Senedd’s month-long virtual event GWLAD will focus on Wales, post-pandemic
People with diverse experiences from all over Wales to share ideas and innovation
Rural Communities, Business, the Arts and Youth Homelessness among a range of topics
What kind of Wales should emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s what Welsh Parliament will be exploring in a series of thought-provoking, inspiring and constructive virtual conversations starting on 9 November.
The month-long virtual GWLAD event, hosted by the Senedd, will hear how the pandemic has impacted on all our lives and share ideas on how we can build a resilient, more equal future for Wales.
Covering a range of topics including the environment, youth homelessness, rural communities, business, and the arts, the GWLAD programme will run for a month from the 9th of November.
It will bring together a diverse mix of people – young people, business owners, politicians, entertainers, activists, and key workers - each with a pandemic story to share about themselves or their community and ideas on how to use this opportunity to rebuild better.
All the sessions are free to watch online, and the audience can join the conversation by sending questions for the panellists or on social media using #GWLAD.
With three events each week, all sessions will be streamed live and available for catching up on YouTube, Senedd TV and as downloadable podcasts.
Sessions include:
What future for rural Wales? - 9 November 19.00
The future of our rural communities is the focus of the opening event, with topics including tourism, housing, planning, business, agriculture, connectivity, the Welsh language and health care. Dr Nerys Llewelyn-Jones, Founder of Agri Advisor, chairs the panel featuring Llanfairfechan farmer, Gareth Wyn Jones; Dr Eilir Hughes GP from Pwllheli; Pembrokeshire businesswoman, Sadie Pearce; and Managing Director of North Wales Tourism, Jim Jones.
Democracy and The Arts: A Stage for Change? – 12 November 18.30
Conversation with TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj about the role the arts can play in rebuilding social and democratic structures, hosted by Arts Council for Wales Chairman, Phil George. Savanah is the first BME person to be appointed to the role of TUC General Secretary and she is also a trustee for Fio, a grassroots theatre group that encourages young working-class people to engage with arts and culture.
Creative Cymru: Supporting, Adapting and Innovating - 16 November 19.00
A discussion on supporting the arts and encouraging innovation chaired by Comedian Kiri Pritchard McLean and a panel of people from the arts world: Henry Widdicombe, Founder of Machynlleth Comedy Festival; Mari Beard, Actress, and Co-Creator of S4C series Merched Parchus; Eadyth Crawford, Singer and Musician; and Gwennan Mair, Director of Creative Engagement, Theatr Clwyd.
Rethinking the future of work in Wales – 20 November 8.15
The pandemic has forced businesses to think
differently about how they operate. Is it time to rethink the future of work in
Wales? Sarah Dickens, BBC Wales Economic Correspondent, chairs the panel of
representatives from the world of business with BT Group Wales Director, Nick
Speed; Jenine Gill, Company Director at Little Inspirations Nursery, based in
South East Wales; Shumana Palit, Director of Ultracomida delicatessen in
Aberystwyth and Curado Bar in Cardiff; Trevor Palmer, Newport based
entrepreneur and Disability Wales Board Member. Business as usual?
Generation COVID: How are young people preparing
for the future? - 20 November 18.00
On World Children’s Day, young voices get together to talk about what the future holds for them, chaired by ITV Wales journalist Zahra Eramm the panel of influential young people includes: James Wallice, President of Cardiff University Conservatives, Editor of Gwydir Wales; Chizi Phiri, Graduate of Swansea University, and former Women's Officer at NUS Wales; and Rhodri Ifan, Member of the Urdd.
Also, tackling youth homelessness, the future of elite and grassroot sport, lowering emissions, and celebrating key workers among further events to be confirmed.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives - the way we live and work, how we spend our free time and who with. From the world of work, education, arts, sport and business – many sectors face an uncertain future and may be changed forever. This year’s GWLAD sessions, we aim to tackle these challenges, to learn from the experiences of people from all backgrounds and all corners of the country in order to share ideas on how to rebuild stronger and better for the future.” - Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS
Information about the month-long GWLAD series of events, is available on the Senedd website and social media channels, which will be updated as details are confirmed.