6 February 2010
Quote of the Day
California supports having strong national policy on climate change that can serve as a model for national and sub-national governments."
Ms Linda S Adams
Quote of the Day
Policy measures should take away the temptation for older inefficient technologies."
Mr Harry Verhaar
Quote of the Day
Transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy is truly in line with principles of sustainable development."
HE Mr Jan Dusik
Quote of the Day
Experience shows that action by government is required to forge partnerships and provide incentive to drive research and development."
HE Mr Paul Magnette
Quote of the Day
Careful environment policies can drive positive economic forces."
Dr Wakako Hironaka
Quote of the Day
Time for advancing renewable energy is now."
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber
Quote of the Day
Resource efficiency in production systems should be coupled with energy efficiency and optimal water use."
Prof Kandeh Yumkella
Quote of the Day
Developing country should leapfrog technology approaches of the developed countries."
Ms Michele de Neveres
Quote of the Day
The more and more we react in life, the more and more we are going to mess up our life inside and outside."
Swami Sukhabodhananda
Quote of the Day
Ordinary paradigm is - whatever is mine is good. Extraordinary paradigm is - whatever is good, can it be mine."
Swami Sukhabodhananda

Mobilizing Knowledge and Knowledge Institutions

The session focused on mobilizing knowledge, and the role of knowledge institutions in developing new pathways for sustainable development. It was chaired by Prof Sir Peter Crane, Dean, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, USA.

The addresses from the various speakers highlighted on how knowledge institutions not only create, but also disseminate and mobilize knowledge. It was discussed how there was an increase in interest amongst various stakeholders in amplifying the impact and relevance of outputs from knowledge centers.

Highlights

  • The concept of ‘Networked-Networks’ deals with cross linking the existing networks and consortium building.
  • Students and alumni can play an important role in breaking down disciplinary silos.

Speakers

He emphasized on the contribution of IGES in mobilizing knowledge to inform a multitude of stakeholders. He talked about how knowledge institutions can lead to more effective sustainable development practices. Giving an insight on the linkages between policy and science, he presented three strategic approaches to influence policy processes - science, statistics, and good practices.
 
He focused on three kinds of knowledge mobilizations - an international pledge for climate change; scientific knowledge mobilization; and biodiversity conservation. He highlighted the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science for creating new co-management systems.
 
She advised rethinking a new definition for knowledge that brings together science and technology on a common platform along with social sciences. She emphasized that knowledge institutions should be centers of integration for experiences from various stakeholders. She highlighted the role of university students in advancing the agenda of climate change.
Prof. Hironori Hamanaka Chair of the Board of Directors, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Japan   HE Mr Hideki Minamikawa Deputy Vice Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Japan   Prof. Heather Munroe-Blum Principal (President) and Vice-Chancellor, Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Canada  

He focused on four thought provoking themes - the changes in drivers of knowledge; the trends in evolution of knowledge institutions and the vast knowledge generated from these; new mechanisms for mobilizing knowledge; and how knowledge can act as a cross-cutting resource for integrating climate change and sustainable development.
 
He talked about the need to change the way people see nature and society, by introducing the concept of ‘liberal art education to practice’. He emphasized on innovative education systems such as establishing a Global Student Research forum.
 
He explained the role of businesses in climate change and sustainability issues, using the concepts of three prints - footprint (deals with carbon emissions), handprint (positive actions that change markets), and blueprint (deals with broader policy frameworks needed to drive changes leading to sustainable development). He also discussed the ways through which knowledge institutions drive businesses.
Dr Arabinda Mishra Director-Climate Change, Centre for Global Environment Research, TERI, India   Prof Jehuda Reinharz President, Brandeis University, USA   Mr Jeff Seabright Vice President - Environment and Water, The Coca-Cola Company, USA  

Important links