Parallel Session A
“New Scientific Knowledge and International Network to Support Global Sustainability” (3)

Examples of interdisciplinary initiatives for a number of universities include the following:

• Centre for Energy Studies
• Multidisciplinary Programs on Environmental Economics
• Integrated Water Management
• Recycling oriented communities
• Asian Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability
• Institute for Social Development and Policy Research
• Rainwater Research Centre
• School of Urban and Environmental Science
• Biodiversity and Sustainable Lifestyle
• Global change ecology, vegetation and ecological remote sensing
• Renewable Energy
• Industrial Sustainability
• Tailor made fuels and biomass
• Sustainable Water Management

Next item, education was also identified as an important element for global sustainability. Vice-Chancellor Rensburg from University of Johannesburg persuasively argued for the role of education and knowledge for Africa. 

To quote “ There cannot be a sustainable planet if Africa is marginalized economically, socially and through lack of knowledge capabilities and it is morally vital and strategically important to integrate Africa into the global body of scientific knowledge.”

The Rector of Aachen spoke to the importance for the students to see first hand global challenges as an important component of their education.

Another point that was raised in connection to providing educational opportunities for students and addressing global sustainability was the importance of partnership with industry and government.

Several universities have partnerships with industry either by involving industry in defining and solving problems or by having industry co-locate on university campuses.

Several speakers also identified the role of universities in demonstrating sustainable development through initiatives on their own campuses.

Yale University in particular spoke extensively about modeling environmental practice by setting goals for reduction of GHG, by becoming more energy efficient, aiming for LEED silver or gold specifications for new buildings, as a means of demonstrating leadership in sustainability for the next generation.

Peking University’s efforts at maintaining the original vegetation on its campus is impressive given that it is home to many species of birds, plants, fish and mammals. The university plans to establish standards for new building materials and architectural design with the view to a sustainable society.

The final area for which there was considerable discussion of the role of networks and the importance of network of networks.

There was considerable discussion on the need for networks which are as follows:

The challenges are global and complex and require the cooperation of academia, business and government beyond the borders of one country which can be accomplished through networking.

Collaborative efforts at national, regional and international are required hence the need for networks at all levels.

The scientific knowledge should be translated into solutions for problems. Networks could help harness the knowledge and disseminate it to governments and industry to solve problems.

There is an absence of a database for an effective network on sustainability. This could serve as a platform for interaction and be open to society worldwide.

Large networks are not necessarily better as compared to smaller networks that involve researchers that are tackling specific issues.

Networks that exist today among institutions tend to be universities that have similarities and there may be great value in linking institutions that are significantly different from each other to enhance cross fertilization of ideas.

It is important for networks to establish what their objectives and outcomes are and facilitate the exchange of students, staff and faculty. Include the development of joint programs of research, provide access to educational materials and to counter brain drain through brain circulation.

The G8 could encourage the formation of regional networks which focus specifically on challenges on a given region on global sustainability but then create a network of regional networks that would help formulate solutions to over arching common global issues.

And finally, for Africa, where there is an absence of critical mass or capacity universities such as the University of Johannesburg could serve as a conduit between other global networks and Africa.

In closing, I would like to raise two questions posed by President Kenichi Iga for further discussion:

1. What are the possible obstacles hampering the promotion of network of networks?
2. What can be a concrete tool to create feasible and effective network of networks?