drivers in the climate tech VC world in a fast-moving, Cliff Notes–esque format.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Tyler Christie

Tyler Christie

Managing Director, Decarbonization Partners (Blackrock / Temasek)
Tyler is Managing Director at Decarbonization Partners, a joint venture climate investment fund by Blackrock and Temasek. He has been an investor, entrepreneur and growth executive focused on climate change and sustainability for over 20 years. He received his MBA from The Wharton... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 11:30am - 11:55am EDT
Little Theater

11:45am EDT

Crafting Glassy Treasures 🎟️

In the Beyond Bretton Woods Glassmaking class, you will have the opportunity to create items that resonate with you.

Choose between: crafting a hanging glass token or coin as a tribute to the long-forgotten glass currency, or creating a worry stone with the event logo encased inside.

Each participant will gather molten glass from the furnace, select and apply color, reheat, melt, and shape it into its final form.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Samantha

Samantha

Glassmaker, Lightner Glass
My passion for glass started when I was 16 in school researching glassblowing, I was fascinated with the molten medium, eventually teaching myself to make glass beads in the garage with a small torch.In 2011, I went on a journey to work at Wheaton Arts and Cultural center in NJ as... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 11:45am - 2:45pm EDT
Barn Pad

12:00pm EDT

Nordic Breathing and Wellness 🎟️

PACK LIST:
Please bring a swimsuit, towels (1 is good but 2 is ideal), and a water bottle.

Also, please note that this activity is not recommended if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular issues.

Interested in merging well-being and Northern lifestyle? Join our workshop, where we delve into the art of conscious breathing and thermal contrast therapy. Conscious breathing is a fundamental pillar for relaxation, essential for navigating the challenges of contemporary living. Experience the Nordic-inspired practice of alternating between sauna's comforting warmth and the invigorating chill of cold water. Through this fusion of mindful breathing and temperature shifts, discover a holistic approach to enhancing both physical and mental wellness. This workshop serves as a condensed yet enriching journey, equipping you with tangible techniques to further explore contrast therapy. Beyond the workshop, we aim to ignite a passion for integrating conscious breathing and thermal contrasts into your wellness routine. Together, let's embrace the way of breathing, sweating and chilling.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Sébastien Zappa

Sébastien Zappa

Breathing Coach, RESPIRE | ALIGNE
Sebastien Zappa, PhD, has been teaching conscious breathing and cold exposure since 2018. He became interested in these practices while searching for solutions to recurrent depressive episodes and chronic fatigue. His teachings are mainly based on the REBO2T, Oxygen Advantage and... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Pond

12:00pm EDT

Brain and Lunch Break 🎟️
Enjoy lunch options that reflect and celebrate the time and place. Vegan options? Yes. Gluten-free options? Yes. Gluten-free vegan options? Also, yes!

Friday May 3, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Barn Pad

12:30pm EDT

Serenity in Motion: Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath 🎟️

PACK LIST: Warm layers and/or warm socks to ensure you don't get cold during the offering.

Yoga Nidra + Sound Bath: is like a deep sleep while you are still awake. There is no physical effort at all. If you can breathe, you can do this practice! Rest your mind and body supported by props as you are guided on a journey within. Great for insomnia, stress and to simply recharge. 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 4 hours of conventional deep sleep!  Give yourself permission to deeply rest your body and mind in this 45 minute "lay low and glow" class. This offering encourages physical, mental, and emotional rest. This slow paced and close to the Earth class is devoted to focusing on progressive relaxation techniques and conscious breathing while being guided from the gross layers of our being to the more subtle whispers of deep knowing within. When we slow down enough we can really feel for what is going on honestly within ourselves. Once our body is more at ease and our mind less busy, we then drop into the practice of Yoga Nidra accompanied by the Tibetan Singing Bowls which encourages deep relaxation and calm.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Malaika DosRemedios

Malaika DosRemedios

Yoga Instructor/Sound Healer, Malaika Yoga
Malaika holds a BSW- of Social Work from the University of Vermont, and has worked with children and families professionally and as a volunteer. She holds certifications in the Tantric Tradition of Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, IASH Certified Sound Healer with Tibetan Singing Bowls, TRX-Suspension... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT
Blue Parlor Porch

1:00pm EDT

Reforming the International Financial Architecture: The Summit of the Future and Beyond

Join us for an insightful panel session as we delve into the critical need for reform in the international financial architecture. Against the backdrop of recent global shocks and climate crises, we’ll explore innovative proposals like debt-for-climate swaps and the allocation of special Drawing rights (SDR) for climate mitigation. Discover how these initiatives can pave the way for a more equitable and resilient financial system. The discussion will encourage an intergenerational perspective on consolidating recommendations for the G20 and international financial architecture review process.  

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Daniel Goldman

Daniel Goldman

General Counsel, Syntax LLC
Daniel Goldman leads legal and strategic initiatives for Syntax and advises on partnerships, joint ventures, corporate development, licensing, and intellectual property. He has served as general counsel to a venture capital firm and a registered investment advisor. He previously worked... Read More →
avatar for Muznah Siddiqui

Muznah Siddiqui

Global Governance Research Associate, United Nations University Center for Policy Research
Muznah Siddiqui, currently a Global Governance Research and Planning Associate at UNU-CPR, is a seasoned professional with expertise in global governance, digital sphere governance, peace promotion, climate justice, and the global financial system. Formerly a Research Consultant at... Read More →
avatar for Cathy Yitong  Li

Cathy Yitong Li

Youth Advisor, UN
Cathy Yitong Li has been focusing on multilateral climate processes and civil society advocacy since she was a teenager, including serving advisory and governance roles across 7 UN bodies and various international organisations.Passionate about the synergies between climate and nature... Read More →
avatar for Bradford Willis

Bradford Willis

Accenture Strategy Net Zero Transitions & Former Green Hydrogen Lead, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion(s) for COP27/28
Bradford M. Willis represented non-party stakeholders as part of the Climate Champions Team in support the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions for COP27 & COP28 in Egypt and UAE. Specifically, Bradford was the Green Hydrogen Lead & Energy Nexus export engaging stakeholders around... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Davison Library

1:15pm EDT

Ideas to Impact: An Interactive AMA and Book Review with Mick Sheldrick 🎟️

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the power of ideas, this session is for you. Mick Sheldrick, author of the acclaimed book Ideas to Impact: The Playbook for Influencing and Implementing, takes the stage for an interactive AMA. Led by student interviewer Mariia Dzholos, this AMA promises to be a lively exchange of ideas, insights, and inspiration. Mick will share his expertise on influencing and implementing ideas, drawing from his extensive experience in the field. Bring your questions, bold ideas, and open mind as we dive deep into the world of innovation and impact. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in the field and connect with fellow changemakers.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Mick Sheldrick

Mick Sheldrick

Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer, Global Citizen
Michael Sheldrick is a policy entrepreneur and a driving force behind the efforts of Global Citizen to end extreme poverty. As a Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact, and Government Affairs Officer, he leads the organization's campaigns to mobilize support from governments, businesses... Read More →
avatar for Mariia Dzholos

Mariia Dzholos

Student, Middlebury College
Mariia Dzholos is a senior Economics major from Ukraine at Middlebury College. She is part of the Climate Action Fellowship Program at Middlebury and serves as the co-director for the Environmental Sustainability Committee at the Student Government Association. Mariia is also a United... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EDT
Blue Parlor Room

1:15pm EDT

Power of Capital: Asha Mehta's Book Review and AMA 🎟️

In the face of the polycrisis there are several crisis strands that need addressing all at once. It can be confusing and overwhelming, but people like Asha Mehta, distinguished author and chief investment officer at Global Delta Capital, work to unearth the complexities. Hear from Asha Mehta, the author of Power of Capital: An Adventure Capitalist’s Journey to a Sustainable Future, in an informal interview and AMA facilitated by student interviewer Adil Alvi as they dive into an exploration of rapidly emerging markets and other issues crucial to continuing global economic growth, including terrorism and instability, corruption and autocracy, and sustainable investing. 

Help shape the direction of this session by bringing your burning questions! It’s a great way to network and get under the hood with a leader in investment strategies in emerging markets and sustainable investing.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Asha Mehta

Asha Mehta

Managing Partner & CIO, Global Delta Capital
Asha Mehta, CFA, is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Global Delta Capital, a Boston-based investment management boutique. She is also the author of the book, Power of Capital: An Adventure Capitalist’s Journey to a Sustainable Future, published by Wiley.  Asha’s... Read More →
avatar for Adil Alvi

Adil Alvi

Student, Middlebury College
Adil is a senior at Middlebury College studying Economics & History. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Adil is an international student who has served as the Chair of the Content Committee since its inception in August 2023. After graduation, Adil will be working as an Investment... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EDT
Barn: Classroom 101

3:00pm EDT

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Virtual Interview with PM Mia Mottley
Join us for a special virtual interview session featuring Mia Mottley, where students will have the chance to interact directly with the honorable prime minister of Barbados. In this engaging session, students will have the opportunity to pose questions, share insights, and gain valuable perspectives from Prime Minister Mottley. From leadership challenges to global issues, no topic is off-limits as we delve into a wide range of pressing issues facing our world today.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Olivia Reposa

Olivia Reposa

Student, Middlebury College
I am a current Senior at Middlebury College majoring in Philosophy. I additionally have an Associates degree in Business and Finance. I have a directed interest in the intersection of finance and environmentalism and learning how we can build a better and more sustainable future... Read More →
avatar for Dylan Taylor

Dylan Taylor

Student, Middlebury College
Dylan is a Student Assistant for Beyond Bretton Woods, a position he has held since November 2021. A senior at Middlebury College, Dylan was recently one of fourteen students elected to Phi Beta Kappa based on six semesters of academic performance. Upon graduating in May, he will... Read More →
avatar for Mia Mottley

Mia Mottley

Prime Minister, Barbados
The Honourable Mia Mottley is the 8th Prime Minister of Barbados. She became the first woman to occupy the high office, following General Elections on May 24th 2018, in which she led the Barbados Labour Party to an emphatic victory, winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly by... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Little Theater

4:00pm EDT

A Path to Ecocentric Financial Reform | Lab Part 1 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Within the international financial architecture review, how can an ecocentric approach become an essential part of the solution toolkit?

The earth is faced with unprecedented biodiversity loss and is heating up at nonlinear speed. How could ecocentric financial reform contribute to abating those trends? Bring your ideas to this interactive lab delving into innovative strategies aimed at valuing and rewarding natural capital assets, speeding up capital allocation toward activities that are healing and regenerative to the planet, and advancing the interests of the private citizen, making the transition just. How can we assign value to tropical rainforests and mangroves in the international finance space, such as reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and aiming at a just transition toward a more sustainable energy mix by 2040? 

We’ll chart a course toward a greener, more resilient financial future exploring innovative solutions to build a world where economic prosperity is harmonized with environmental sustainability.

Together we will tackle pressing questions like these:
- What opportunities exist to redefine value and integrate natural capital assets into financial systems, accounting for natural carbon sinks like rainforests or mangroves?
- How can we achieve ecocentric financial reform to address the pressing challenges of climate change and shift away from a fossil fuel–dominated energy mix to one that prioritizes renewable and nuclear energy sources?
- How can initiatives like Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) and the Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures accelerate the transition toward ecocentric financial systems?
- How could institutions like the World Bank be incentivized to complete the review of sustainable growth and comprehensive development indicators, such as the Human Development Index (HDI), Genuine Progress Indicators (GPI), Intergenerational Solidarity Index, and Thriving Places Index (TPI), away from the current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) income-based metric and toward more comprehensive indicators of sustainable development?


Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Julian Portilla

Julian Portilla

Mediator
Julian facilitates complex, multistakeholder consensus-building processesx. He works extensively with parties and stakeholders to the Convention on Biological Diversity working to find common ground prior to COP 16 in Cali, Colombia. He also mediates with communities who have triggered... Read More →
avatar for Ralph Chami

Ralph Chami

CEO and Co-Founder, Blue Green Future
Ralph Chami has over 32 years of experience as a financial economist, with 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He has served as a consultant for the World Bank and for the private sector. He is the co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth, and holds visiting... Read More →
avatar for Dinah Nieburg

Dinah Nieburg

Blue Green Future
Dinah is an experienced leader of teams and dedicated conservationist with over 25 years as an executive coach and psychologist. She helped inspire and launch the original research on the economic valuation of the great whales in 2019 (Nature's Solution to Climate Change Finance and... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 4:00pm - 5:45pm EDT
Barn: Classroom 102

4:00pm EDT

Integrating Polycrisis into Central Bank Monetary Policies | Lab Part 1 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Within the international financial architecture review, are central banks the secret key to solving the polycrisis? Actively participate in this hands-on lab that will explore innovative approaches for central banks to address the urgent challenges of the polycrisis within their monetary frameworks. Delve into the intersection of monetary policy, climate action, inequality, and oligopolies with experts in finance and sustainability.

Join us as we reimagine monetary policy for a resilient future, where finance and sustainability converge to shape a more equitable and sustainable world.

Together we will tackle pressing questions like these:
- How can central banks incorporate nonmonetary variables such as planetary boundaries, carbon reserves, and GINI coefficient (inequality metric) into their policies to mitigate polycrisis challenges?
- What new monetary policy initiatives could be considered to combat climate change and inequality?
- Is there potential for implementing bifurcated interest rates to incentivize sustainable practices?
- Under what conditions could climate quantitative easing be considered as a tool for climate resilience?
- Can new monetary concepts based on carbon budgets and natural capital assets offer viable solutions?
- What role might central bank digital currencies (CBDC) play in advancing climate-aligned monetary policies?

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Marielena Octavio Marcantognini

Marielena Octavio Marcantognini

Consultant
Marielena Octavio has over six years of experience focused on the intersection of environmental and social issues and the development of creative policies and actions that shift capital towards a more sustainable, equitable, and just world. Currently, she is a graduating student at... Read More →
avatar for Paul Delaney

Paul Delaney

Co-Executive Director, Positive Money
Paul Delaney is Co-Executive Director of Positive Money, an international NGO working to reprogramme our economic system for social justice and a liveable planet.Positive Money is a system change organisation. We conduct research and develop policy; advocate for our proposals with... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 4:00pm - 5:45pm EDT
Barn: Classroom 101

4:00pm EDT

Tackling Challenges in Global Food and Water Access | Lab Part 1 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Within the international financial architecture review, how can strategic food and water access be addressed and improved? Food and water are essential for survival, but these resources are not always allocated equitably. The problems are exacerbated by private citizens migrating as a result of climate change–triggered strife and conflict.

Your participation will be at the center of this hands-on lab as we address the critical issues surrounding global food and water access. We’ll seek solutions to ensure equitable access to these essential resources worldwide and ideate for ways to create a more resilient and nourished world. Join us as we tackle these pressing issues and work toward building a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and clean water.

Together we will tackle pressing questions like these:
- How do we effectively monitor and respond to global friction points related to imperiled food and water access, which are fundamental common goods? What are the underlying causes driving these friction points?
- What governance mechanisms exist to swiftly allocate capital to identified priorities and hot spots? Can institutions like the World Bank and IMF effectively address these challenges on a large scale?
- Climate, food and water insecurities are causing an increase in migration and refugees globally. How should the needs of people and communities affected by climate change be addressed in financing and governance mechanisms?
- What opportunities exist for deploying regenerative agriculture practices on a global scale to promote sustainability and address food and water challenges?

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Thomas Grasso

Thomas Grasso

Senior Advisor for Climate, Food and Nature, New Adventures!
Mr. Grasso has over 25 years’ experience working in the conservation and sustainable development having worked on such programs and initiatives in Europe, Africa, the Americas, southeast Asia and the Pacific. He brings extensive experience in building effective partnerships... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Stroup

Sarah Stroup

Professor, Middlebury College
Sarah Stroup (BA, Dartmouth; PhD, UC Berkeley) is professor of political science at Middlebury College and the director of the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation. She is author of Borders Among Activists (Cornell, 2012) and co-author of The Authority... Read More →
avatar for Erica Cunningham

Erica Cunningham

Principal & Director, Erica Cunningham Consulting
Erica Cunningham is a seasoned leader in sustainable development and climate change resilience. She has worked around the world to implement programs that ensure greater food security, bolster ecosystem resilience and build community led conservation of natural resources. She recently... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 4:00pm - 5:45pm EDT
Davison Library

5:45pm EDT

Refuel and Recharge: Sip and Socialize
We’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to indulge in a well-deserved break. Join us back in the Little Theater for a refreshing pick-me-up that’ll revitalize your spirit. Explore fresh and fabulous takes on zero-proof cocktails brought to you by the whimsical drinkologists at Burlington, Vermont-based Tonique who will be shaking cocktails and their tail feathers.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Tonique

Tonique

We’re an alcohol-free bar service in beautiful Burlington, Vermont, offering a fun and robust menu of craft cocktails, beer & wine, along with shrubs, bitter and functional beverages for your events.All of our house syrups and shrubs are crafted using fresh ingredients. Our citrus... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 5:45pm - 6:00pm EDT
Little Theater

6:00pm EDT

Innovation Unveiled: Conversations with Cisco Award Winners
Frank Sesno sits down for insightful interviews with Olivier Ndoole and Andrew Ddembe—recent recipients of the prestigious Cisco Award. As trailblazers in their respective fields, Olivier and Andrew have demonstrated remarkable innovation, leadership, and impact. Through these interviews, we’ll get a glimpse into their inspiring journeys, uncovering the stories behind their groundbreaking achievements. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, Olivier and Andrew will share invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way. Discover how they harness technology, creativity, and collaboration to drive positive change and shape the futures of their industries.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole

Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole

Executive secretor / Green Lawyer, Alerte Congolaise pour l'Environnement et les Droits de l'Homme, ACEDH
Maître Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole is a Congolese environmental lawyer. He has won the 2023 Front Line Defenders World Prize for his work around Virunga National Park, and has won the 2024 Global Citizen World Prize under the category of Climate, Reforestation and Nature. Known as the... Read More →
avatar for Andrew Ddembe

Andrew Ddembe

CEO & Founder, Mobiklinic Uganda
Andrew Ddembe is a health equity advocate, health technology innovator CEO and founder of Mobiklinic , a health technology company that strives for improved last mile health delivery and equitable vaccines access. Andrew founded Mobiklinic in 2018. His company has unlocked access... Read More →
avatar for Frank Sesno

Frank Sesno

Exec Dir, GWU Alliance for a Sustainable Future; Founding Director, Planet Forward; Professor of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University
Frank Sesno serves as Director of the George Washington University Alliance for a Sustainable Future, which coordinates and amplifies the university’s teaching, research, convening, and outreach around climate change and sustainability. The Alliance was launched in 2023 to increase... Read More →


Friday May 3, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Little Theater

7:00pm EDT

Happiest Hour and Family Feast 🎟️
On us! Join our big, free-form dinner for all in the Bread Loaf Inn Dining Room. Take the time to link up with your fellow attendees and unpack meaningful content and moments from your time so far. There will be plenty of delicious and approachable fare and drinks.

Friday May 3, 2024 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

8:30pm EDT

Bonfire Revelry: A Night of Surprises and Connection
Gather ’round the flickering flames for an evening of unparalleled delight. As the fire crackles and drinks flow, prepare to be swept away by a series of unexpected surprises and emergent experiences that will ignite your senses and spark connections like never before. This isn’t your average bonfire gathering—it’s a curated journey filled with intrigue and entertainment at every turn. From surprises to impromptu performances, this time is designed to be the connective tissue of the evening, bringing guests together in a shared celebration of camaraderie and discovery. So grab a drink, bask in the warmth of the fire, and let the magic of the evening carry you away.

Friday May 3, 2024 8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Barn: Main Room
 
Saturday, May 4
 

8:00am EDT

Gather and Ground: Nordic Breathing and Wellness 🎟️

PACK LIST:
Please bring a swimsuit, towels (1 is good but 2 is ideal), and a water bottle.

Also, please note that this activity is not recommended if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular issues.

Interested in merging well-being and Northern lifestyle? Join our workshop, where we delve into the art of conscious breathing and thermal contrast therapy. Conscious breathing is a fundamental pillar for relaxation, essential for navigating the challenges of contemporary living. Experience the Nordic-inspired practice of alternating between sauna's comforting warmth and the invigorating chill of cold water. Through this fusion of mindful breathing and temperature shifts, discover a holistic approach to enhancing both physical and mental wellness. This workshop serves as a condensed yet enriching journey, equipping you with tangible techniques to further explore contrast therapy. Beyond the workshop, we aim to ignite a passion for integrating conscious breathing and thermal contrasts into your wellness routine. Together, let's embrace the way of breathing, sweating and chilling.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Sébastien Zappa

Sébastien Zappa

Breathing Coach, RESPIRE | ALIGNE
Sebastien Zappa, PhD, has been teaching conscious breathing and cold exposure since 2018. He became interested in these practices while searching for solutions to recurrent depressive episodes and chronic fatigue. His teachings are mainly based on the REBO2T, Oxygen Advantage and... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Pond

8:00am EDT

Gather and Ground: Ecology Walk 🎟️

Join ecologist Marc Lapin on a guided walk to peer into the Bread Loaf landscape and ecosystems. As you experience the fields and woods, you’ll gain a sense of this special place through a deep time perspective. Bread Loaf teaches us to ponder the relationships among humanity and the rest of nature/more-than-human world.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Marc Lapin

Marc Lapin

Associate Lab Prof and College Lands Conservationist, Bowing Branches Sacred Activism
Marc’s career in conservation ecology includes on-the-ground investigations, college teaching, and community-wide education. In his role of Associate Laboratory Professor of Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, his courses focus on radically interdependent living Earth... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:15am EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Porch

8:15am EDT

Gather and Ground: Morning Hatha Flow 🎟️

Morning Hatha Flow: is welcoming of all levels as we greet the dawning of a new day with the practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation. Class will include sun salutations to warm up the body, and asanas (typically longer/static holds) to encourage flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation. This is a moderate, breath based flow which allows you to arrive and enjoy quiet stillness, warm up and energize the body, and leave class ready to enter the rest of your day with purpose, vitality and equanimity.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Malaika DosRemedios

Malaika DosRemedios

Yoga Instructor/Sound Healer, Malaika Yoga
Malaika holds a BSW- of Social Work from the University of Vermont, and has worked with children and families professionally and as a volunteer. She holds certifications in the Tantric Tradition of Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, IASH Certified Sound Healer with Tibetan Singing Bowls, TRX-Suspension... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
Barn: Main Room

9:15am EDT

Breakout Breakfast: A Path to Ecocentric Financial Reform | Lab Part 2 (Choose same track as Part 1!) 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.


Enjoy a casual catered breakfast where you can kick off lively conversations, reflect on the insightful discoveries and thought-provoking discussions from Part 1 of the lab, and share your insights with fellow participants. As you sip your morning coffee or tea, take the time to digest the wealth of knowledge gained and contemplate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Julian Portilla

Julian Portilla

Mediator
Julian facilitates complex, multistakeholder consensus-building processesx. He works extensively with parties and stakeholders to the Convention on Biological Diversity working to find common ground prior to COP 16 in Cali, Colombia. He also mediates with communities who have triggered... Read More →
avatar for Ralph Chami

Ralph Chami

CEO and Co-Founder, Blue Green Future
Ralph Chami has over 32 years of experience as a financial economist, with 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He has served as a consultant for the World Bank and for the private sector. He is the co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth, and holds visiting... Read More →
avatar for Dinah Nieburg

Dinah Nieburg

Blue Green Future
Dinah is an experienced leader of teams and dedicated conservationist with over 25 years as an executive coach and psychologist. She helped inspire and launch the original research on the economic valuation of the great whales in 2019 (Nature's Solution to Climate Change Finance and... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT
Blue Parlor Room

9:15am EDT

Breakout Breakfast: Integrating Polycrisis into Central Bank Monetary Policies | Lab Part 2 (Choose same track as Part 1!) 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Enjoy a casual catered breakfast where you can kick off lively conversations, reflect on the insightful discoveries and thought-provoking discussions from Part 1 of the lab, and share your insights with fellow participants. As you sip your morning coffee or tea, take the time to digest the wealth of knowledge gained and contemplate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Marielena Octavio Marcantognini

Marielena Octavio Marcantognini

Consultant
Marielena Octavio has over six years of experience focused on the intersection of environmental and social issues and the development of creative policies and actions that shift capital towards a more sustainable, equitable, and just world. Currently, she is a graduating student at... Read More →
avatar for Paul Delaney

Paul Delaney

Co-Executive Director, Positive Money
Paul Delaney is Co-Executive Director of Positive Money, an international NGO working to reprogramme our economic system for social justice and a liveable planet.Positive Money is a system change organisation. We conduct research and develop policy; advocate for our proposals with... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

9:15am EDT

Breakout Breakfast: Tackling Challenges in Global Food and Water Access | Lab Part 2 (Choose same track as Part 1!) 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Enjoy a casual catered breakfast where you can kick off lively conversations, reflect on the insightful discoveries and thought-provoking discussions from Part 1 of the lab, and share your insights with fellow participants. As you sip your morning coffee or tea, take the time to digest the wealth of knowledge gained and contemplate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Sarah Stroup

Sarah Stroup

Professor, Middlebury College
Sarah Stroup (BA, Dartmouth; PhD, UC Berkeley) is professor of political science at Middlebury College and the director of the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation. She is author of Borders Among Activists (Cornell, 2012) and co-author of The Authority... Read More →
avatar for Erica Cunningham

Erica Cunningham

Principal & Director, Erica Cunningham Consulting
Erica Cunningham is a seasoned leader in sustainable development and climate change resilience. She has worked around the world to implement programs that ensure greater food security, bolster ecosystem resilience and build community led conservation of natural resources. She recently... Read More →
avatar for Thomas Grasso

Thomas Grasso

Senior Advisor for Climate, Food and Nature, New Adventures!
Mr. Grasso has over 25 years’ experience working in the conservation and sustainable development having worked on such programs and initiatives in Europe, Africa, the Americas, southeast Asia and the Pacific. He brings extensive experience in building effective partnerships... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT
Davison Library

10:30am EDT

Beyond Bretton Woods Day 3 Welcome
It’s our final day together at Beyond Bretton Woods! Can you believe it? We’ll dive into another day of inspiration, collaboration, and growth. Our host, Christal Brown will review community guidelines, ensuring that our interactions are rooted in respect and understanding.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Christal Brown

Christal Brown

Chief Visioning Officer, Steps and Stages
CHRISTAL BROWN (Mother|Artist|Educator|Disciple|Coach|Author)is the Founder of INSPIRIT, Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Anti-Racist Task Force at Middlebury College, and the Chief... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Little Theater

10:45am EDT

Brain Bites on Tipping Points
Join Ruth Richardson, executive director at Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment (ASRA) as she  discusses how our planetary boundaries are tied to systemic tipping points and how they impact markets, firm valuations and our quality of life in a fast-moving, Cliffs Notes–esque format.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Ruth Richardson

Ruth Richardson

Executive Director, Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment (ASRA)
Ruth Richardson is the inaugural Executive Director of the Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment (ASRA) designed to contribute to the emerging field of systemic risk analysis and response with particular attention to helping decision-makers better understand, assess, and incorporate... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 10:45am - 11:05am EDT
Little Theater

11:10am EDT

Brain Bites on Central Banks and Carbon Reserve
Join Frank Van Gansbeke, executive scholar in residence at Middlebury College and co-founder Beyond Bretton Woods, as he unravels how central banks could play a more prominent role in addressing the challenges emanating from the polycrisis, especially those relating to climate change, biodiversity loss and inequality. Furthermore, join Frank as he ponders how the carbon reserve, the biodiversity health dashboard and the GINI-coefficient (inequality metric) could be integrated into innovative monetary policy setting.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Frank Van Gansbeke

Frank Van Gansbeke

Executive Scholar in Residence, Middlebury College
Frank Van Gansbeke is Executive Scholar in Residence at Middlebury College, where he teaches finance related courses deeply slated into sustainability and global finance. Frank has attained more than 30 years of global Senior Executive experience within the Corporate Finance and Capital... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 11:10am - 11:30am EDT
Little Theater

11:35am EDT

Brain Bites on Wellbeing Economy
Join Amanda Janoo, economics and policy lead at Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) as she demystifies the wellbeing economy in a fast-moving, Cliffs Notes–esque format.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Amanda Janoo

Amanda Janoo

Economics & Policy Lead, Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll)
Amanda Janoo is the Economics & Policy Lead at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) which is a global collaboration of organizations, academics, governments and change-makers working to transform the economy so that it works in service of people and planet's wellbeing.Amanda is... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 11:35am - 11:55am EDT
Little Theater

12:15pm EDT

Beyond Bretton Woods: Student Showcase and AMA 🎟️
Step into the world of international finance as Middlebury College students present the culmination of the winter term course Beyond Bretton Woods. These students will showcase their group project outcomes, delving into the unique challenges faced by the Philippines, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya in navigating the complex landscape of the polycrisis era. Through their research and analysis, they’ll explore how these countries interact with key players such as the World Bank, IMF, multilateral development banks, and private finance providers.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Ayusha Gautam

Ayusha Gautam

Undergraduate Student, Middlebury College
Ayusha Gautam is a senior undergraduate student at Middlebury College studying environmental studies, policy, and computer science. She is passionate about the transition to an equitable clean energy economy and economic research. Currently, she is pursuing an independent study with... Read More →
avatar for Rubaina Anjum

Rubaina Anjum

PhD student, University of Vermont
Rubaina is a PhD student in the department of Community Development and Applied Economics at the University of Vermont (UVM). She is a graduate fellow at the Gund Institute for the Environment at UVM and in the Leadership for the Ecozoic program, a partnership between UVM and McGill... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Isham

Jonathan Isham

Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, Middlebury College
Jon Isham has been a professor at Middlebury College for 25 years. His career has included stints with Save the Children, the Peace Corps, the East Bay Conservation Corps, the World Bank, and Ashesi University as a Fulbright Scholar. He is thrilled to be contributing to Beyond Bretton... Read More →
avatar for Minna Brown

Minna Brown

Climate Action Program Director, Middlebury College
Minna Brown is Director of the Middlebury Climate Action Program, through which she supports students in developing the knowledge, motivation, and capacity needed to tackle climate change. Over the last fifteen years, she has led the design and implementation of new programs for... Read More →
avatar for Amaan Habibulla

Amaan Habibulla

Student, Middlebury College
Hello! My name is Amaan Habibulla, and I am an international student at Middlebury College from Mumbai, India. Guided by a compelling vision to integrate economic principles with environmental sustainability, I am deeply committed to advancing this cause. I am eager to bring my keen... Read More →
avatar for Yacine Bekkari

Yacine Bekkari

Student, Middlebury College
I'm Yacine, from Morocco, where I grew up studying in French school. Then, when I was 16 years old, I had the chance to join an international boarding program In Hong Kong, with students from about 150 countries. I'm now at Middlebury College, pursuing my liberal arts education. I... Read More →
avatar for Angela Izi

Angela Izi

Graduating Senior, Middlebury College
My name is Angela Izi Nkusi, and I am from Kigali, Rwanda. I am a graduating senior at Middlebury college, majoring in International and Global studies, with a focus on global environmental change. With a passion for climate advocacy, I aspire to make an impact through environmental... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

12:30pm EDT

Lunch and Learn 🎟️
Enjoy lunch options that reflect and celebrate the time and place. As you eat, enjoy presentations from Middlebury College students as they showcase their group project outcomes, delving into the unique challenges faced by the Philippines, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya in navigating the complex landscape of the polycrisis era.

Saturday May 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Bread Loaf Inn: Dining Room

12:45pm EDT

Serenity in Motion: Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath 🎟️

PACK LIST: Warm layers and/or warm socks to ensure you don't get cold during the offering.

Yoga Nidra + Sound Bath: is like a deep sleep while you are still awake. There is no physical effort at all. If you can breathe, you can do this practice! Rest your mind and body supported by props as you are guided on a journey within. Great for insomnia, stress and to simply recharge. 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 4 hours of conventional deep sleep!  Give yourself permission to deeply rest your body and mind in this 45 minute "lay low and glow" class. This offering encourages physical, mental, and emotional rest. This slow paced and close to the Earth class is devoted to focusing on progressive relaxation techniques and conscious breathing while being guided from the gross layers of our being to the more subtle whispers of deep knowing within. When we slow down enough we can really feel for what is going on honestly within ourselves. Once our body is more at ease and our mind less busy, we then drop into the practice of Yoga Nidra accompanied by the Tibetan Singing Bowls which encourages deep relaxation and calm.

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Malaika DosRemedios

Malaika DosRemedios

Yoga Instructor/Sound Healer, Malaika Yoga
Malaika holds a BSW- of Social Work from the University of Vermont, and has worked with children and families professionally and as a volunteer. She holds certifications in the Tantric Tradition of Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, IASH Certified Sound Healer with Tibetan Singing Bowls, TRX-Suspension... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 12:45pm - 1:15pm EDT
Blue Parlor Porch

1:30pm EDT

A Path to Ecocentric Financial Reform | Lab Part 3 (Choose same track as Part 1 & 2!) 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Within the international financial architecture review, how can an ecocentric approach become an essential part of the solution toolkit?

The earth is faced with unprecedented biodiversity loss and is heating up at nonlinear speed. How could ecocentric financial reform contribute to abating those trends? Bring your ideas to this interactive lab delving into innovative strategies aimed at valuing and rewarding natural capital assets, speeding up capital allocation toward activities that are healing and regenerative to the planet, and advancing the interests of the private citizen, making the transition just. How can we assign value to tropical rainforests and mangroves in the international finance space, such as reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and aiming at a just transition toward a more sustainable energy mix by 2040? 

We’ll chart a course toward a greener, more resilient financial future exploring innovative solutions to build a world where economic prosperity is harmonized with environmental sustainability.

Together we will tackle pressing questions like these:
- What opportunities exist to redefine value and integrate natural capital assets into financial systems, accounting for natural carbon sinks like rainforests or mangroves?
- How can we achieve ecocentric financial reform to address the pressing challenges of climate change and shift away from a fossil fuel–dominated energy mix to one that prioritizes renewable and nuclear energy sources?
- How can initiatives like Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) and the Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures accelerate the transition toward ecocentric financial systems?
- How could institutions like the World Bank be incentivized to complete the review of sustainable growth and comprehensive development indicators, such as the Human Development Index (HDI), Genuine Progress Indicators (GPI), Intergenerational Solidarity Index, and Thriving Places Index (TPI), away from the current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) income-based metric and toward more comprehensive indicators of sustainable development?


Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Julian Portilla

Julian Portilla

Mediator
Julian facilitates complex, multistakeholder consensus-building processesx. He works extensively with parties and stakeholders to the Convention on Biological Diversity working to find common ground prior to COP 16 in Cali, Colombia. He also mediates with communities who have triggered... Read More →
avatar for Ralph Chami

Ralph Chami

CEO and Co-Founder, Blue Green Future
Ralph Chami has over 32 years of experience as a financial economist, with 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He has served as a consultant for the World Bank and for the private sector. He is the co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth, and holds visiting... Read More →
avatar for Dinah Nieburg

Dinah Nieburg

Blue Green Future
Dinah is an experienced leader of teams and dedicated conservationist with over 25 years as an executive coach and psychologist. She helped inspire and launch the original research on the economic valuation of the great whales in 2019 (Nature's Solution to Climate Change Finance and... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Barn: Classroom 102

1:30pm EDT

Integrating Polycrisis into Central Bank Monetary Policies | Lab Part 3 (Choose same track as Part 1 & 2!) 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Within the international financial architecture review, are central banks the secret key to solving the polycrisis? Actively participate in this hands-on lab that will explore innovative approaches for central banks to address the urgent challenges of the polycrisis within their monetary frameworks. Delve into the intersection of monetary policy,  climate action, inequality, and oligopolies with experts in finance and sustainability. 

Join us as we reimagine monetary policy for a resilient future, where finance and sustainability converge to shape a more equitable and sustainable world.

Together we will tackle pressing questions like these:
- How can central banks incorporate nonmonetary variables such as planetary boundaries, carbon reserves, and GINI coefficient (inequality metric) into their policies to mitigate polycrisis challenges?
- What new monetary policy initiatives could be considered to combat climate change and inequality?
- Is there potential for implementing bifurcated interest rates to incentivize sustainable practices?
- Under what conditions could climate quantitative easing be considered as a tool for climate resilience?
- Can new monetary concepts based on carbon budgets and natural capital assets offer viable solutions?
- What role might central bank digital currencies (CBDC) play in advancing climate-aligned monetary policies?


Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Marielena Octavio Marcantognini

Marielena Octavio Marcantognini

Consultant
Marielena Octavio has over six years of experience focused on the intersection of environmental and social issues and the development of creative policies and actions that shift capital towards a more sustainable, equitable, and just world. Currently, she is a graduating student at... Read More →
avatar for Paul Delaney

Paul Delaney

Co-Executive Director, Positive Money
Paul Delaney is Co-Executive Director of Positive Money, an international NGO working to reprogramme our economic system for social justice and a liveable planet.Positive Money is a system change organisation. We conduct research and develop policy; advocate for our proposals with... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Barn: Classroom 101

1:30pm EDT

Tackling Challenges in Global Food and Water Access | Lab Part 3 (Choose same track as Part 1 & 2!) 🎟️

** !! PLEASE SELECT THE SAME LAB TRACK FOR PART 2 & 3 AS YOU DO FOR PART 1 !! **
Please note that the labs are a three-part experience as part of one content track. Whichever lab track you choose for part 1, you will have to follow that through for part 2 & 3.

Within the international financial architecture review, how can strategic food and water access be addressed and improved? Food and water are essential for survival, but these resources are not always allocated equitably. The problems are exacerbated by private citizens migrating as a result of climate change–triggered strife and conflict.

Your participation will be at the center of this hands-on lab as we address the critical issues surrounding global food and water access. We’ll seek solutions to ensure equitable access to these essential resources worldwide and ideate for ways to create a more resilient and nourished world. Join us as we tackle these pressing issues and work toward building a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and clean water.

Together we will tackle pressing questions like these:
- How do we effectively monitor and respond to global friction points related to imperiled food and water access, which are fundamental common goods? What are the underlying causes driving these friction points?
- What governance mechanisms exist to swiftly allocate capital to identified priorities and hot spots? Can institutions like the World Bank and IMF effectively address these challenges on a large scale?
- Climate, food and water insecurities are causing an increase in migration and refugees globally. How should the needs of people and communities affected by climate change be addressed in financing and governance mechanisms?
- What opportunities exist for deploying regenerative agriculture practices on a global scale to promote sustainability and address food and water challenges?


Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Thomas Grasso

Thomas Grasso

Senior Advisor for Climate, Food and Nature, New Adventures!
Mr. Grasso has over 25 years’ experience working in the conservation and sustainable development having worked on such programs and initiatives in Europe, Africa, the Americas, southeast Asia and the Pacific. He brings extensive experience in building effective partnerships... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Stroup

Sarah Stroup

Professor, Middlebury College
Sarah Stroup (BA, Dartmouth; PhD, UC Berkeley) is professor of political science at Middlebury College and the director of the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation. She is author of Borders Among Activists (Cornell, 2012) and co-author of The Authority... Read More →
avatar for Erica Cunningham

Erica Cunningham

Principal & Director, Erica Cunningham Consulting
Erica Cunningham is a seasoned leader in sustainable development and climate change resilience. She has worked around the world to implement programs that ensure greater food security, bolster ecosystem resilience and build community led conservation of natural resources. She recently... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Davison Library

3:45pm EDT

Grand Finale Gathering
More info TBA real soon. 

Speakers & Collaborators
avatar for Christal Brown

Christal Brown

Chief Visioning Officer, Steps and Stages
CHRISTAL BROWN (Mother|Artist|Educator|Disciple|Coach|Author)is the Founder of INSPIRIT, Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Anti-Racist Task Force at Middlebury College, and the Chief... Read More →


Saturday May 4, 2024 3:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Little Theater

4:30pm EDT

Happiest Hour + Casual Eats 🎟️
Take a beat. Have a drink. Stare at the mountains for a little bit. Enjoy small bites, delicious drinks, and everything that Mother Nature has to offer. Unpack all you've learned and will take with you with your crew one last time before we all say our farewells.

Saturday May 4, 2024 4:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
West Lawn/Tennis Courts
 
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