Parallel Session A “New Scientific Knowledge and International Network to Support Global Sustainability” (1)
	Indira Samarasekera, Vice-Chair of the Parallel Session A

The topic of this session was New Scientific Knowledge and Scientific Networks to Support Global Sustainability

The most widely understood definition of sustainability emerged as “a development which meets the needs of present generations using the finite resources on the earth without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs”

President Jang Moo Li, SNU, had the most comprehensive definition of a sustainable society which included the following:

• Development of human abilities
• Economic vitality
• Social equality
• Environmental conservation

These ideas resonated with those of other Presidents from developing countries such as China, India and Africa where the need to balance environmental sustainability against alleviation of poverty and providing educational opportunities for the millions who are currently disenfranchised are important considerations.

In the context of sustainability as previously defined, several global challenges were identified.

• Climate change
• Energy security
• Resource use and depletion
• Eliminate poverty and improve living standards
• Access to education for the underprivileged and those who are living the developing world
• Responsibility to future generations
• Health
• Air, Water and Land pollution

To meet these global challenges President Rauhut, Aachen University, correctly identified the following requirements:

• More fundamental understanding
• More cooperation among disciplines and partners
• Awareness and ability of students and staff to meet global challenges
• Appropriate governance

In the context of this framework – what is the role of universities?

This was well defined by Donald Filer of Yale University as follows:

• Continue to advance the science of climate change, develop alternative energy and transport technologies, to which I would add, the science required to assist in the solution of all global challenges related to sustainability –
  • Climate change
  • Energy security
  • Resource use and depletion
  • Eliminate poverty and improve living standards
  • Responsibility to future generations
  • Access to education for the underprivileged and those who are living the developing world
  • Health
  • Air, Water and Land pollution