Presentations, Discussion and Results of the Summit

Parallel Session B: "Knowledge innovation towards global sustainability and education"

31. The Chair of Session B, President Anzai of Keio University, introduced the following issues and invited the Presidents of the four universities participating in the session to present their views on the issues of “knowledge innovation as a trigger for social reform,” and “education for global sustainability of future generations.”

32.President Kazuo Oike of Kyoto University emphasized that effective sustainability science must include the lithospheric sciences, and that neglect of these fields may be fatal – as demonstrated by the tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean and the recent earthquake in China’s Szechuan province. He also introduced several research activities aimed at gaining new knowledge in the field of lithospheric science and technology.

33. President Georges Molinié of Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV), referred to the crucial role of the humanities and social sciences in defining what sustainability and equality are. He highlighted the divisions between rich and poor, and that such diversity should not be neglected; without paying attention to it, science and technology alone will not provide effective answers. President Molinié observed that economic issues are now closely related to ethical and political considerations. In this context, he emphasized that academic meetings such as the G8 University Summit should precede those by politicians, in the same way that reflection on education should precede that on economic strategies.

34.Pro-Rector Mary Ritter of Imperial College London emphasized that global challenges need global solutions, and that universities have an essential role to play in meeting such challenges through education. She also mentioned that knowledge transfer and collaboration with enterprise and industry is vital to address global and societal needs. She stressed that university-led education must ensure that graduates’ skills are well matched with employers’ needs, producing global citizens to work on the global stage. To this end, the collaboration of universities through networks (the network of networks) in the design and delivery of training is an effective approach. She added that universities must be engaged in outreach activities to ensure true sustainability for future generations.

35.Chancellor Gene Block of the University of California, Los Angeles, noted that research universities are uniquely qualified to lead the world to lasting solutions since they have the broad expertise and the technological resources to address climate change and advance sustainability practices. He encouraged faculty and university leaders to break out of longstanding disciplinary silos to form collaborations and partnerships. In particular, he pointed out the following four obligations of universities: working across disciplinary boundaries, bridging campus and community, forming institutional partnerships and building links with business and industry. While supporting the proposal for a Network of Networks, Chancellor Block proposed the creation of a new international institution.

36. President Shin-ichi Hirano of Nagoya University, President Kiyokazu Washida of Osaka University, and President Eiji Hatta of Doshisha University commented on the presentations by the four universities. Their comments recalled the philosophical problems of fulfilling seemingly endless human wants and needs, and recognized the importance of raising awareness of sustainability in local communities.

37. The participants engaged in discussion of the issues raised, raising the possibility of a Network of Networks operating as an “institute” that exists in cyberspace.

38. The Vice-Chair of Session B, Rector Francesco Profumo of Politecnico di Torino, then invited the four presidents of the universities participating in the second part of the session to make presentations.

39. President Katsuhiko Shirai of Waseda University emphasized that countries and regions must share their experiences and work together in order to realize global sustainability, and that co-operation between universities and industry is also indispensable. He introduced his university’s attempts to create a research and education model to nurture leaders who are able to challenge global issues: the “Global Challenge” which is a joint education programme under a consortium at undergraduate level and the “Joint Graduate School” with Peking University, which offers dual degrees of advanced science research and community-based research.

40. Vice-Chancellor Ian Chubb of The Australian National University stressed that sustainable development is arguably the key challenge facing humanity in the 21st century and that the important role of universities is in addressing the challenge of being fair to future generations. Research institutions require not only more disciplinary-based knowledge but inter-disciplinary research to grapple with the opportunities and threats faced by future generations. He noted that achieving sustainability in the long term will require social changes in the near term, and that universities have an important role to play in this transition process. He emphasized the role of leadership, suggesting that universities have not been successful in shaping future leaders.

41. Professor Carlos Clemente Cerri of the Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture at the University of São Paulo, introduced the education system of his country and the main sustainability programs of his university, including water and energy efficiency, recycling, alternative energy sources, social responsibility and programs for the reduction of GHGs (Greenhouse Gases) emissions. In its energy efficiency program, the university has saved US$ 12.5 million by investing US$ 1.6 million. He mentioned that as part of the GHGs emissions program, the university is developing a university-wide emissions inventory. 

42. Vice President Weihe Xie of Tsinghua University noted that great innovations take place at the borders of disciplines. He stressed the unique role of research universities in pursuing global sustainability, and introduced his university’s “Green University Programme” as an example of a major effort by a research university to support sustainable development through knowledge innovation. He also suggested that the G8 member nations establish a University Knowledge Innovation Foundation, award the Best-50 university proposals towards global sustainability and establish an Eminent Professor Panel to provide advice on dealing with urgent issues such as climate change.

43. The Presidents of Nagoya University, Osaka University, and Doshisha University again commented on the presentations by the four universities. Their comments raised concerns regarding the gap of information between professionals of different fields, and between professionals and laymen, suggesting that universities should educate facilitators of communication who could reduce these gaps.

44. The participants engaged in intensive discussion of the issues and provided comments to be used by the Chair and Vice-Chair in their report to the Plenary Session on the next day. In the course of the discussion, the need for building a link between poverty alleviation and sustainability was highlighted. International frameworks should be adopted to overcome administrative barriers to the mobility of students and academic staff.